Mounting surface.

[Mollysdad]

The last part of my portable solar build is to mount the components in the case. I see from YouTube that 99% of builders mount the controller, switch, fuse, etc on a section of 3/4" plywood. However, the Victron controller I have clearly says to mount it on a fire resistant surface.

Anyone have a nifty solution? (I considered aluminum, but then I'd rather use a surface that doesn't conduct electricity!) Is there a fire retardant paint?

[tominphx]

You might try an electrical supply house for some red impregnated fiberglass board. Used in distribution panels and ses's as an insulator and definitely fire- proof.

Cheers, Tom

[Forester2]

I have some cement backboard scrapes Ive used for some projects where I was worried about heat but I mounted my dc/dc charger on aluminum

[JeffKim]

I have our Victron solar controllers and 50A charger mounted directly to the cabinet surface under the bed. I don't think it gets all that hot as long as it has some ventilation; 3/4" plywood should be fine if a bit heavy.

[richard5933]

Not sure what the problem is with a sheet of aluminum to cover the plywood surface. The chassis of many of these devices (controller, converter, charger, etc) should ideally be bonded together and grounded to the Airstream chassis and the aluminum sheet should do just that. To me it would be no different than all the electronic or computer systems which are rack mounted and share a common ground. To finish it off I'd run a ground strap between the aluminum sheet and the Airstream chassis.

If you are concerned about mounting everything to the aluminum, then just put it behind those devices which require it for fire protection and leave bare plywood behind the rest.

[Mollysdad]

Thanks.
I really liked the idea of 'red impregnated fiberglass' until I saw it was $93 for a sheet as large as I needed.
My plan right now is to use a fire retardant paint over a section of 3/4 poplar plywood that is pre-primed.
I've considered cutting a hole behind the controller and mounting a 12v. muffin fan to pull air away. Maybe overkill? I can't really seal the enclosure because cables have to get in/out.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Thanks.
I really liked the idea of 'red impregnated fiberglass' until I saw it was $93 for a sheet as large as I needed.
My plan right now is to use a fire retardant paint over a section of 3/4 poplar plywood that is pre-primed.
I've considered cutting a hole behind the controller and mounting a 12v. muffin fan to pull air away. Maybe overkill? I can't really seal the enclosure because cables have to get in/out.

I might have missed it, which controller are you using?

[tominphx]

WOW $93.00...............what size and thickness was that?
Did you try McMaster Carr or Grainger? Last time I purchased some was about $10.00
a SqFt. for 1/8" thickness but that was a few years ago.

Cheers, Tom

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by JeffKim

I might have missed it, which controller are you using?

Victron 100/50

Originally Posted by tominphx

Last time I purchased some was about $10.00 a SqFt. for 1/8" thickness but that was a few years ago.

Yes, but I needed more than a sq. ft. since the rack is 19" wide.
Wait. Did I just have a moment? I really don't need to cover the entire surface with the red fiberglass, just the area behind the controller, eh? Hmmmm.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Victron 100/50

Yes, but I needed more than a sq. ft. since the rack is 19" wide.
Wait. Did I just have a moment? I really don't need to cover the entire surface with the red fiberglass, just the area behind the controller, eh? Hmmmm.

As I said before, I really, really doubt it will generate enough heat to affect plywood. I haven't noticed any with our 50A Victron charger mounted on the cabinet material surface which would generate more heat. It gets hot to the touch, but not enough to burn. Maybe use some standoffs and make sure it's not sitting directly on the surface and has good ventilation.

If it's external and you can monitor it then see how it goes. But it seems like the simplest would be to glue a square of aluminum or galvanized steel underneath it if you really think it's necessary.

[Keys Dave]

I mounted my DC TO DC controller to a scrap of cement hardiboad then screwed it to the plywood cabinet. That would seem to satisfy the requirement.

[SVTRIDE]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Anyone have a nifty solution? (I considered aluminum, but then I'd rather use a surface that doesn't conduct electricity!) Is there a fire retardant paint?

I mounted my DC to DC charger to an aluminum plate and then used spacers to create air gap to wood mounting surface (non conducting material).