1000w solar panel? Is it even true

Geoff.D said:
This entire debate was pointless and completely unrelated to the pretty ropey pic posted from the outset. And caused entirely by CD and his crazy comments. You went much further than any of us was prepared to go.
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There's always something to learn though, and I am grateful for any opportunity to do so. Oom @Geoff.D , I hope that you heven't forgotten about my request. Doesn't have to be right now, but when you get time?
 
Geoff.D said:
This entire debate was pointless and completely unrelated to the pretty ropey pic posted from the outset. And caused entirely by CD and his crazy comments. You went much further than any of us was prepared to go.
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Wasn't crazy, just talking a lot of kak.

He has some knowledge, but not enough.
 
Geoff.D said:
This entire debate was pointless and completely unrelated to the pretty ropey pic posted from the outset. And caused entirely by CD and his crazy comments. You went much further than any of us was prepared to go.
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Well one of the points I'm trying to make is, companies lie on specifications all the time.

Just because your circuit breaker claims 6kA & 1000v DC doesn't mean it is true.
Using the breaker curve you can usually call out BS like that pretty quickly.

Yeah some reputable brands are better but my motto is trust but verify, regardless of brand.

I also see some claims here of fuses smaller than a pinky finger, but those aren't suited for high voltage, high current applications.
This is the fuse I'm using on my inverter install

1632990977460.png

It is the size of my fist and IIRC it is roughly 200kA at 300VAC but with DC the specs are significantly lower when you look at the datasheet (little fuse provides good specs).

Lastly, since my partner works in the building industry I warn you right now that a lot of the "engineers" and especially technicians that work in the building industry don't care about anything but going home that day when the clock strikes 5pm. So a lot of systems that she evaluates as an external contractor (for correctness) are no where near what they should be, don't match the claims, plain unsafe, etc. So just because you saw the building at over the street using a certain fuse doesn't mean it is correct. The calculations are needed and should be verified or GTFO
 
RonSwanson said:
There's always something to learn though, and I am grateful for any opportunity to do so. Oom @Geoff.D , I hope that you heven't forgotten about my request. Doesn't have to be right now, but when you get time?
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RCD versus EL?

1. We have EL's in SA? ( or at least we call them ELs and ELCBs?)
Edit: Seems my age is catching up with me and these are all actually RCDs after all.
2. No personal experience with RCDs with no (FE) earth connections.

EL:
1. An Earth Leakage (EL) device is a voltage device, detecting a rise in the voltage of the Earth connection as compared to the Neutral, which then means a leakage current flowing somewhere in the protected network, which then trips the device.
2. Can only detect a current flow back through the main earth wire.
3. Requires an earth connection to the EL.
4. Only works properly IF ALL circuits protected by it are equipped with a proper earth connection.
5. An EL cannot detect an overcurrent situation and has to be protected by an MCB (MCCB for industrial or heavy current application) in a home installation rated at the same rating as the EL or less I suppose.

6. An ELCB is equipped with a normal CB function which will trip at its rated load.


RCD

1 An RCD is a current operated device.
2. Compares the current flow in the Live and Neutral and will trip if an imbalance is detected.
3. Does not require a connection to earth.
4. Considered superior to EL's
5. Does not require downstream devices to be provided with an earth connection. ? I don't like this idea at all.
6. Claimed to be 100% effective at detecting leakage currents to earth
7. Able to be used in DC as well as AC applications.
RCCB and RCCBOs have a built in CB functionality and don't have to be protected with a CB upstream from the device.

Here is a link to one of the best technical documents on the subject around:

www.eaton.eu

 
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Jaws677 said:
Hi Geoff
You are not correct.

We use the core balance CT type of Earth Leakage protection in RSA, or RCD type .

Here is a nice write up on all things ELCB
www.theforumsa.co.za

Earth Leakage Breaker (RCD) Tripping - The Forum SA

We get a lot of threads about earth leakage faults on the forum so I thought I’d make a thread outlining in laymen’s terms what an earth leakage breaker is, what it does, why it trips and how to go about alleviating some of the problems that can be caused when it does. The info here is aimed at...
www.theforumsa.co.za

As per CBI website

Ground Fault Protection | CBI-electric (Circuit Breaker Industries)

Protect Against Earth Faults with Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Earth Leakage Switch. These units are also called Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) or Residual Current Device (RCD). ELCBs/RCCBs and Earth Leakage Switches/RCDs are devices capable of sensing earth leakage current...
cbi-lowvoltage.co.za cbi-lowvoltage.co.za


Under your explanation for EL point 3
Have you ever seen an EL with a connection to earth ?
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You beat me to it was going to post links to CBi as well.

I am confused then? Thanks for the correction. Maybe it is just terminology?

What about this one posted in another thread? It is then an RCD (Switch) with an FE connection.
1633034687172.png

The Yellow wire is the FE connection.
 
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Here is the one similar to the one in my board that I know as an ELCB Labelled as such.? Very old I might add, been in the house since 1989
1633035198726.png

Note the FE earth connection requirement. 30 mA unit.
 
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Jaws677 said:
Under your explanation for EL point 3
Have you ever seen an EL with a connection to earth ?
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Yes, I have. My home had one installed but it was replaced soon after I moved in with a new device (1989), which I just assumed ( incorrectly it seems) was also an ELCB because it is labelled as such). Turns out it is an RCD device with an FE connection.
Never too old to learn something. Just never bothered to check on it and made an assumption that was incorrect :oops:
 
Missing Link said:
Juat have to look at the I mp and I sc to see its fake
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You don't even have to put that much effort in. Back in 2021 you could stop reading at the 1000W part, same still applies in 2024 iirc.

Anyway, how are you feeling?

I hear music, do you?
 
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