Hi all,
Long story short, I'm in need of a new MPPT solar control for my 4WD solar.
I'm looking at the Victron units, and am a bit confused about the "need" to ground 1 unit, but not another when they're effectively the same thing.
These are their 'SmartSolar' line of controllers - https://www.victronenergy.com.au/solar- ... -15-100-20
First picture is the 75/15 (being 75v/15a input limit) and the second is the 100/20
Output to either 12v or 24v batteries.
Same unit, just higher load capabilities for the second.
You'll see on the left of the 100/20 though, the heatsink has a screw for an additional ground cable.
Now, am I correct that neither unit "needs" to grounded in this fashion.
Solar + and - both go to the controller. Battery + and - both go to the controller. Eveything with work fine, long term, and safe.
My understanding for the ground on the heatsink of the 100/20 is in case a live current comes in contact with the body of the unit, it has somewhere to ground to, as a safety measure. To avoid injury / fire.
This is added in the case of the 100/20 as it may be handling more current, but not added to the 75/15 as it is decided that the current is low enough that the additional safety measure is not needed.
Do I have that correct, or have I misunderstood something?
Ultimately I'm looking to use this as a portable plug in/out unit, and obviously having to attach a ground each time would be a huge pain. Want to make sure I correctly understand the impact of not attaching the heatsink ground wire on the 100/20 unit.
Thanks folks.