Choosing the Right Fuse Type for Off-Grid Solar: Expert Guide for 12V to 48V Battery Systems

🎁 Free diagrams: cleversolarpower.com/free-dia...
📖 My best-selling book: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid...
Welcome to my comprehensive guide on selecting the right fuse type for your off-grid solar power system. In this video, we delve into the world of fuses for solar setups, exploring six different kinds of fuses to ensure your system is not only efficient but also safe.
We start with the MIDI fuse, ideal for 12 and 24V batteries, and move up to the MEGA fuse, suitable for similar voltage ranges but with higher current. For those using 12, 24, and 48V lead-acid batteries, the MRBF fuse is a perfect choice. We also cover the ANL fuse for 12 and 24V systems, the Class-T fuse for high-capacity lithium batteries up to 48V, and the NH00 fuse, a popular choice in Europe for similar applications.
Each fuse type is broken down by its specifications, including voltage, current, ICC rating, and cost, along with recommendations for appropriate fuse holders. I will also discuss why the interrupt current capacity (ICC) is a crucial safety feature, especially in high-current scenarios typical of lithium batteries.
Understanding the importance of battery voltage in arcing, I explain why selecting the right battery fuse is essential, particularly in high-voltage systems like 48V lithium batteries.
For reliable and safe installations, I recommend top brands like Blue Sea Systems, Littlefuse, Bussman, Siemens, Schneider, and Victron. These brands offer the quality and reliability you need for peace of mind in your solar power setup.
Check out the link for my recommended fuses: cleversolarpower.com/diy-sola...
Click Like if you find this video helpful and subscribe for more insightful content.
00:00 Introduction
00:21 MIDI fuse
01:39 MEGA fuse
02:40 MRBF fuses
03:50 ANL fuse
04:44 Class-T fuse
05:25 NH00 fuse
06:35 Icc and battery voltage
08:29 Quality fuses and breakers
09:09 end

[@cleversolarpower]

🎁 Free diagrams: cleversolarpower.com/free-diagrams/ 📖 My best-selling book: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid-solar-power-simplified

[@SiBex_ovh]

If you show a example with Rate Table for ex. Class-T then this video will be perfection.

[@davidcromapix9083]

Thanks , very useful data.

[@rorymax8233]

Interesting and valuable information, thank you.

[@Electronzap]

Good info.

[@Sydneywizard]

Thanks for sharing and educating us with your knowledge. Its much appreciated and Merry Christmas to you.

[@cleversolarpower]

Thank you! Happy holidays!

[@laurentsosson1739]

Hello and congratulations for the tests with the fuse I would like to ask you something I have a large LFP battery pack (EVE 280K) in 9S 4P or 28 volts 1120AH and my voltage converter is 4000 watts to 28 volts which fuse do you recommend between the + of the converter? 150A? fuse like yours or a fixed fuse like VICTRON? THANKS laurent

[@2hotscottpro]

Good info.I was looking to upgrade fuses and battery shut-offs.I have cheap fuse you showed ,top left one showed in group of 4. My positive shut off post gets warm from 800 watts using 1500 watt heater on low.I know heat makes them fall apart.Bussman 187 series push button disconnects are $55.

[@cleversolarpower]

I recommend using the disconnects switches from bluesea systems. They have less resistance. Read my article on my website about 'how to calculate power loss in a circuit'

[@finleyandtom]

Thanks for a super clear and informative video - So i am correct im thinking that with a 12v 105ah lithium battery i would be ok to fuse the main connection from the battery with a suitably sized midi or mega fuse ? 105x10 = 1050 amps max during short - IIC for a midi fuse is 5000A and 2000A for a mega

[@cleversolarpower]

That is correct.

[@fc436]

my 100a nh have 120kA at 500v dc icc

[@URackADisciprine]

I have found Class-T fuses lower than 100A from Bussman and LittelFuse in my searches. Am looking to get an 80A (something like LittelFuse JLLN080P 80A 200KA) for a 48V LiFePO4 battery but no clue which holders will work with that. Wish they were sold as a pair.

[@cleversolarpower]

The holders are sold separately. Make sure you got the right one. There are different ones for different currents. I think there are two types sold by bluesea systems.

[@URackADisciprine]

There are two from Blue Sea systems, they are both too large. One is for 110-200A and the other is from 225-400A. I can't find the one I need which is for 70-100A.

[@TheFlashmark]

Why we can't use ANL fuse for 48v LifePO4 batteries pack?

[@cleversolarpower]

The Icc rating of an ANL fuse is too low.

[@ML-hf6ii]

@@cleversolarpower why then victron use them? for example they recomend using "Victron ANL 80V 48V"

[@deanb949]

​@@ML-hf6ii I experienced the re-bridging of the fuse element when I used a 80 amp ANL on my 48 volt AGM pack. I had used the ANL as a temporary fuse and it became the permanent. One time my voltage was low on batteries, I plugged into shore/ utility to recharge and that higher than normal current took out the 80 amp ANL, which was still arcing after the main element blew. This video has great info.

[@simon359]

A lot of the 48 V systems I see use mega fuses, and I didn’t see what you recommended for charge controllers? 48 V system in USA

[@cleversolarpower]

Some mega fuses are rated for 58V. But people copy from other setups, so they can be faulty. 58V rated mega or midi fuse for charge controllers.

[@mopikozz]

Why do i use some people using DC circuit breaker instead of fuse? Isnt DC breaker better in the sense its not single use?

[@cleversolarpower]

Normally we use fuses with DC because it's cheaper. And they are not blowing. AC breakers can blow more often so we use breakers.

[@npvols4321]

Please help, i have a 5000watt inverter, 4 x 200 amp hour AGM batteries , and 4 230 watt panels. I think i need a 400amp Class T fuse, but i dont know where to put it ? 12v system Please advise.

[@jamesmason7124]

No further than 2 feet from the battery but as close as you can and on the positive cable

[@ML-hf6ii]

there are a lot anl fuses for 48V. Why I can't use them?

[@cleversolarpower]

You can if they are rated for 58V. Most are not. ICC also plays a role.

[@2hotscottpro]

What size fuse for 920ah 48v is why I’m here.

[@cleversolarpower]

You need to figure out what load you want to power for the fuse size. For the fuse type, you likely need class-t or NH if it's lithium.

[@2hotscottpro]

@@cleversolarpower 6k watt inverter with Li bat

[@ZIlberbot]

except choosing fuse 10 times more than battery capacity, there should be like a precise formula with battery voltage as well, as energy of short circuit battery or power source is Amperage x Voltage x time ....

[@cleversolarpower]

It is not the fuse rating. It is the short circuit fuse rating, these two are totally different. As you can see on the table different voltages have different short circuit current.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Why can you not use an MCB instead of a fuse?

[@cleversolarpower]

An MCB is more expensive than a fuse. MCB's are used in AC switchboards. In a DC circuit the fuse wil seldom trip, so that's why we use a fuse. However, and MCB is used as a disconnect between the solar panels and charge controller.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

@@cleversolarpower when you were saying "fuse/breaker" is US$15 dollars, I was thinking that an AC MCB is US$6 and doesn't have to be replaced when it activates.