B2B CHARGER.

[trevskoda]

Fuse or trip any cables between unit and starter battery, both ends.

 

[Mtbcol]

Thanks Trev. Got that, but which is preferable, fuse or trip, or doesn't it matter?

 

[Admin]

Thanks Trev. Got that, but which is preferable, fuse or trip, or doesn't it matter?

Unless you are going to buy high-quality breakers, I would use 60-amp fuses. I have tested the breakers sold on eBay, Amazon and some dealers, and they are rubbish.

 

[Admin]

Good afternoon all. I've now received our Victron Orion XS50A! Just need to sort the cable out now. I'm still a little confused re this. Basically the Orion unit will be approx 1-1.5 meters from the vehicle starter battery and probably a maximum of 1 meter from the connection of our battery bank. I assume the negative cable can either be connected (from the Orion) to the starter battery or a convenient ground? So in total I've probably got a maximum of 2.5 meters of live cable and 1.5 of negative cable required. So would I be ok with 16mm2 for these cables? Obviously with a 60 amp fuse on each of the live ends, or are breakers preferable? I just want to get it right before I make a start on the install. I'll probably have so more questions, but that's it for now

I would recommend 16 mm2 CSA.

 

[trevskoda]

Thanks Trev. Got that, but which is preferable, fuse or trip, or doesn't it matter?

I have trips,and a link switch plus 200ah relay, i can jump starter battery from les ones, very handy & mine is linked with starter cable.

 

[Mtbcol]

I would recommend 16 mm2 CSA

Hi Phil. I was working yesterday but have a couple of days off now so hopefully can look into getting my cables etc. ordered. Thank you for the cable size confirmation. What's is CSA? Also, can you confirm it's ok to connect the Orion negative directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle starter battery (it's a transit and it has a starter and aux battery under the driver seat) I've attached a quick wiring diagram ( sorry it's not very professional ) just to show what I've currently got and what I will have once I've wired in the Victron Orion. I'd be grateful if you would point out any mistakes or add any recommendations if you wouldn't mind. Thank you.

 

[Mtbcol]

Hi Phil. I was working yesterday but have a couple of days off now so hopefully can look into getting my cables etc. ordered. Thank you for the cable size confirmation. What's is CSA? Also, can you confirm it's ok to connect the Orion negative directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle starter battery (it's a transit and it has a starter and aux battery under the driver seat) I've attached a quick wiring diagram ( sorry it's not very professional ) just to show what I've currently got and what I will have once I've wired in the Victron Orion. I'd be grateful if you would point out any mistakes or add any recommendations if you wouldn't mind. Thank you.

 

[mistericeman]

I went with 25mm 4 awg as its close to 6m from starter battery to Victron b2b

Possibly overkill BUT seems to work well

 

[Canalsman]

@Mtbcol CSA is cross section area

 

[Mtbcol]

I went with 25mm 4 awg as its close to 6m from starter battery to Victron b2b

Possibly overkill BUT seems to work well

Thank you. The distance from my starter battery to my B2B is only about 1-1.5m and about 1m to my leisure batts. So I thinks Phil's recommendation of 16mm will be ok

 

[Mtbcol]

@Mtbcol CSA is cross section area

Thank you

 

[mistericeman]

Thank you. The distance from my starter battery to my B2B is only about 1-1.5m and about 1m to my leisure batts. So I thinks Phil's recommendation of 16mm will be ok

Absoloutley .....

I went up a size (and cost) due to the distances involved and potential voltage drop .....

So far performance b2b wise seems to have improved over the previous incarnation of Ring rscdc30 and smaller cabling

 

[Mtbcol]

Absoloutley .....

I went up a size (and cost) due to the distances involved and potential voltage drop .....

So far performance b2b wise seems to have improved over the previous incarnation of Ring rscdc30 and smaller cabling

I'm hoping to see an improvement from my current VSR once I change, and even more improvement when we change to lithium , although this may be a while as yet.

 

[Mtbcol]

Whilst I'm probably capable of doing it, and will probably end up doing it, does anyone know if anyone that makes a kit of the ready made cables with fuse holders and fuses added for the Orion XS50A unit? Obviously I'd have to specify the length etc. but I'm thinking by the time I've brought the cable, terminals ferrules etc. it may just be easier and quicker to buy them ready made if possible?

 

[Robmac]

Whilst I'm probably capable of doing it, and will probably end up doing it, does anyone know if anyone that makes a kit of the ready made cables with fuse holders and fuses added for the Orion XS50A unit? Obviously I'd have to specify the length etc. but I'm thinking by the time I've brought the cable, terminals ferrules etc. it may just be easier and quicker to buy them ready made if possible?

I would imagine that Photonic Universe or 12V Planet (amongst others) would do this but obviously would charge more than doing it yourself.

Photonic Universe: About Us :: 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

Auto & Marine Electrical Components & Accessories | 12 Volt Planet

Huge range of 12v & 24V wiring products, components and accessories for vehicle electrics, marine & leisure electrical projects. FREE delivery on orders over £100

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Might be worth a chat with them if you wanted to go this way.

 

[wildebus]

Whilst I'm probably capable of doing it, and will probably end up doing it, does anyone know if anyone that makes a kit of the ready made cables with fuse holders and fuses added for the Orion XS50A unit? Obviously I'd have to specify the length etc. but I'm thinking by the time I've brought the cable, terminals ferrules etc. it may just be easier and quicker to buy them ready made if possible?

If you want to tell me the cable lengths (remember to factor in the twists and turns the cables might need to go through), I can make up a full cable set for you if you want. (installed an Orion-XS a couple of days ago actually )

 

[wildebus]

Just a genaral rule, as you well know some folk are electric heavy, im like you and use little, fridge some lights and usb charging for phones

It is a common rule of thumb that is oft quoted, but the way prices are generally, it makes sense (IMO) to add as much solar as you have room for, or at least to allow for that eventuality if you find you could do with more, along the lines of what Bill Fisherman said.

 

[Mtbcol]

I'll cost the bits and see what the difference might be

 

[Mtbcol]

If you want to tell me the cable lengths (remember to factor in the twists and turns the cables might need to go through), I can make up a full cable set for you if you want. (installed an Orion-XS a couple of days ago actually )

I didn't see this until if posted my "cost the bits" reply . Yes, definitely interested

 

[Mtbcol]

It is a common rule of thumb that is oft quoted, but the way prices are generally, it makes sense (IMO) to add as much solar as you have room for, or at least to allow for that eventuality if you find you could do with more, along the lines of what Bill Fisherman said.

I've got 320watts of solar at the moment in a single panel, We're hoping to change to a motor home in the near future, so will probably wait until then and combine this with the change to lithium