How do I disconnect battery bank

[Jeremy Kessenich]

I received our 5.0 about a month ago. Dual 200 watt panels, inverter, 4 lithium batteries, Victorn BM and MPPT controller, all installed by ETI. We also had the passenger side hatch installed. Well ETI installed the batteries as if we have the bench seats rather than the extended depth u-shaped dinnet so we can't make use of the hatch. So I want to move the boxes.

The two battery boxes are screwed to the floor and it would make life easier if I removed two of the batteries, one in each box, to make it easier to access the screws.

My question is, what do I need to do besides disconnecting shore power, inverter off, MPPT controller off, and the battery disconnect off before removing cables from the battery terminals?

I am going to keep the boxes for now, not changing cables, just sliding the two boxes under the back bench. I understand in the US I don't need the boxes, just one project at a time and all I'm after today is to move the boxes/batteries.

Thanks in advance.

[Vermilye]

I'd either cover the solar panels or disconnect them. Most solar controllers can be damaged if here is solar input without also being connected to the batteries. While I've seen reports that the Victron controllers do not have this problem, I'd still be safe and disconnect the solar panels.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

.... Most solar controllers can be damaged if here is solar input without also being connected to the batteries. While I've seen reports that the Victron controllers do not have this problem, I'd still be safe and disconnect the solar panels.

No mention of consequence if ignored but FWIW Victron's MPPT controller installation manual suggests that indeed one should disconnect the PV array from the controller before disconnecting the controller from the battery (the following steps in reverse when removing the battery):

2. Safety instructions
......
Connections must always be made in the sequence described
in section 3.4.
.......

3.4 Cable connection sequence (see figure 1)
First: connect the battery.
Second: if required, connect the remote on-off and programmable relay
Third: connect the solar array (when connected with reverse polarity, the controller will heat up but will not charge the battery).

[Jeremy Kessenich]

[QUOTE=Centex;446951]

No mention of consequence if ignored but FWIW Victron's MPPT controller installation manual suggests that indeed one should disconnect the PV array from the controller before disconnecting the controller from the battery (the following steps in reverse when removing the battery):


Hello Alan,

Any idea of shutting the PV off in the Victron app is sufficient or should I physically disconnect the wires from the MPPT controller?

Thanks in advance.

Jeremy

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Kessenich

.... Any idea of shutting the PV off in the Victron app is sufficient or should I physically disconnect the wires from the MPPT controller? ....

No idea but personally, along the lines of Jon Vermilye's "I'd still be safe ...", I'd follow the letter of the installation document rather than risk controller harm.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I'd either cover the solar panels or disconnect them. Most solar controllers can be damaged if here is solar input without also being connected to the batteries. While I've seen reports that the Victron controllers do not have this problem, I'd still be safe and disconnect the solar panels.

LSS- I had to disconnect my solar panels on my van and one thing to be aware of if this involves disconnecting MC4 connectors is that you need to cover the panel(s) as arcing may happen which could damage the MC4 connector.

[Centex]

I suppose there's also the 'midnight disconnect' option ....

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Can you disconnect the feed at the controller rather than at the roof?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Kessenich

Can you disconnect the feed at the controller rather than at the roof?

Yes (what I'd likely do)

[oldwave]

Every solar install should have a dipole dc breaker between the solar panels and the controller. Explorist Life has good recommendations in that realm. See their website or YouTube channel. I installed one in both my trailers.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by oldwave

Every solar install should have a dipole dc breaker between the solar panels and the controller.

Perhaps someday that will be the common standard in OE solar installations, but unfortunately that convenience is lacking in Jeremy's 5.0.

[oldwave]

It's about an hour job however. I covered my panels with a blanket and inserted the breaker in line.

[GinoandLinda]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Kessenich

Can you disconnect the feed at the controller rather than at the roof?

That's what I did when I installed the additional two HubLion batteries in our 2023 5.0. I like the battery boxes as they make for a tidy installation.