Adding Circuit Breakers to the Diy Powerwall 2.OH Ep8

[@SidebandSamurai]

Horace gets a thumbs up for moving the camera

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣🤣🐈‍⬛💥🤘

[@korishan]

For the guard over the switch I would suggest...... Ohh, you said 3D print something 😹 That was my go to suggestion

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣 I did actually find some cb covers on amazon and they should be here pretty quick.💥🤘

[@jennyluperton8938]

Looking good, bro! Horace's tail swaying around really makes the video!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thank You!! I thought the purring in the mic was good lol😆

[@phizicks]

for the cat guard, just put one of those clear covers like those fighter jet rocket launch switches :P

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣I found some cb covers on amazon. 3 for like $12. Should be here in a day or so. I see if they fit ok, if not Ill sendem back!😄💥

[@korishan]

DIY Din rail mount. Love it!!! 😻😻😻

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah Buddy!💥🤘

[@SHUB_MetalZone]

it looks more and more clean installation, video after video 😉 it seems that your cat like to be on cameras 😋

[@Wrenchen-with-Darren]

Nicely done 👍

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man!💥🤘

[@davidwilker4795]

For the anti-cat guard, maybe an exterior outlet cover? Looks like a small tub, hinged at the top, that falls over the CG. You have to lift it to access the CB

[@AveRage_Joe]

I like that option as well! Will take a lookC!💥🤘

[@davidwilker4795]

@@AveRage_Joe I was gonna find a picture of one

[@benedictcalantoc7115]

Thanks Joe for all the great ideas I’m learning from you vid! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for watching! Its Sloooow and Steady lol. Just trying to not make to many mistakes and drill holes where I dont need them😲😄🤘

[@seantn1357]

Did you just snap the noise? Man, I am jealous that you got that big basement for yourself to do whatever you want. Happy Holiday man.

[@AveRage_Joe]

What do you mean by snap the noise?😄 Yeah man, just do ALL the things down here lol🤣💥🤘 Happy Holidays to you and Fam!

[@Peter195267]

Hi Joe Just a top guard too deflect anything tripping the C/B. Looking good mate and there is room for BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man and 100% what I was thinkin. We all drop things 🫣🤣💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@Black93gthatch84]

Hey Joe, I love your videos. I'm thinking if you wanted to put guards around the circuit breakers maybe you could make something using strong magnets for a guard, then you could even remove it If you hated it

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! Aaaaaaaand I Love that idea!!!😲😲😲💥🤘

[@Electronzap]

That's a really nice set up.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks!🤘

[@RJ-cc1fz]

Looking good! Unless your cats are body builders your breakers should be fine I’d think..

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! My cats are body builders💪🐈‍⬛🤣

[@wayne8113]

Thanks Joe 👍💥🎄

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for watching Wayne💥🤘🎁

[@twsconsulting]

Nice work with the bracket. I normally use a a din rail with long screws and nuts. You can control the depth with an additional pair of nuts. I think the way to did it is better.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Mate! Your way isnt to bad of an idea either. I like it!💥🤘

[@dbf1dware]

@@AveRage_Joe Couldn't you just create a new bracket out of the same material that sets the breaker back more flush? Just make the "side" "legs" longer since the bracket is what gets screwed to the box. That way the breaker is more flush with the outside. No?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yes can 100% do that and might as Ill need to add a lil bit of an insulator between the screws and box.🙄🤣

[@awbean5254]

HEY JOE, I ENJOY WATCHING YOUR PROJECTS! HERE IS MY SUGGESTION: WHAT IS THE FEASIBILITY TO RUN A WIRING RACEWAY WITH A CORNER FROM YOUR NEW BATTERY POWER WALLS ALL THE WAY AROUND & UNDERNEATH YOUR INVERTER? THEN YOU CAN INSTALL ALL YOUR SOLAR PERIPHERAL BOXES ON TOP & YOUR BIG BATTERIES UNDERNEATH WHERE ALL YOUR WIRING IS WITHIN THE WIRING RACEWAY PROVIDING A CLEAN PROTECTED & PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT. THANKS FOR SHARING ALL YOUR PROJECT!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! I considered the raceway amd almost went that way but didnt. Also under the inverter is the intake fan buy the battery connections so would need that area open...ish

[@madsskov_dk]

With BMSs properly set up, I see no reason for ventilation. This chemistry don’t run hot, and don’t burst into 🔥. Put a smoke alarm near them and you’re fine 👍🏼

[@AveRage_Joe]

The vent is moar for the unknown event since everything is in my basement. Ive seen a few other setups that have had a cell vent. Would hate to have all the nasty smoke indoors. I have the batrium bms that I used on the previous setup.🤘

[@DavidHalko]

Batteries 🪫 can vent, even with a proper BMS. A smoke alarm merely tells you there is an issue & you are getting poisoned, while a vent allows one to not get poisoned 🤮

[@UnkyjoesPlayhouse]

Looks great, just pulled the trigger on 8 LIfePo4 cells for my DIY 24v battery-bms creation, I really like the storage for your batteries, I am going to stage mine on a shelf for now.

[@AveRage_Joe]

NICE! Its gonna be a lot of fun planning and building your setup. Best of luck on your build!🤘

[@AdamDeLay07]

Looks great! Love the nice clean lines and look. Keep up the great work! I would probably skip the guard unless you notice the cats are spending a lot of time over in that area. From the venting standpoint, just cutting a hole in the bottom (put some kind of debris guard mesh over it) and then piping out the upper box to the rim joist seems like it would work pretty well. A fan seems like it would only be needed in the event of a catastrophic failure, but you could always mount a computer fan with a separate switch to vent the boxes if needed.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man! My cats dont turn lights off in the house or anything....yet but just trying to think of everything ahead of time lol. The guard is most likely not needed but may put one there JIC🤣 Yeah the venting I think can be simple. 100% on a small computer fan and I can operate it from the batrium bms!💥🤘

[@OmahaWayne]

Just found your channel, some great info in these vid's. Thanks for sharing.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for watching and welcome!💥🤘

[@justinneill3888]

I have installed breakers in cabinets just like this, I used a 1/2" piece of MDF to create a spacer/isolator between the breaker and the box, this will recess your breakers making them more flush and adds isolation between the terminal screws and the metal cabinet. Something like a 3x3 or 4x4 piece of wood or cutting board material with a whole for the breaker in it and you'd be all set. Longer machine screws into your custom brackets of course.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Nice! Yeah thats what I was thinking if I made them flush mount. I think I have some cutting board material around here somewhere🤣

[@aspendell209]

Your exhaust plan seems sound. I would add a cheap DC module with a temp probe that will turn the inlet fan on at say 90 degrees F, if your BMS doesn't already support that.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah Im kinda thinkin so also. Oh yeah Ill connect fan to the batrium and control from there!💥🤘

[@offgridwithpojectham]

Awesome Joe! Great job. Looks amazing. Was thinking through the design for my circuit breaker mounting on my battery build and hadn’t quite figured it out yet. Great idea. Thanks for the tip! I’m going to borrow that idea. Hope you don’t mind. Take care! Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Mate!! Borrow away!!! They sell these style brackets but if you have some metal laying around it was pretty easy to make!!! Merry Christmas to you and Fam!!💥🤘

[@Self.reliant]

Lol your evil cat's tail just randly flying by

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

How do you know if someone is a good person? The cat adores him.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks and 100% agree!!!🐈‍⬛💞

[@fransvankralingen725]

Just a suggestion, give each box its own vent - I presume nothing will ever happen - however finding the cause of smoke might be hindered if both boxes are filled with the same smoke. And put some gauze in the connecting gland, it will al least keep mice out.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Hmmmm....Ill have to think about that. I do like the idea!💥🤘

[@peterking1134]

Based on the load testing you have done in the past, you will most likely need about 10-13 KW of solar panels to keep up with your lifestyle.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah that sounds about right. With my panels now I can run 24/7 off grid in summer but that is without the stove, AC or dryer. So another 5-7kw of solar should do nicely. May actually need a little more for winter time😬

[@korishan]

9:14 What I would recommend here is to take the heat gun and heat up the PVC and then turn that into an oval shape. That way the wires would more easily line up to go into the ports without putting sideways stress on them.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yeah that would help with those wires fo sho!

[@robertn915]

In the vent tube at the upper floor level you need to consider water ingress from outside. Add an inverted "S" bend, at least.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Hmmmm....do you think water ingress would be a thing? The vent would be to a covered patio area. I was thinking more of a flappy sorta thing.

[@robertn915]

@@AveRage_Joe it's your home you would know better than me. Water and electricity don't usually mix and for the sake of a couple $$$, why not. Along with the floppy thing.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Oh ok gotcha ya wasnt sure if you knew of something with moisture in pipes or something😄🤘

[@cristianferaru11]

For the covers, why dont just go to HomeDepot and buy outlet covers and have outlet covers instaled? Very nice video! Do you have any regrets having 3 types of batteries?

[@AveRage_Joe]

I found some cb covers on amazon and they should be here soon. All the batteries I am using are LiFePO4 so no regrets!🤘

[@Lauren-ci6uv]

"This looks really super simple to set up." 😏

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣🤣😬🤷‍♂️ Could be!

[@robertclay1007]

Maybe you could put computer fans on the boxes. Then a small portable Air Conditioning unit with a duct leading to the fans.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Id probly add the computer fan for sure. Dont think ill need AC as it stays pretty cool in the basement. 💥🤘

[@butchwilliams7637]

Looking good. ( No guard )

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks!!! I found some covers on amazon😆💥

[@Shep5847]

Maybe buy a locking thermostat cover for the breakers? Or look up a “Push to Exit” button cover.

[@AveRage_Joe]

I found some cb covers on amazon and they should be here soon.🤘 So I want the covers to be somewhat "open" or easy to get at just in case. So a easy open or easy access is what I found. 🤘

[@loucinci3922]

On the array rack, could you show a S.P.A.T. in action? Curious if the rack is tilt-able. Nice job fab'ing the breaker mount. Cleaver. You could flip the breaker upside down so down is ON (unlike a light switch). Maybe paint it red too. Thanks for sharing

[@AveRage_Joe]

The ground mount is fixed at 25degree. I may try messing with it one day and drill more holes to adjust or.....use actuators😲🤠

[@ZaiFuchigami]

Nice work! But if I were you wouldn't use those crappy Chinese MCBs. Had a couple in my system and had 2 of them overheat. One was a small 40A and another a larger 125A. That 125A breaker almost started a fire. Got hot enough internally to melt the plastic casing. Switched them all over to Blue Sea Systems 178 series.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks Man! Do you know the brand? Or were they the same ones as these😬 I almost got expensive ones too

[@madsskov_dk]

The chinese breakers can be fine. Just check them under load with a thermal camera.

[@ZaiFuchigami]

@@AveRage_Joe The ones I used were Tomzn. They seems to be the “higher” quality ones from China. But I guess not. Would be surprised if they’re all made in the same factory though.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Will 100% do that!

[@AveRage_Joe]

Really....I thought TOMZN were good ones as well. Ive used them in the past and have had good luck. Oh ya all made in same assembly line for sure lol

[@hmarc417]

We LL According to Andy , venting is optional....you don't live in Auzy so I don't think your bats are ever going to get as hot as His. Acums Razer. When you acquire 20 to 40,000 watts of solar, then you may need some venting. No worries though, I am designing my system with both of you in mind. Cant figure out weather to name my system An-Goe or Jo-Ane or maybe even, The average garage or The off grid joe system. LOL Just kidding.....My life has taken a change of direction and i wont be building now, I will be buying. So Both of you will be getting your credit codoos accordingly... I am assuming by March. Unless the world ends tomorrow, then I wont care. LOL Thankyou to both of you for being so complete and informative.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Venting is for the unknown since its in my basement. Ive seen a few cells that have vented and Id hate to have all that smoke inside. Id LOVE to have that much in solar lol. I would say all of those names are GREAT😆 What are you thinking of getting if the world doesnt end?? Thanks for watching Mate!!!

[@hmarc417]

@@AveRage_Joe Sorry it took so long to get back with you. Some dealings with family and my future money-sssssssssss.{ notice the amount of s's }. not sure but there might be a few more s's that i did not consider. Truthfully, I had no idea there was so many at all....... So far, my ideas are, in addressing your question. Spllit phase Growatt 12 like yours. to start, maybe 2 of them, one for the shop and one for the house. You also have me convinced on the Rino batts. Probably four units for each local. Victron Chargers. As for the panels, 20,000 watts of Bi-facial panels for the ground mount array, with optic white gravel under them, and 20,000 watts of single sided, for the roof mounted array.. I will fill in the rest of the equipment gaps later, when all of this is sitting in my shop. spreed out on the floor. What I should do, is invite you and your wife up for a vacation and have you help me do the install. At my expense of course. I never ask for free-bees. Maybe i should consider inviting both You and Andy so you both can meet. LOL. Just thinking. When it becomes available, money will be my least concern. When do we get an update on your current status ?????????

[@sebydocky5080]

Nice & clean work. Jjust a basic question, why you didn'nt swap DIY's batteries with your solar chargers to save some large gauge wiring & transmission loss ?

[@AveRage_Joe]

I am not sure what you are asking? Can you rephrase? Thanks🤘

[@sebydocky5080]

@@AveRage_Joe Sorry, I am not a native english speaker. What I tried to ask, why you didn't install your two large boxes housing your prasmatic cells (right side) with your solar's controller (middle column). You could save (a bit) some large gaure wiring ? I guess there were some specific contraints about this choice ?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks for rephrasing! The diy batteries are not connected yet. Once they are, the charge controllers will connect to them!🤘

[@sebydocky5080]

@@AveRage_Joe It's clear, I guess your main bus bar will be around your solar controllers :)

[@AveRage_Joe]

Yes, main buss bars will be in metal box below charge controllers along with a main shut off.

[@DanBurgaud]

11:24 I'd say this is good job. 15:05 You can buy MCB covers to make that dust/water proof, and against accidental tripping. 14:18 ARROW! marks the spot!😆😆😆😆😆

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks! I purchased some 2 space wide covers...they didnt fit. These are a little wider then the regular sized MCB. Will have to search moar! LOL Yeah that arrow was a dent I pointed out in the vid where I first got the cells!!!😆

[@Self.reliant]

Hay I emailed you on the gaurnd and batteries. Also I have a good solution for the venting aswell. I use it on my tiny house composting toilet.

[@clarencewiles963]

Part maid = money saved. May the Force be with you! PS: Nice 2.OH Setup! No guard. The breaker are a hard push anyway so no !

[@AveRage_Joe]

100% parts maid is $$$ in the bank!😄 Yeah true they are a little harder to push!💥🤘

[@andys5203]

Nice job. Can you tell me where you got the battery enclosure. Thks

[@AveRage_Joe]

I got it from encolsure hub. I have links in some of the other episodes. Forgot to add it here, will add in description in a bit!

[@andys5203]

@@AveRage_Joe Thank you sir

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy A-R-J, ... Excavating in the BASEMENT 🙂 CURIOUS = since your Blue-Batteries are sealed --- what would you be VENTING from your BATTERY BOXES ??? Thanks COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@AveRage_Joe]

The vent is for the "just in case" the cells or a single cell decides to vent. Id like to keep the nasty smoke outside if I can. I have also seen a few cells from others vent. 💥🤘

[@cristianferaru11]

What BMS ARE YOU GOING TO USE FOR THE BUE BATTERIES? I ALSO HAVE 64 OF THEM AND I USED THE DALY BMS, 4 IN PARALEL HOWEVER IF I WERE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN I WOULD USE THE BMS THAT IS COMMUNICATING WITH THE INVERTER. I have two 12 kw growatt inverters but the 250v :) i lerned from your mistake... Thank you!

[@AveRage_Joe]

I have a batrium bms for all the 280ah blue cells. My inverter is actually the 250v version. I ordered the 150v and they shipped the 250v lol. I didnt even realize it until much later......ya im dumb lol🤣💁‍♂️

[@Cristian-sv5wz]

You won’t regret the BMS you’ve got! I started with 16 230 amps and a 300 amps DALY BMS then I ended up with 64 230 amps batteries under 4 200 amps BMS. Mama China did an update and made it possible to connect in parallel and they charge and balance down to 0.001 volt difference between cells!

[@offgridwanabe]

Very professional looking you could just cut the back out of a receptacle box and slip it over even put a plate on it if you are paranoid

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thats not a bad idea! If I can modify one.....its happening!😲💥🤘

[@BobHannent]

Horace is clearly superior to the Off Grid Garage dog.

[@AveRage_Joe]

😲😆😺😻💥🤘

[@YarLeo]

don't really think you need a vent... see on other batteries you have, commercial ones, do they have some vent to outside of your house?

[@AveRage_Joe]

True but I have seen a few 280ah cells vent so Id rather be safe.💥🤘

[@ernestolaureanopineiro1123]

Happy new year. May God Prevail in your life and family for all eternity. Que Dios Prevalezca en tu vida y familia por toda la eternidad.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you and Fam!💥🤘

[@SidebandSamurai]

I don't think you will have an issue with the cat turning off power to your house. I would leave it the way it is until they actually decide to turn off power to the house and deal with it then. After all the Cats know that you are installing those batteries for them.

[@AveRage_Joe]

I would agree especially the top one BUT......there is always a chance with these crazy mofo's!😆🐈💪

[@terryrodbourn2793]

Man it sounded like you farted bring all that stuff out the first time! :)

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣🤣🤫💥

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Ha, you stole my idea for the flush-mount brackets for the breakers. I will just steal that back from you as it is mine anyway. You're welcome to keep yours though. Free idea gifting from the Off-Grid Garage 😉

[@AveRage_Joe]

WHAT?🤣 No way🤣 I allready have brackets like this from the UPS's. They are different size tho for the smaller cb lol so so had to make wider ones. Did you really make brackets like this?🤔🫣🤣

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@AveRage_Joe I didn't make any brackets yet, but spoke about them in a video a while back when I built the Seplos box. But never made one. Now I know how 😉 Once the cables are connected and the breaker terminals are tightened, I thought about a small stripe of EVA tape on top of the screws. This would then further pull in the breaker and it does not stick out as much. It also gives a layer of isolation between metal enclosure and terminal screws. Merry Christmas, Joe!

[@DiyintheGhetto]

Don’t boom man this early.😅

[@AveRage_Joe]

Why not? BOOOOM Anytime man!🤣

[@DiyintheGhetto]

@@AveRage_Joe we need to see it work first duh 🙄 😂

[@AveRage_Joe]

Oh its gonna work damn it!🤣

[@sNEAKYnIGHTmUPPET]

i will print you up some guards if you like. let me know

[@YarLeo]

it looks like normal Taixi switch. Probably the name was already used in USA, so they called them "china" taixi =)

[@AveRage_Joe]

Love that lol😄

[@MrSsrt33]

I don't think those battery's need vented at all. if they were agm or lead acid sure.

[@AveRage_Joe]

The vent outside would only be if one or more battery decided to vent all the nasty smoke.💥🤘

[@RobertMillerJustme]

I do not understand venting these boxes it seems to me it is an oxygen source Those are sealed cases would it not be better if a battery shorts out to starve it of any oxygen including using fire proof foam in all conduct openings and grounding the boxes

[@AveRage_Joe]

These cells normally wont catch fire. If something goes wrong they just vent a bunch of nasty fumes/smoke. I am making a vent since its in my basement and if something ever goes wrong, I can vent it outside💥🤘

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

OI Joe, u can 3d print a plastic spacer that fits around the c/b and place it on the inside and use longer screws to machine screws into the metal bracket u made. Now a word of warning and listen carefully, the screw conductor connections on the c/b will come loose and cause arching due to the current generating heat causing metal expansion and contraction so ur gonna have to drill more holes in in the cabinet to tighten the screws down onto the conductors or at-least check them monthly for the first year at-least,, u may want to put a rubber plug and gromet on the holes too to stop bugs getting in there and not to short out the screwdriver to the cabinet in-case u do not use a fully insulated electrical screwdriver. I have seen c/b burnouts on the the solar panel side and also in electrical boxes cos of the conductor screws coming loose so it happens on ac and dc sides, so u may want to check all of ur circuit breakers on routine electrical inspections... this is imperative for fire safety.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Whoa.....thanks for that info!!! I will for sure put some rubber in the holes and possibly a flat rubber "spacer". I will also check screws after instal. Damn....kinda rethinking those cb now. I should get some that have bolt style terminals.🤔🤔🤔

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

@@AveRage_Joe it all c/b's brother, check all u got like that, the ones in ur ac service should be ok but maybe just check all of them every few years... cos i am guessing they r american made not chinese crap.

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

AND BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[@AveRage_Joe]

🤣💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥🤘