How to Wire a Solar DC Switch - Budget Build EP16

Рет қаралды 41,089

9 ай бұрын

How to wire a DC Solar Isolator Switch. These can be very daunting when you open the box and are faced with 8 terminals and a wiring diagram often missing from the box. In this video, I give you a detailed walk-through of how the switch is built, what to look for when buying a switch, and how we can wire it into our solar system.
I have placed links here to the products shown in this video
DC Solar PV Switch www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
20mm Plastic Cable Glands www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Electrical Continuity Tester www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
WERA Interchangeable Screwdriver Set www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Please do leave me a comment below the video with any suggestions for things you would like me to cover in future videos. If you find these videos helpful please do share them with others and give the video a thumbs up.
If you would like to say thanks with a small gift you can do so here www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you very much for watching and wish you all the best with your own camper van builds
Greg & Lou
#selfbuildcampervan #offgridsolar #diysolar

Пікірлер: 223

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

This video is for those that have one of these PV isolators and need to know how it is wired. This is not the place to suggest alternatives as that just confuses purpose of this video. Save your time and mine we will discuss DC breakers in another video 😊 thank you 🙏🏼

@BigVanSmallWorld 9 ай бұрын

Another Very informative and slightly entertaining video 🤓

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld only slightly entertaining 😂😃👍🏼

@carnivorecampers 4 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe can we please have more videos on this? I'm on the edge of my seat here 😁

@carnivorecampers 6 ай бұрын

I've just binge watched this whole series. It's blooming brilliant but... why are there no more episodes? I'm chomping at the bit here! ❤️

@user-jn8wf1xi6u 6 ай бұрын

Greg, this budget build is exactly what I have been looking for. The episodes have stopped at 16 though 😢. I'm so hoping that you will be adding to these with insulation and lining of the walls and ceilings, furniture and finishing etc. Your choice of h2l2 is exactly what I am looking at so this is gold dust for me. Thanks so much for everything you have done to date 👍

@davidpiper3652 9 ай бұрын

So simple when you know, so confusing when you don't. Thanks!

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes it’s easy to see why they are so confusing. Glad you liked it

@richardockenden8669 Ай бұрын

Another quality well put together video Greg thank you.

@kaznigtravelblogger 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much , this has really helped us with our van build ❤

@roysmyth4284 8 ай бұрын

Watching back over alot of your previous videos, providing awesome content. Thank you and keep up the great job! 👍

@iftikhkhan253 3 ай бұрын

Well explained, easy to understand.

@davidheron5479 9 ай бұрын

Thank you Greg for making the video of isolater switch I love watching your videos mate👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Glad you like them! Was this something you needed to know?

@TheJDWay 9 ай бұрын

Brilliant Greg. A lot of folks will be grateful for this one. I really needed this about 3 months ago. It was a real head scratcher for me at the time but I'm now relieved to see i did install it as you advised here.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

If ever you get stuck you can always ask my advise 👍🏼😊

@CmwSpeedrunUk 9 ай бұрын

Thanks again for a detailed video, you definitely need your own tv show , very well explained

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks. That’s very nice of you to say so 😊

@steveford11 9 ай бұрын

Great informative video Greg, i, like may others used this switch and luckily mine had the instructions included so i found it straight forward to connect, keep the videos coming 😊

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Well done for figuring it out thanks for the comment too 👍🏼😊

@NewAdventuresOffGrid 9 ай бұрын

I’ve only just discovered your channel and I’m glad I did. Great knowledge, excellent explanations and advice to follow. This is my first van conversation so it’s great to get some solid information and explanations.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard 👍🏼 glad you are enjoying the videos. Thanks for making a comment 😊

@user-go9hb4td8j 9 ай бұрын

Cracking video once again. Thank you. 👍📹

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You are most welcome, thank you for your nice comment

@davidasquith2102 9 ай бұрын

Explained clearly as usual to fully understand, thank you ,this is a great help and it's so useful that you provide links to make searches so much easier, thank you its appreciated 👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for leaving a great comment 👍🏼😊

@warehouse13scarborough14 9 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, Great explanation of a DC Isolator and wiring. I was wondering why the rating only goes to 45Amp if you double up the switch contacts. Most folks would expect it to go from 32A to 64A rating. I noticed a similar thing with cables.....if you use two wires connected together at both ends (i know this is normally frowned upon, but on a battery it does provide for a bit more flexibility), . ...for example you would expect a 16mm2 cable with current rating of say 90 Amps, then two cables joined together should be 180Amps....whereas a 32mm2 (35mm2) only has a rating of 145Amps. You may have already done a video of this ?, but another Virgoe refresher would be brilliant. Getting a standard awg to mm2 conversion chart has been confusing too.

@lindamcdonaldcairns9874 8 ай бұрын

Hi Greg I was one of your questioners who asked about this when installing in 2021 and you kindly explained it to me. Thank you 🙂

@GregVirgoe 8 ай бұрын

Anytime you need any advice I’m always happy to help. Thank you for leaving a nice comment too 🥰

@ciaranokelly3693 9 ай бұрын

Superb video Greg. When I fitted my first pv isolation switch I was really baffled so I contacted the supplier. We went through a lengthy process over the phone and discovered that the switch was defective. So, I joined the cables with a pair of big chocolate box connectors....far from perfect but it did work. I've since installed a fully functioning switch and it was clearly explained to me by the firm that installed solar panels on my roof at home.....just as you have here 👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Glad you got it sorted now. Thank you for sharing your experience 😊

@yamashimajust 9 ай бұрын

Thanks Greg. Another excellent, informative video. Perfect timing as I've just fitted the Gland on the roof yesterday and routed the 6mm cables to where the switch is going to be fitted. I must say, being in sync with your videos as I build my Peugeot Boxer campervan is working out brilliantly. Thanks again

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I hope i can keep up with your expected schedule then :D no Pressure lol

@yamashimajust 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe haha why did I say that.... I'm feeling the pressure now!

@markhughes1252 9 ай бұрын

Great vid again mate thanks for your time and effort cheers mark and the hughesys🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼😊

@RedBatteryHead 9 ай бұрын

I got one with the MC4 onto it. Fools proof. 👌

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes that one is internally pre wired so is just plug and play 👍🏼😊

@lanodramallama 6 ай бұрын

Hiya Greg, another great video, I bought one of these three years ago when I converted my van following many of your other excellent tutorials, but shamefully I never fitted it! It has been sat in the loft all this time! So no way to knock out the solar power, which, as you pointed out, is hardly best practice! This particular video leapt out at me because I've had it in the back of my mind recently to finally fit the bloody thing! At least the days are very short at the moment, so I won't have to wait until midnight to wire the switch 😂 Thanks again for all of the really thorough guidance that you've put out there over the past few years. I and many others really do appreciate it. If I bump into you someday I'll show you all the bits of my van that are rip-offs of yours 🤣

@russ1046 9 ай бұрын

I don't get anything out of ASMR, but I always enjoy your videos. A whole bunch of questions and a comprehensive explanation that makes sense. It puts my brain in its happy place 😁 👍👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

That’s brilliant 🤩 I’m really glad you are enjoying these instructional videos 👍🏼

@russ1046 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe I really do. I'm not planning on building a camper in the immediate future but really enjoy the information. I'm currently working out a new shed build so I can actually get into the existing shed and build a couple of bike engines with my daughter. I've also been playing with Evaporust on some old spanners and woodworking tools - the rust literally dissolves off 🤯. I've also been enjoying watching Ivan on the Shed Racing KZfaq channel. If I've got even half as much going on as he does when (if) I reach his age I'll be a very happy camper. I'd highly recommend giving him a watch if you've not seen him.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

@@russ1046 that sounds interesting 🤔 I’ll check it out

@MountainBikePete 9 ай бұрын

Perfect timing Greg! I just bought the Isolator based on the last video. Now I'll order the glands to go with i! Didn't know about them. Might get the tester too, looks handy. Thanks again. 👌

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Im pleased these are coming out when you need them I’ll do my best to keep ahead of you 👍🏼😊

@MountainBikePete 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Thanks! But there’s not a chance I’ll finish before you! 😂👌👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

@@MountainBikePete I hope everything goes well for you 👍🏼

@davidheron5479 9 ай бұрын

Yes Greg sent you message a while a go thank you for putting this video on Greg your a star

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I have had quite a few requests on this switch and it’s understandable when you open it with all these terminals and busbars inside 👍🏼😊

@Flossy_tops 9 ай бұрын

As always Greg you have explained this in such a way that is just easy to understand…… I fitted a changeover switch last year that confused the hell out of me, but after, and shall we just call it an accidental connection, I finally sussed it out…. If I’d had you to back then I would have been fine. Great teaching video as always. Thank you 👍🍻

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I agree they are very confusing to wire. The poles are stacked in rows going back from the switch but more difficult than this isolator 😉

@Raf-zu5le 4 ай бұрын

I was wondering how you are doing Greg, are you keeping ok? With your help I've got my daughter's van coming along very nicely - slow, but pleased with how it's going. I reckon a couple more months and I'll be ready to hand it over to her. Just thought I'd take time out to thank you and say I hope you are ok. All the very best, Richard

@ChunkySteveo 2 ай бұрын

Very informative!😊

@tylerthebarber 9 ай бұрын

GREAT VIDEO GREG

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Hey Tyler, Glad you think so! 😊

@horstszibulski19 9 ай бұрын

Great explanation, as always! If you're not sure what connects to what, just use a connection tester as you did and switch to all possible stages, as you did! Thx for showing! 👍👍👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

It’s a sure way of knowing what is connected to what in light of proper information 👍🏼😊

@victor430303 3 ай бұрын

Worth teacher EVER

@rosscoooo4854 2 ай бұрын

Nope, the worst teacher ever was the one who taught you how to spell.

@Selfbuiltcampers. 3 ай бұрын

I need someone like you to help with my van 😊

@walkinginthedarkness4540 9 ай бұрын

Perfect timing Greg ;-)

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

That’s great 😃 I’m glad it’s helping you 👍🏼

@eddvanlife7396 9 ай бұрын

Spotty Dog Greg. Cannot remember wiring mine but thanx for sharing

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

No problem 😉 thanks 🙏🏼

@brucefay5126 9 ай бұрын

Another nice video, Greg. I think the most useful piece of content was using the ohm (multi-) meter to test how the terminals are paired. Can’t make sense of the instructions/diagram? Use your ohm meter and figure out how it works. PS - Make a table of the results; do not rely on your memory.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I wanted to show how to find out with no instructions in case you need to work it out for yourself. 😊

@TheGadgetdave 9 ай бұрын

As always a well explained detailed video. Everything needed and nothing confusing. Thank you.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! and thank you for a great comment. 😊

@DaveandChez. 7 ай бұрын

Great video Greg , these switches are a bit of a pain to wire , what you could do is an AC switch vlog , say for shore/off/alt, most of them have 8 connections which require linking out a common output , you videos are well presented so think would attract high views as there's not many out there . 👍

@GregVirgoe 7 ай бұрын

Yes I know exactly which one you mean and you are right they do require a link to common up the output side. I’m planning something special for changeover

@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 9 ай бұрын

good vid thanks lee

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@dughuff8825 9 ай бұрын

Greg Virgoe : KZfaq MVP! 😊

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Wow 🤩 like winning man of the match 🏆👍🏼

@jasonwall3591 6 ай бұрын

I'm shortly going to building my first camper here in New Zealand. I've watched this whole series today. I've taken so much information from it. Will you be continuing with the joinery fit out? I've watched hundreds of hours of van builds but I'm super interested to see how this one turns out....good job, sir!

@jsfaulds 9 ай бұрын

These detailed videos are so good. I've been watching some welsh mob doing a budget van conversion and all you get is look what I've done, or I didn't video yesterday that's the electrics done, :) Keep it up Greg this is education not Uneducation (Don't think that's a word, but you get the gist)

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I hate that, “here’s what I finished earlier” no idea how it was done. Complete waste of time 😮 Thank you for supporting these videos.

@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369 9 ай бұрын

thanks COOP ...

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

👍🏼😊

@ZerHour 7 ай бұрын

Great stuff Greg , on a similar subject I like to use single pole DC MCBs on my 12v side the DIN type appliances rather than the breaker fuses , don't hear much about those on any videos on YT , with them being a good option surprised there's not much out there on them . There's polarised and non polarised with ARC quench built in .

@GregVirgoe 7 ай бұрын

I did a video before this one discussing DC breakers you might want to take a look at that. 👍🏼😊

@lawrencebrown9938 7 ай бұрын

Hey Greg, thank you for all your content, amazing!!!! Can I ask how often are you posting episodes for this series, just wondering when the next one was coming. thanks

@mattoriental 6 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, happy new year to you. Will you be continuing with this build series in 2024? I've been following your build videos while converting my Ducato and I'm more than ready for the next episode. Cheers

@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt 9 ай бұрын

Always great to view content that you've created and shared. Question: Why not simply use a DC-rated two-pole circuit breaker to both protect and isolate? This is the approach I've always used; mounting these breakers on DIN rails in an exposed enclosure that's accessible right at an entry point to the vehicle.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You are right and I will cover those too in a future video, things move on so quickly and many ways to skin a cat these days. Thanks for the comment.

@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Thanks so much for your reply, Greg.

@thesparky1212 9 ай бұрын

I was gonna ask the same question, if there was a reason why, as that is what I plan to do. Cheers.

@eagledroneservices 6 ай бұрын

Hi Greg just wondering are you continuing with this build, theres a lot of anticipation out there. Thanks

@riderramblings 9 ай бұрын

That switch is bigger than most people's vans! 😮 😂😂

@ringonotts 9 ай бұрын

Great video as usual Greg. That switch is mahoooosive. Bigger than my 300A battery isolator. Why so ? Ringo

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Because your battery isolator is only one switch and not 4 plus I bet it doesn’t have an IP66 waterproof box around it so you can put it outside. Chalk and cheese 😊

@TheNikola2910 3 ай бұрын

Hope you are okay Greg and enjoying your life. You've thought me so much and I can't explain what it means to me and my wife that we are getting into our van build. Looking forward to seeing some new great stuff from you soon. 😊 I live in France and I see all of the info videos are suggesting armaflex AF, even putting 2 layers of it which doesn't look promising and optimal... you mentioned in your insulation video that you will be using mix of 50mm PIR, recycled bottle wool, vapor barrier and thin closed cell foam, so can we expect the wall insulation video soon? 😅

@GregVirgoe 3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you and yes we are busy filming thenext video as we speak and will be new content out very soon

@TheNikola2910 3 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Thanks for the response Greg! First of all, I'm glad that you are doing well :)) And of course, looking forward to the new content :)

@underthecherrytree22 9 ай бұрын

Hey Greg! Thanks for the video's, I always feel a little iffy when messing with electronics so these video's really help. When you've completed the install on your van, would you mind sharing how everything was wired up and how you did the fuses? Thanks again!

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes of course there will be more details to come on the actual installation 😊

@garybradshaw2975 4 ай бұрын

Hey Greg, I'm wondering if and when you will carry on with the budget build of the Ducato? Many thanks for videos I've enjoyed every one of them.

@teamwtfinland3869 9 ай бұрын

Could you please make a video about cable size? How thick cables are needed for heavy loads or long runs to get tge needed power?

@user-wo7ef5uu8v 9 ай бұрын

Thanks, Greg👍very well explained. Any chance to see proper electric grounding in the van video?

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes, we will cover that in a dedicated video. There is a lot of confusion about that subject.

@Deanswift63 6 ай бұрын

Hi Greg did the Ducato project get finished real loving this series of videos,regards Colm

@johnhouston6255 8 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, excellent video series, easy to understand and with comprehensive supporting information explaining how and why to do something. I am in the early planning stages of my own van, I will be travelling solo and I am planning for long trips with extended off grid periods of time, I will be looking to install a shower and flushing toilet cubicle with a hot water heater for the shower and the kitchen sink and also a diesel space heater. I intend to use a Fiat Ducato LWB for this build, I would be grateful if you could spare the time to advise me if the wiring system your are showing could support the additional power components required. 👍👍 Thank again for the excellent videos.

@GregVirgoe 8 ай бұрын

I have fitted a Diesel heater into this Fiat Ducato van build, if you plan to heat water for a shower i woudl recommend going with lpg as there will not be enough power to heat water with electric

@johnhouston6255 8 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg information well understood, have a good time!

@yorkshiresfinestpair 5 ай бұрын

yet another informative video greg thank you.. 🤷‍♂I do have a question about the cable you use for the solar.? I see they have 4mm & 6mm.. which would i need for 1 single 435W solar panel..?? Also as others have said when will you be uploading more of the budget build videos.. . 🙏🙏🙏

@philpowell6915 9 ай бұрын

Legend. End of....😊

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Wow 🤩 thank you 🙏🏼

@SuperLewis05 9 ай бұрын

Hi Greg. I even watch your videos now I've finished my build 😅. Anyway I've always been concerned regarding those copper buzz bars . I had them but didn't know where they went and had not found then in the instructions or any videos on KZfaq. Do I need to check if mine has them already installed as I threw them away but it's working. I'm a bit worried now as I've been away in it 3 times and it's running constantly

@markwhitney8458 7 ай бұрын

Nice going whens the next video im intreasted how yoy goung to do the bed

@wilbearworks 9 ай бұрын

Great explanation, Greg. Can you also explain, please? When fitting a fuse of say 60amp we can get a selection of fuses with different size terminals. Is say a 35mm cable okay being fused by a 6mm fuse terminal? It seems strange that you can terminate a large cable with a small fixing.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

But with most cable lugs it’s not so much the connection to the stud but the base plate via large washers and a nut that gives the most connection surface.

@stevebeard9656 2 ай бұрын

Love watching your vids Greg. Very informative but can you offer a bit of advice.. I bought a portable solar panel as I didn't want a permanent fixture. I have however got Leisure batteries in permanently and a PWM controller. Rather than using an isolator switch between the panel and controller can I put one between the controller and the batteries ?? I don't very often use the car as a micro camper so the Controller would be permanently slowly draining the batteries to stop powering the PWM. Thanks

@-Grom- 9 ай бұрын

As always explained in every detail, thanks. I just wonder if you could use it to connect two sets of 20A panels, so 40A in total or is it rated to maximum 32A through all terminals/poles?

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You could isolate one panel through 1-2 & 3-4 the isolate the other panel using 5-6 & 7-8. Don’t combine them until after the switch or the 40Amps would exceed the contact rating. 😊

@mikezoom42 9 ай бұрын

hi greg love the vids learning so much, i wish to be able to switch the solar incoming between a renogy 50A dc dc mppt and a bluetti AC200MAX ive seen 3 point switch not sure if double pole, i guess they would have to be. If so could this be used instead of an isolator or would have to as well as?

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You can do that with a double pole changeover switch. It will switch both positive and negative and has a centre off position. Just make sure you are not exceeding the max input of the power bank.

@alutious 9 ай бұрын

Man i wished i had seen this before i wired mine 2 weeks ago. Lol, why why whyyyyyyyyy! Crossed? Ima watch this anyways. I have 2 controllers connected and one array. 2nd array is coming, but it's all wired up.,,, EDIT: ah i see now, i installed mine before you posted this. This will be a useful vid for sure cause double poll is the way to go and this box is all crossed.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You could use this one switch to isolate both arrays as it’s a 4 pole switch. Array 1 positive 1-2 Array 1 negative 3-4 Array 2 positive 5-6 Array 2 negative 7-8 No need for a separate switch. Disconnect all the wires in one go

@kirstandste4251 9 ай бұрын

Another great video, thanks Greg! I'll be mimicking your set-up of this build with our own. We are having a dinette/bed in ours as I'll be working in there. I would like to utalise the space under one of the benches for our electrical system but my partner is nervous about doing this under where we sleep and wants to use one of the kitchen units instead. Most people seem to use this space though, whether a garage under a fixed bed or cupboard under a bench. Is there any advice you can share that will help give us the peace of mind to set this up under the bench/bed instead? Thank you again, your videos make such a massive difference!

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

The key to help make it safer is some good ventilation to keep everything running cool. So some decent size vents in the face of the bench will help. Make sure all your cables are sized large enough to carry loads safely and well within range. Cover all terminals so there are no exposed bare contacts. Hope those help 👍🏼😊

@kirstandste4251 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe that does help, thank you! 😊

@ekondev1 9 ай бұрын

Great video as always! But why you didn't used double pole DC MCB that way you could skip the solar fuse, no?

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes that is true, but this video is for people who are struggling to wire this isolator. 🙄

@Ballynoes 9 ай бұрын

Excellent as always, and explained with perfection. Just a quick question, is the earthing video still in the pipeline, as that sure confuses me. Thanks Greg.😄

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes, it is. Thanks for being patient with me. I appreciate it 👍🏼😊

@philjones3335 8 ай бұрын

Great video, really helps. One question, if wiring as you intend, do you leave the buzz bars out altogether

@GregVirgoe 8 ай бұрын

Yes you don’t need them at all

@andysherman711 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this nugget of information, I’ve had a few commercially built Motorhomes and caravans and none have a solar isolator, probably a money saving exercise? Do you think this should be industry standard practise to fit these? Thanks again, Andy.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes because it’s not easy or safe to disconnect solar cables from mppt or climb up on roof to unplug a panel.

@galupchick 6 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, if sterling Power were to supply you goods, would you be able to review them ?

@59sandh Ай бұрын

Hi Greg. I'm a newbie here. Great videos. Just a small regarding this isolator. Can you clarify that the bus bars are needed or discarded for the solar panel wires? Thank you. S.B.

@user-mk3hs6un1c 8 ай бұрын

Hi Greg great info just started my wiring planning today, could you tell me the link for the 10mm cable from battery to fuse holder please, I cant find it in the links listed Cheers

@GregVirgoe 8 ай бұрын

Battery Cables Various Sizes www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124964623505?hash=item1d1878d491:g:H6cAAOSwIwJhsuTZ&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

@utb3 9 ай бұрын

Thx for good information as always! BTW I bought DC fuse switch that has up n down switch. Is this will be okay to use instead of turning switch like on video?

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes, absolutely 👍🏼 I shall also feature that in another video. This is specifically for those that struggle to wire these isolators

@Adrayven 4 ай бұрын

Where did you get those mini busbars? I've been looking for some like that all over. Everyplace I look they are 12 in, or 4 pin.. cannot find 2 pin, or 4 pin 2 pole.. 600v / 30a or better is tuff.. much less UL certified.

@24vince1 7 ай бұрын

Hey Greg, how’s it going and how’s the van build, any new content, all the best 👍

@petef2401 9 ай бұрын

Is it possible to wire ( and more importantly will it work) to have the solar switch feeding into the mppt and on the other connection have a Xt60 connector feeding an ecoflow delta... TIA

@neilrankin9945 3 ай бұрын

Great video! Thank you very much! Question: is there an isolator box that allows me to switch between two batteries? I have a conventional Rv roof mounted solar system (4-100 watt solar panel, charge controller and two batteries) but I also have a Ecoflow delta. I would like to charge both with my panels. I need a way to isolate power going to the conventional system when I’m charging my Ecoflow delta and vice versa. I’m currently manually unplugging the mc4 connectors.

@GregVirgoe 3 ай бұрын

You can get rotary changeover switches with multiple poles that would do that job ok 👌🏼

@neilrankin9945 3 ай бұрын

I found this on Amazon. Is Baomain a quality manufacturer? Baomain Universal Rotary Changeover Switch SZW26-20/D202.2D with Master Switch Exterior Box 660V 20A 3 Position 2 Phase (Wider Box)

@stuartolseen214 9 ай бұрын

Hi Greg the 4 pole disconnector switch should have a interlock so the cover cannot be removed in the on position and only can be removed in the off position

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

You are right but this one didn’t. I thought that was odd myself. 🤔

@gap_adventures 3 ай бұрын

Are you going to continue with your van build ?

@topgroover 4 ай бұрын

Have you given up on the build Gregg, no updates for a while, which is not like you. Hope all is ok. 👍

@vudunof 4 ай бұрын

Do I need a switch that’s rated greater than my solar panel current at PMAX(IMPP) or Maximum Overcurrent Protection Rating? I’m using 3 400W panels in series with an IMPP of 12.89A but with MOPR of 30A. Just one positive & one negative cable also at this point.

@raysayer8109 6 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, how's the Ducato build going? Not seen a video in a while. I'm currently doing a Peugeot Boxer, it's conversion no4 for me. Regards Ray

@Mirrorcarp20 8 ай бұрын

Hi Greg I have one of the consumer units you have linked to in this video. Would it be ok to wire the Truma 4e boiler to the 6amp mcb and my plug sockets to the 10amp mcb. I will be plugging in a 40amp fogstar battery charger and a 2000w Renogy invertor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

@GregVirgoe 8 ай бұрын

The Truma will need to come off the 10amp breaker as it’s a 1800w electric element in those. The 40amp mains charger will run fine on the 6amp breaker as that is only just over 2amps from the mains input side. Hope that helps 👍🏼😊

@ChrisTewkesbury 4 ай бұрын

Could this 30A be used with a 30amp inline fuse with 200w single solar panel on the roof?

@garybarnett2753 6 ай бұрын

Hi Gregg, what's happened to you have you done a runner, how is the van build going ?

@carlhescornish 9 ай бұрын

Just wondering if there is not a 2 pole isolation switch available? Why use a 4 pole ? Apart from that, another great informative video 😁

@stevenwoodford-ly8mc Ай бұрын

In another video you show a plastic with an RCD and two MCB's (6 & 10 A) and you mentioned that you could not get the kit in a metal box. I have two comments on this that I friend enquired of me, he asked if he should wire the two MCB to gether to give 16a through put. I pointed out to hime that he would not get the 16 amps he wants to supply to his Victron inverter, if he wire them in series the ^A RCD would pop as soon as he applied power to the inverter.. I informed him that he could use a 16 amp RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current) which would give him the correct AC feed to his inverter. The RCBO can also be purchased in a metal Enclosure. I think you should re-record your video and include the RCBO as it is perfect for a van fit as it is reasonably small in a metelic box.

@tonysutton6559 9 ай бұрын

Not really a question about the switch but the continuity tester. Your link takes us to a fairly expensive tester, scrolling down the page shows some very cheap ones and a lot in between. I know that you get what you pay for, but what is the difference between those shown? Maybe, when this van build is complete and you are between adventures, you could do a video series on the tools you use and how they work. I know that I'd be interested and I'm not really a geek or anerd.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Mine is a cheaper one that was branded by a local electrical wholesaler called Newlec. You can search that name in my link and there was a couple of used ones very cheap. No need to spend a fortune on one 😊

@paulmcnamara1265 7 ай бұрын

Hello Greg, is this series finished now? Sorry if that info is elsewhere…..I can’t find any news? Cheers and happy Xmas Paul

@toastiesvanbuild4644 9 ай бұрын

👍

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Cheers 🍻

@uncalonehorse4866 9 ай бұрын

Can you make a tutorial regardless a device wich switch solar power to main power 220v? Thanks

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Please have a look at my latest off grid wiring video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rqmnashyt7Cvf5s.htmlsi=zy-fZmeucGHs-_3n

@Regi869 9 ай бұрын

👍👍 I used one of those 2 pole 32A DC circuit breakers. Will that work just the same? It does disconnect the solar panels when I flip the switch down.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Yes it will and it will also give you overcurrent protection. I will be covering those too in this series.

@Regi869 9 ай бұрын

Awesome. Thanks Greg

@brucemoxon7383 5 ай бұрын

Very informative & enjoyable series , however i am disappointed that it has been four months since any further input from Greg . I do hope all is well with him

@ninjagotguns 3 ай бұрын

Can you also put insulation first before doing the wiring? Shouldn't the insulation go underneath the wires up against the panels?

@traida111 9 ай бұрын

got a question mate, although ive not finished the video yet, typing before i forget. Is it bad to leave a panel on the roof if its not connected to anything? For example, no wires, compared to wired into isolation switch. Because I want to mount it but I dont want it to build up power and blow the panel somehow, or get a dangerous shock. Cheers.

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

Leave the MC4 connectors unplugged until you are ready to power everything up. Then you can plug those together before turning on. That’s the safest way.

@kriscapson 9 ай бұрын

Thank for a another great video 😃 I also went for all products from Renogy and for the solar panels I read in the manual that calculating the Amps I need to add the Sizing Factor. So in your case 10.31 + 10.31 = 20.62 * 1.56 (SF) would come to 32.16 Amps. I have the same 175 Watt panels but I have 3 of them. So my calculations is 10.31 * 3 * 1.56 = 48.25 Amps. Also in parallel. I got a isolator rated for 50A and I also got the same Charge Controller like yours but mine is the 50A version. What do you think about the Sizing Factor, how important is it to add it? Cheers mate

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I’d like to see which manual you were referring to as I’ve not heard of the Sizing Factor 😊 I recommend applying a 25% margin to your load when sizing fuses then your cables do need to be sized above that so a 56% margin on cables would be really safe way to go. 👍🏼🤩

@kriscapson 9 ай бұрын

Hey Greg, I read about the calculation of total Short Circuit Current (Isc) * 1.56 in the manual for the Charge Controller on page 13. I did not understand what 1.56 was so after some Googling it is called Sizing Factor. Also sorry I first wrote volts and then Amps but I ment Amps all along. On a side note that bothers me is that after speaking with Renogy twice about the cable size after the branch connectors they recommend 10 AWG/6mm cable for me with 3, 175 Watt panels. I asked if I need 6 AWG/16mm for my 48A including 1.56 in the calculations and up to 4.6 meters long cable but one support guy said to not think like that. 🤔 You went higher up to 6mm cable because of the Amps increase in parallel. I think you said that in the solar video 😊

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

@@kriscapson yes I did go up to 6mm on the solar cable because the amps doubled in parallel. I find the best free cable sizing calculator to use is this one on 12volt planet knowledge base www.12voltplanet.co.uk/cable-sizing-selection.html Just scroll halfway down the page to find it. Really easy to use 👍🏼🤩

@kriscapson 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Great, thanks Greg ✌🤩 Cheers mate

@jesuscamefromouttaspace9549 9 ай бұрын

This was a nuisance for me as I couldn't find too much online. Luckily the Renogy controller protects against reverse polarity! I am always nervous opening this up though due to the panels potentially being live with the sun, and these boxes are a bit small with the size of the cables that go in

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I would always recommend not plugging your MC4 together until the switch is wired. Once tested all ok you shouldn't have to open the box up again.

@jesuscamefromouttaspace9549 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Agreed. Wasn't sure where I was positioning my controller and batteries as solar was put on early in my build, so left all cabling the length it came originally before cutting it later on

@scottelliott72 9 ай бұрын

Hi Greg, just wondering why you have a dedicated continuity tester when most multimeters seems to have a continuity setting and you have a multi meter visible in the video. I only ask as I don't own either and i'm looking to buy one, I'd rather just get the multimeter if it covers the functionality of both devices. Thank you!

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

I’ve just acquired them over the years, I have two multimeters, a clamp meter and that continuity tester. All four will do continuity testing. The multimeter doesn’t make an audible sound on continuity so for the video it was more effective to use that. But if you only want to buy one device then a normal multimeter will give you more functions in one device.

@scottelliott72 9 ай бұрын

thanks Greg, LOVE your channel its such a fantastic resource. I have just bought an L3H3 transit i'll be self converting in time for next summer @@GregVirgoe

@madforit9661 9 ай бұрын

Hi Greg , I meant to ask. Can you use a household consumer unit when wiring the electrics. I ask as in one of the Victron bundles it says 2 x 5 switch consumer units. When there are plenty household ones that will do this in one unit Cheers

@GregVirgoe 9 ай бұрын

They do that to differentiate between the incoming and outgoing supplies. One for the hook up and one for the inverter. No reason why you can’t buy a larger enclosure and put all the RCD and breakers in one box. I have a better solution and much cheaper. Just get two of these www.electrical4less.co.uk/product/wced-a-type-electric-vehicle-2-module-enclosure-16a-rcbo-c-curve/ That is a double pole RCD & MCB in one device 👍🏼😊 Hope that helps

@madforit9661 9 ай бұрын

@@GregVirgoe Thankyou