[RE-wrenches] DC Fusing/Breakers for Battery Circuits

[Doug Wells]

Dan,

Wanted to respond to your comment about wooden battery boxes.
I have many of them in the field and have never had an issue.
Interestingly,  I alway had the perspective, why put something with huge current capabilities in a conductive box?
But, I will certainly second the need for series fusing.  
Seems like cheap insurance and I put it in all battery systems both on and off grid.
On the fire hazard, I am not so sure.  Hydrogen won't combust until a concentration of greater than 4%.
Per NEC, I try to keep hydrogen level below this point.  In recent years I have begun installing 2 active vents in all system, in case of failure.
Again... cheap insurance.  This is even on battery banks as small as 700AH.
So, I hear your concern and maybe some kind of firewall would be wise.
But, I don't see wood boxes as any great threat if done well.
Maybe I am slightly numbed after witnessing all of the crazy home brew battery set ups in the back woods here.
Have seen some very sketchy off grid battery installations.


Doug Wells
The Solar Specialists
Morrisville, VT 05661
(p) 802-223-7014
(c) 802-498-5856
www.thesolarspecialists.com