DC Electrics 101 learning resources

[John61CT]

Please do not post or discuss actual topic content here.

Only links or references to sites (other than "Battery University"*) and books and other forum threads containing a lot of useful accurate information on

Batteries, solar, generators, wiring and circuit protection, ACRs etc, inverters, converters, testing and monitoring.

Limited to electricity supply and storage infrastructure, not the various appliances, load consumer devices other than charging batteries.

to help curious newbies thirsty for self directed learning.

Again, to ask about or discuss actual information, post to a different relevant thread or start a new one.

Discussion here should be limited to reviewing, commenting on the value of the resources listed, or "meta" tips about the learning process, from a teacing / learning, Instructional Design pov.

* I have found so many inaccuracies at the BU site I think newbs should not rely on it except (maybe) for general overview, background info

 

[jimindenver]

This is The 12 volt side of life. Part two is at the bottom.

The 12 volt side of life
http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

http://marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm​

 

[jimindenver]

This is Jack Mayers site

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm

 

[jimindenver]

Wiring your batteries in a balanced manner

http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

 

[John61CT]

Handy Bob's on Solar

A bit dated now and very opinionated, anti all the MPPT over hype at the time, but still a great starting point
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com

Also a good summary here
http://therecklesschoice.com/2017/07/07/handy-bob-solar-summary/

 

[John61CT]

Another set on Solar, vendor sources, from Hermes1

http://amsolar.com/diy-rv-solar-instructions  This is another source of helpful info and a source to purchase solar equipment.  They have great customer service and some help on the phone if you have questions

https://www.solar-electric.com/learning-center These folks at Northern Arizona Wind & Sun also very good and a good source to buy from

http://www.backwoodssolar.com/learning-center Another good source of info and they too sell components

 

[John61CT]

More general info, from FarOutRide

​http://faroutride.com/ford-transit-camper-van/conversion-planning/electrical-system/

 

[KathyC]

Three bookmarked references that I have found valuable, mostly relating to solar:

Road Less Traveled — blog entries on RV Solar Power Made simple:

https://roadslesstraveled.us/rv-solar/

From Wander The West — a really interesting example of installing semi-flex panels so they are removable/replaceable while allowing air flow:

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/14865-flexible-solar-panel-installation/

When to Fuse and When not to Fuse:

https://www.civicsolar.com/support/installer/articles/when-fuse-when-not-fuse

 

[John61CT]

Aussie resources, vanning is a huge part of mainstream culture there, and DC electrics are well regulated for safety
http://www.caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=74256

 

[John TF]

https://www.homepower.com/

mod edit, the above link is for off grid applications of a wide range of subjects including solar. please include a detailed description with your link.

 

[John61CT]

Marine-oriented, more rigorous and safety-oriented than usual for most RV/vans. ABYC is the standards org used by insurance companies and surveyors

If you're hiring a pro and have the money to get it done right, head for the nearest boat yards and ask for a good **ABYC certified** marine electrician; research their ratings and follow up on references from past customers.

Books

The Bible: Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual", I think now up to third edition
or anything else by him


"Sailboat Electrics Simplified" by Don Casey.


Others https://www.bluesea.com/resources/536

______
Not as good as the marine stuff, but beginner oriented:

RV Electrical Systems: A Basic Guide to Troubleshooting, Repairing and Improvement

Bill & Jan Moeller

 

[John61CT]

I figured I better keep adding notes to this in case I get banned for being abrupt, such a very poor communicator.


Marine stuff continued

MaineSail / CMS is "da man" for deep diving down DC Electrics rabbit holes. Anything he writes, on any of the dozen forums he posts to, is worthy of close study.

Yes friends, at least as much so as with our dear departed SternWake.

His old site http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

I think is not all transferred yet to

the new one here: http://MarineHowTo.com

When you've realized for yourself what great value he's given us all, make a donation to help cover his site costs, https://marinehowto.com/support/

"Electrical Systems 101" thread from MaineSail and Stu the mod
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.0.html

 

[John61CT]

Full-day lecture course in 6 parts: Basic Marine Electrical
______
Other specifically recommended books, in addition to Casey and Calder listed above. Apparently Casey is the best to start with, then you move onto Charlie Wing's "Boatowner's Illustrated Wiring Manual".

Then Ed Sherman's "Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems"

Finally you're ready for that aforementioned bible, Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual".

____
Thread that dives into marine details, some scanned diagrams from ABYC standards docs
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192100

Note: boats actually ground ("earth") to the ocean, while land vehicles just "negative return" including engine block and chassis, but not a real ground.

______
AC stuff on boats

http://kelownayachtclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/AC-BoatersGuide.pdf

https://marincofaq.wordpress.com/category/shore-power/page/3/

 

[John61CT]

Battery basics https://www.homepower.com/basic-battery-concepts

 

[John61CT]

Have not fully vetted it, but scanning, looks like a good intro to solar terminology.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/solar-panels-what-i-can-tell-you-about-206230.htmlhtml

Note he sells "semi-flex" panels, so likely glosses over their limitations.

But if you want to discuss that topic, please start a new thread, keep this one clean, feedback on accuracy of sources only.

 

[AuricTech]

My .sig file has a couple of useful links (Northern Arizona Wind and Sun forum and a voltage drop calculator).

 

[AuricTech]

John61CT pointed out to me that not all forum readers can see .sig files, so here are the links i mentioned:

A good resource for solar power questions: the Northern AZ Wind & Sun forum

An online Voltage-drop calculator

 

[John61CT]

for AWG sizing, Blue Sea' Circuit Wizard app has more complete variables.

 

[John61CT]

Northern Arizona Wind & Sun is a great resource in general

Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.solar-electric.com/deep-cycle-battery-faq.html

 

[John61CT]

Some additional solar-specific resources

http://www.solarelectricityhandbook.com/solar-irradiance.html

http://www.solarpaneltilt.com/

https://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/redbook/