[RE-wrenches] Outback FM100

[Ray]

I have a system with 3 FM 80s running in parallel with an FM 100 added 
later.  Works fine, just not connected via the HUB.  I don't quite 
understand the voltage ratings.  You would just have a 300 v rated 
breaker on the PV side of the FM 100, so I totally don't see what having 
150 vdc rated breakers for other circuits in the same box is an issue.  
All the wiring is THHN rated at 600 vdc.   This sounds like a solution 
looking for a problem.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 5/15/20 12:48 PM, William Miller wrote:
>
> 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 <mailto:jay.peltz at gmail.com>]
> *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM
> *To:* william at millersolar.com <mailto: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 
> <mailto: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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