EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Dump the plumbing and use PV to heat water?

Xringer · 08-25-15, 10:53 PM

Those type of switches are okay for low amperage use.
But, I couldn't use one for PV, since it's DC and at over 100 volts at about 7Amps..
Any contact surfaces have to be large, with a large gap when open, fast moving,
and be self cleaning (wiping action). Otherwise the DC arcing will eat them up..

Regular 240vac 30amp hotwater heater controls didn't last long at all..

I'm just using manual control now. I monitor the temp and use use some hot water if the tank starts getting too hot..
And when we are out of town, I cut the power, out at the panels.
I could have my CAI system email and message me and my wife when the tank starts to gets too hot,
but I've not written the routine yet.
I can have the CAI system turn the A7 heat pump on or off,
but controlling the PV power is going to be more difficult..

08-25-15, 10:53 PM	#67
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Those type of switches are okay for low amperage use. But, I couldn't use one for PV, since it's DC and at over 100 volts at about 7Amps.. Any contact surfaces have to be large, with a large gap when open, fast moving, and be self cleaning (wiping action). Otherwise the DC arcing will eat them up.. Regular 240vac 30amp hotwater heater controls didn't last long at all.. I'm just using manual control now. I monitor the temp and use use some hot water if the tank starts getting too hot.. And when we are out of town, I cut the power, out at the panels. I could have my CAI system email and message me and my wife when the tank starts to gets too hot, but I've not written the routine yet. I can have the CAI system turn the A7 heat pump on or off, but controlling the PV power is going to be more difficult.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..