[RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

[William Miller]

Jay:



On the FM100 landing page
<http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>.  The
warning is pasted below.



*Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend
mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the
same battery bank.*



Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page
<http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>.



I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner’s manuals but I looked today
and can’t find it there.  Interesting…



I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three
FM80s.  This will require a fourth charge controller.  Being able to run
smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making
the FM100 a desirable approach.  I now have to figure out if I can add the
FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system
with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker
and how do I arrange the DC bond?  There is a lot to consider here.



BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the
original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been
discontinued.  Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability.  I am weighing if I
want AFCI if it is not required.  My territory includes central California
wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at
my disposal…



William





*From:* Jay [mailto:jay.peltz at gmail.com]
*Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM
*To:* william at millersolar.com; RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100



Hi William



Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that
big into it with 1” KO is a pain.



I’m pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate



Where in the manual did you find the “don’t mix with other 60/80
controllers?



Jay



Peltz power



On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com>
wrote:



Friends:



I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller.  I am wondering of
anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device.  I have a few
specific questions:



1.       I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated.  Will this be defeated if I
don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI
version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.)

2.       I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the
FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system.  This negates it for
one project I had in mind.  I am curious as to why this is.  Anyone know?

3.       Will the FM100 work with a standard hub?

4.       I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker.  If the PV array
cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly.
Anyone contemplate this question?



Thanks in advance.

William





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