• Nipex Stripper

    Sadly the jaws on the Nipex do not meet and the bevel of the 'cutting' edge is so shallow that it is more like a crimper. Farnell are refunding me the cost and leaving me with the duff tool as it is not worth the returns cost etc.

    Knipex
    Knipex 7AWG cable stripper jaws

    Knipex 7AWG Stripper result
    Knipex 7AWG cable stripper effect on 6mm cable

  • Ring-main Distribution

    12 volt distribution bo1
    Initial ring-main distribution box

    12 volt distribution box for computer station
    Distribution box for computer workstation.

  • 230v Mains: Internal

    The overlap with the 230v Mains: external is that they both take power from the inverter via a fuse box. There the fuse box feeds two internal circuits. The extension connection goes to the previously used three gang flying extension, now pretty much fixed to the wall and a 6A fuse that feeds a line to a) a junction box from where a cable goes through the wall to a 2 gang socket,

    Wooden 2 gang socket


    and to
    b) feed to another junction box to a 2 gang socket installed above the tool bench, and also
    c) feeds a third 2 gang socket in the corner of the computer desk.
    Cable running to 2gang socket at computer station

  • 230v Mains: External

    Have laid 13A cable to an external rubber housed 13A socket. This has a 13A plug in the toolroom which plugs into a 3 gang socket block which inturn plugs into the inverter.

    Rubber housed external socket

    External wiring from socket, with kinks to allow for expansion of wood and contraction of copper in winter. The entrance is through a 10mm piece of copper pipe.

    Internal part of mains cable. The 13A plug is fitted with a 5A fuse as the 23ov source, the Victron 12|1200 inverter can only supply (1200w ÷ 230v < 5.2A

    Flying lead that connects to inverter, via the white 3 gang socket block. This is a temporary arrangement.

    Inverter set on open aluminium shelf for cooling

  • S6 145 Specific Gravity

    I have labeled the two S6 145s A and B
    and the cells in each are respectively (neg to pos), (pos to neg) ~ 1,2,3
    Specific Gravity Readings

    May 12th just before sunset.
    A1 = 1.280 :: A2 = 1.275 :: A3 = 1.250 | B1 =1.280 :: B2 = 1.275 :: B3 = 1.260
    This was before charging and I broke the hydrometer when cleaning so couldn't check the SG during or after charging which aslo included an automatic equalisation.

    May 28th Mid afternoon when on float
    A1 = 1.290 :: A2 = 1.292 :: A3 = 1.292 | B1 =1.292 :: B2 = 1.292 :: B3 = 1.260

    The new Durite 472 has a thermometer for temp coefficients and although it was difficult to read it appears as though at least 6 points should be added, i.e. 1.290 becomes 1.296.

    I spoke to Scotty at Durite who said SG's should be within 1%, i.e. 1.290 &plusmin; .0129 (0.013) so a range of 1.277 to 1.303 or 0.26 max diff.

  • Battery Installation

    The batteries arrived today with the MPPT and have been installed. It was late in the day before I had finshed and initially the controller went to bulk then abs.

    The first thing I did was to make a stainless steel backplate to fasten the controller to and use copper and plastic tubing to keep it off the wall, only a centimetere or so.

    I have also connected the 1200w inverter, but there is no other loading.

    Layout of supply and controls

    Layout of supply and controllers

    May 7th Battery voltage of the 2 x S6 145's in series was 12.76. The electrolyte was high in one cell so I distributed it amongst all six.

    Cable from MPPT to batteries is approx AWG 8 or 8.4㎜² (50 amps)

    Could do with
    See https://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/25mm2--4-awg-automotive-cable-17000amp-2040watts-rated-various-colours-available-375-p.asp

    May 9th Electrolyte levels are fine

    Measured the SG.

    May 13th Must use VE Direct USB to set up MPPT and equalise. ✓

    June 17thHave fitted a fuse box to inverter output and wiring from there to a) 6A fuse to wiring for sockets to a double socket about the workbench, a double socket by the computer platform and wire to a further socket by the steps. b) 16A fuse for cable to external socket and c) Unfused to a 3 gang row above the electric work bench.

    So for power to any 1) switch on inverter, 2) switch on fuse box.

    I will not be making a spreadsheet of input and output for a while.