connections for battery, charger, fuse panel

druidwood · 08-28-2018, 06:13 PM

I have an uninstalled PD smart charger, their AC/DC fuse panel and dedicated house battery. I need positive on battery to connect to charger and fuse panel and negative to connect to charger, fuse panel and frame (according to directions). I see people using a separate buss for wiring. Should I run all the wires through a buss to connect them? Advantage seems to be less clutter, but didn't know if ground or converter connection can be done this way? Also if anyone happens to have a PD (progressive dynamic) AC/DC fuse box/distribution center I can't see that it defines which slot in back is for positive to battery and which to negative. Might it not matter?
Thanks.

BlackJohn · 08-28-2018, 08:54 PM

Any pics of your panel layout, too hard to comment with what you have said.

John

druidwood · 08-28-2018, 09:28 PM

OK thanks. I can't figure out how to add pictures to thread, so will add to my build photos (though I can't figure out how to see other's profiles). Hope that works. Thanks.

Oh and if that doesn't work, basically is it better to load connections onto battery or use a buss for at least grounding.

BlackJohn · 08-28-2018, 09:52 PM

Go to post reply and click on the paperclip to add pics.

John

BlackJohn · 08-28-2018, 09:54 PM

"Oh and if that doesn't work, basically is it better to load connections onto battery or use a buss for at least grounding"

Again to vague to comment.

Do you have a diagram you are following?
I'm not following you at all, too many connections and they have to be right.

John

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 01:08 AM

I see, quick reply doesn't have option to attach image. I am following diagram for Progressive Dynamics smart converter and looking at pictures of people's wiring and they all seem to use a buss rather than load connections onto battery but of course they don't have my identical setup.

BlackJohn · 08-29-2018, 06:31 AM

Ok thanks for the pics.
I see a few wires already on the three breakers. What is connected to those breakers?
Is there room for another three breakers?
The charger power needs to come off one all by itself and run to the + ve

battery post.
The neutral for the charger would go onto the buss with all the white wires.
The ground for the case of the charger would go on the green bus bar.
that leaves just the ground for the battery which I think would go to the frame.
Can you show your diagram, I could be wrong with what I have said but can't confirm yet.

John

o1marc · 08-29-2018, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by druidwood

I see, quick reply doesn't have option to attach image. I am following diagram for Progressive Dynamics smart converter and looking at pictures of people's wiring and they all seem to use a buss rather than load connections onto battery but of course they don't have my identical setup.

When you can't load pics look for the"Go Advanced" option and it will give you more options for loading.

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 12:43 PM

Here is the wiring diagram I am looking at. The smart charger has an AC plug so no wiring required on AC end. So I see what needs to connect to what, it is the how I am wondering about. Connections onto battery or buss that is separate from distribution panel buss (like I see lots of pictures). When the drawings show wires coming off of other wires, assume it doesn't literally need to do that, but can share a connection (thus my comment about charger/fuse box sharing positive battery post and charger, fuse box and ground sharing negative).
I just noticed how two frame grounds are required, assume this is for if the charger is being run by generator? I also assume the two grounds is what the warning on the picture is referring to?
I am very good about researching each step, but yet when I go to do it realize I don't really fully understand. I also realize I don't speak the right language so thank you for hanging in there with me.

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 12:46 PM

Thanks Marc. Was using quick reply and didn't know there were so many more options.

PNW_Steve · 08-29-2018, 01:00 PM

Druidwood,

What is the model number of the fuse panel?

I suspect that it is also a "converter/charger". If it is then you have redundant chargers.

Come on over and we'll get it wired up for you

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 02:12 PM

Heh Steve. PD5000 Series AC/DC Power Distribution Panel – 30 Amp, 120 VAC. It doesn't have a charger, just a bare bones case for holding fuses basically. Wish I did know someone around here that knew about such things. I like to do the work, but advice is rather necessary. No insurance yet as I didn't want to pay for commercial while it sits or I might take you up on your offer.
I think it was you in the video with your family where you made skylights in lieu of the emergency hatches? If so, how did that go? Looking forward to redoing mine next summer.

Bluesky · 08-29-2018, 04:34 PM

Use the ground bus in the distribution panel, it has 15 connection points. The converter can be plugged into the outlet on the panel as well, it's already connected to a 15A breaker. I'm guessing the shore power connects to the 30A breaker? I made a nice picture.

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 05:07 PM

Oh that looks simpler that way than adding a bunch of extra buss's. Just worried the buss's on back of panel were too small. Shouldn't the wire from the battery be like 4 gauge? Looks like it could maybe take an 8 max, but perhaps that is good enough. Yes put in a 30 amp plug/main breaker, though I only have 15 amps here and am planning a very electrically lean machine. Will print your picture, I really appreciate it.

Bluesky · 08-29-2018, 05:43 PM

4 gauge is good for turning over the engine. Depending on what you are running, 10Ga could work for light loads and charging.

druidwood · 08-29-2018, 06:29 PM

Thanks. Thought it had to be the big gauge, but just found a calculator for gauge and won't pull more than 25, so if I gauge for 50 amps then 10 will work. Was thinking I had to go with the amps of my battery, but in retrospect that was kinda stupid. Learning something new every day.

PNW_Steve · 08-30-2018, 12:28 PM

Wire size calculator:
https://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator-_ep_41.html

BlackJohn · 08-30-2018, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky

Use the ground bus in the distribution panel, it has 15 connection points. The converter can be plugged into the outlet on the panel as well, it's already connected to a 15A breaker. I'm guessing the shore power connects to the 30A breaker? I made a nice picture.

I couldn't respond yesterday due to having my eye checkup. Was blurry for most of the day.

Bluesky , a good diagram you made. I was having trouble following the op so this clarifies things a lot. Hope it all works out Druid.

John

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