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Old 02-15-13, 01:45 PM   #5
Xringer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ecomodded View Post
Could a surge protector help protect the system during plugging unplugging ? or is it not surge, only flow ?
There isn't any device, that I know of that will inhibit arcing of connectors.
If there was, they would be used on PV cables.

If plugging in, the instant first contact is made (or very close to contact),
a large current will melt the (small) point-of-contact,
causing the contact surface to blow open or melt into a dead short.
If the voltage is 60 or more volts, an arc will form (like an arc welder),
melting & pitting the surfaces of both sides of the contact.

The same thing can happen when unplugging under power.
That last (tiny) point of contact melts, starts an arc, that damages the contact surfaces.

If you had enough panels, I'll bet you could arc weld steel..
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