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<p><font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif">With the talk about
heating battery banks on the list lately I thought I'd share fix
that I did last year. I have an off grid customer with a place
used by an extended family. They were engaging in the usual
mission creep. Maybe mission leap would be a better expression.
Anyway, they were plugging in stupid things and periodically
crashing the battery bank.</font></p>
<p><font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif">I got a 6x6 metal box
and put a standard 120V outlet in it, as well as a 40A* rated
solid state relay. There's a heavy duty extension cord coming
out of it and a control wire for the relay. I stuck it on the
wall next to the Outback panel, wired it into an aux relay, and
plugged it into the outlet on the side of the panel. I
programmed the system to only turn on the relay/outlet when the
battery voltage was 56.8V or higher. The battery pack would have
to be charged and the sun shining to turn on the outlet.</font></p>
<p><font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif">I (privately) call it
the Stupid Outlet. I suppose, to be kind, I should call it the
Ignorant Outlet, but I've been over this with them a few times.
I told the clients that if they had any question at all about
whether they should plug something in, plug it into the gray
box. For example, they have a dehumidifier they want to use in
the basement. About 450 watts. Into the Stupid Outlet it goes.
It only runs when the sun is shining. It reduces my stress
level. I suppose you could tell clients it is the Sunshine
Outlet.<br>
</font></p>
<p><font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif">*40A because I want it
to be 2x oversized for absolute durability.</font><br>
</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Hilton Dier III
Missisquoi River Hydro
Renewable Energy Design
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