Circuit Breakers

[Dennis Bosworth]

Hi folks - brand new here. Been off-grid for about 18 years now, but I am now rearranging things. The positive circuit from battery to inverter is protected by a fuse. I want to replace the fuse with a 250 amp DC circuit breaker that can be mounted to a DIN rack. My problem is they don't seem to make them for DIN racks. Does anyone out there know if there is a source?

[Rob Beckers]

Dennis, FYI, all the large 250A DC breakers I've seen (and sold) are panel mounted. It looks like MidNite Solar, Outback, Magnum etc. all get their breakers from the same producer (the different 'brands' are just OEM versions).

-RoB-

[Dennis Bosworth]

Thank, Rob, for your reply. I'm making my own distribution panel and I guess I'll just stay with the fuse. I bought a battery disconnect switch from Harbor Freight, but I was trying to limit as many terminals as I can by using a circuit breaker as a battery disconnect.

[Rob Beckers]

Dennis, this is Magnum's MMP wiring box. Take a look at how they fastened the big breaker.

1235

Hidden underneath the metal bracket, in the middle where it passes over the breaker, is a bolt hole that could also have been used if the breaker was panel mounted.

The MidNite 175A and 250A breakers look exactly the same, as far as mounting goes. Same for the Outback.

The DC breakers are convenient, being protection and disconnect in one. But you can of course do the same with a big class-T fuse and a marine disconnect switch. Just be careful not to blow the fuse, those suckers are expensive!

-RoB-

[Dennis Bosworth]

Thanks for the picture Rob - it looks like they are fastening the CB with two "U" bolts - hadn't thought of that. I envisioned panel mounted circuit breakers as having pinch terminals on the back which snaps into an elaborate interconnecting system. Your picture shows a CB with top and bottom terminals. This will work for me. I will be very happy to get rid of the fuse and throw switch.
Thanks again ..