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11-30-2024, 09:11 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,050
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Mounting surface.
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?
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11-30-2024, 09:23 AM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
2022 20' Basecamp
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 20
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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
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11-30-2024, 12:19 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
HOLLAND
, NY
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 78
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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
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11-30-2024, 01:24 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,689
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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.
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
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11-30-2024, 11:44 PM
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#5
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Site Team
1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 6,254
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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.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 'Gertie' Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8 'Bert'
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser 'The Bus' (Sold)
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12-04-2024, 08:20 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,050
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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.
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12-04-2024, 10:40 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,689
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Quote:
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.
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I might have missed it, which controller are you using?
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
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12-05-2024, 07:45 AM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2022 20' Basecamp
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 20
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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
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12-05-2024, 07:55 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,050
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffKim
I might have missed it, which controller are you using?
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Victron 100/50
Quote:
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.
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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.
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12-05-2024, 12:33 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,689
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Quote:
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.
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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.
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
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12-05-2024, 02:56 PM
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#11
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Keys Dave
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Big Torch Key
, FL
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 161
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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.
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12-05-2024, 06:08 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2021 25' International
Plymouth
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 132
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Quote:
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?
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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).
__________________
2021 International 25FBQ converted to FBT
2022 F-350 7.3 SRW CC LB
2018 F-350 6.7 SRW CC SB
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