Part of the design of extra low voltage battery systems involves sizing battery cables and fuses. There is one aspect that is often overlooked which can easily result in under dimensioning these vital components. This article is aimed at 48V, 24V and 12V systems which are either grid connected or standalone. It provides the background from a theoretical perspective and then from measurements of observed waveforms culminating in a simple design rule to be followed to avoid these pitfalls.

This article was written by Michael Hayes, electrical engineer, licensed electrician, and former GSES trainer who has 20+ years experience in the solar field. Read the full technical article below.