[RE-wrenches] Midnite Breaker Boxes (was: Adding Controllers)

[Ray Walters]

Hi Jesse;

Midnite's breaker boxes would solve your disconnect issue, but I 
wouldn't use the baby box or Quad box, they're small and tight. I'd 
actually consider their 6 position combiner box, even though its outdoor 
rated.  Another option would be the Mini DC box.

Here's my quick, real man's guide to many of Midnite's DC boxes:

_Baby Box_  Good for a couple of circuits, don't go over #10 wire. :-)

_BIg Baby Box_  Good for a couple of PV inputs, and up to #6 for one 
Controller output.:-) :-)

_QUAD Box_, same size, only uses panel mount breakers.  Don't be fooled 
into trying #4 with this.  It works, but you'll never do it again.  Keep 
it to smaller wires, and/or less than 4 circuits, and you'll be happy.:-)

_MNPV -3_ Outdoor Combiner box, good for up to 3  PV circuits.  a bit 
more room than the QUAD box, so it can actually handle #4 more readily.:-)

_MNPV-6_ outdoor combiner box.   This one is a real workhorse, and can 
be used with bigger wire, and separate controller circuits.:-) :-) :-)

_MNDC-15_  An overpriced POS.  It can't take full size bussbars, it 
can't mount a shunt, it has cumbersome breaker mounting brackets that 
prevent you from being able to tighten the breaker connections..... 
Sorry Midnite, but this one needs to be totally redesigned and have a 
serious price reduction too.:-( :-( :-( an absolute black mark in an 
otherwise stellar line up.

_MNDC_  this box is awesome for all sorts of projects from small 
inverter disconnects, to multiple controller and DC disconnects.  I've 
used this one for many years, and prefer it over the E panel  in certain 
budget cases.:-) :-) :-) (its under $200!)

_E Panel_  probably the best single inverter solution available.  No 
other box takes less wall space.  Combines AC and DC all under the form 
of the inverter.  Can be a bit confusing because of the side mounted 
breakers, so I move away from this, if I have a lot of weird stuff like 
multiple inverters, multiple controllers, DC loads, etc.  However, Its 
actually better than any of the inverter manufacturers' own equipment 
for single inverter systems, and really comes with everything you need 
(breakers,  AC and DC adapter covers, prewired AC and DC cables, shunt,  
AC/DC bussbars, etc.):-) :-) :-) I've happily used this for Magnum, 
Outback, and Xantrex/ Sheitdner.

Good Luck,

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 10/24/2013 2:13 PM, Jesse Dahl wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Looked at a system today that consisted of the following:
>
> 15 - Kyocera 158W modules
> 3 -   Kyocera 185W modules
> 1 -   Outback MX60
> 8 -   New Trojan L16RE (48V system)
> 1 -   Xantrex SW Plus
>
> 6 months ago he swapped out his old charge controller to the new MX60 
> and purchased the new batteries at that time.  The array wiring did 
> not change and is wired in 6 strings of 3.  (confusing to the MX60?)
>
> He is now adding 4 Kyocera 240W modules.  He also purchased another 
> MX60 for this array.
>
> From my perspective, removing the 3 185W modules and getting them on 
> their own controller would be a better use of the modules.  The system 
> currently does not have any disconnects on the PV side.  There are 
> fuses in the combiner boxes on the array, but no disconnects inside at 
> the charge controller.  So adding 3 charge controllers, and now 
> needing to add GFDI, means a box of some kind needs to be added to 
> house these breakers.
>
> Outbacks GFPs and panel mount breakers will work, but what is the best 
> mounting solution for these?  One DC Flexware enclosure? It will of 
> course allow for all the DC OCPD  and allow for the landing of the 
> output of the charge controllers.  Or is there another enclosure/OCPD 
> solution I should look at?
>
>
> Thanks as always!
>
> Jesse
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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