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Joe – Not sure where you’re located, but have done a few systems using generator/solar cells/batteries/inverters and would suggest placing the batteries in a conditioned space, in an airtight box vented to the outside. Reason being – the capacity of batteries at freezing (if they are outside, say,) is 50% of that when they are at 70 degrees or so. Also, easier to maintain during winter.
I usually plan in a mechanical room which doubles as utility/laundry, and place inverters, switching, and batteries there.
And Homepower is a great source…
Best – Don
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In October I'm going to prewire a 600 sq'1-1/2 story cabin with a low voltage lighting circuit and a seperate 115 volt distribution circuit. The electrical power will be provided by a gasoline generator outside the cabin that will both supply 115 V and recharge the batteries for the 12 volt lighting circuit. There isn't any code enforcement and almost no building codes there. I welcome any ideas or feedback on this project.
Thank you, Joe Duncan
*JoeThink about solar cells for battery charging.Comply with the NEC.AND1. keep the generator out of the cabin, away from the batteries, and vent well.2. keep the batteries out of the cabin, away from the generator, and vent well.3. use breakers/ fuses on the low voltage as well as the 120v, whether required or not.4. Label every outlet/socket as to its voltage. Use different plugs/bulb bases to avoid confusion.The last item actually has a humorous note. We had a case of standard base 12 volt bulbs for the boats and a trailer.The lady of the house blew 6 of them before saying "Hey dear, all these bulbs are defective...very enlightening...for a very short time... :-)Scott
*Thanks Scott,These are usefull suggestions and the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I'm very comfortable with NEC for the 115V side but have no idea what codes might be specific for the 12 V DC side. I have rewired a boat and will rewire another one I'm restoring this year.Joe
*If you are not already a reader of Home Power, you may want to peruse their web site at:http://www.homepower.com/it is a magazine by and for home power zealots, particularly solar power but frequent articles on wind and an occasional article on home hydro. Many of their articles are by DIYers and obvious amateurs, but others are by people who have working with this stuff for years. They have recently had some discussions of problems of applying the NEC to low voltage solar installations. I think some of their back articles are available on-line and many are available at archives at some universities. They sell a CDROM with their back articles. The magazine is not widely distributed and I have found it at only a couple of places that specialize in a wide selection of various magazines. Their site has a good collection of links to other sources.
*Joe - Not sure where you're located, but have done a few systems using generator/solar cells/batteries/inverters and would suggest placing the batteries in a conditioned space, in an airtight box vented to the outside. Reason being - the capacity of batteries at freezing (if they are outside, say,) is 50% of that when they are at 70 degrees or so. Also, easier to maintain during winter.I usually plan in a mechanical room which doubles as utility/laundry, and place inverters, switching, and batteries there.And Homepower is a great source...Best - Don
*Don,I agree the batteries should be inside because I don't want to have to move them in and out every time I open and close the cabin. You sound like you might be and Alaskan Don. The battery compartment can't be both vented and heated unless the venting is opened and closed during charging. For those interested, the cabin is on the Alaskan coast in a remote, and not very sunny place. Hydro power is a future option and an inverter could be introduced in the future between the batteries and the 115 V distribution circuit. I live in Oregon and it takes time to develop and install all the living systems in a remote location like this.Thank You, Joe
*Square -D QO series breakers are UL listed for DC up to 48V in addition to their 120/240V AC ratings. They are the only manufacturer of "household" type breakers with a DC rating.
*Humm...there seems to be two posts on this subject. I replied to the other one. Can you consolidate?
*Dear Fred, There are two posts of an identical initial posting. If you are asking me, Joe Duncan, how to consolidate, then you are asking the guy who does not know the answer to that question. However, I often tell clients anything can be done. I'm not sure this is something I will get done in the near future. Or as we say `2 weeks'. Thanks and please accept the apologies of a rookie internet poster boy.Sincerely, Joe
*Just CLICK HEREAnd post here no more....Rememberest thou, click "post" but once.