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The Brat Solar Charge Controller Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
- These instructions contain important safety and operating
instructions for The BRAT Charge Controller MODEL NUMBER MNBRAT.
If you do not fully understand any of the concepts, terminology, or hazards outlined in these instructions, please refer installation to a
qualified dealer, electrician or installer. These instructions are not meant to be a complete explanation of a renewable energy system. All
installations must comply with national and local electrical codes. Professional installation is recommended.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
WORKING WITH OR IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY, SEALED OR VENTED IS
DANGEROUS. VENTED BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL
OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT BEFORE SERVICING
EQUIPMENT IN THE VICINITY OF LEAD-ACID BATTERIES YOU REVIEW AND FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
If service or repair should become necessary, contact MidNite Solar Inc. Improper servicing may result in a risk of shock, fire or
explosion. To reduce these risks, disconnect all wiring before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the inverter will not
reduce these risks. Solar modules produce power when exposed to light. When it is not possible to disconnect the power coming from
the Photovoltaics by an external means such as a combiner, cover the modules with an opaque material before servicing any connected
equipment.
Do Not expose to rain or snow. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery. Do not smoke around batteries.
When it is necessary to remove a battery, make sure that the battery bank disconnect breaker is in the off position and that the PV
breakers, grid breakers and any other sources of power to the inverter are in the off position. Then remove the negative terminal from the
battery first.
To reduce risk of battery explosion follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer as well as the manufacturer
of any additional equipment used in the vicinity of the batteries.
Avoid producing sparks in the vicinity of the batteries when using vented batteries. Provide ventilation to clear the area of explosive
gases. Sealed AGM and Gel batteries do not under normal conditions create explosive gases. Refer to the battery manufacturer's
documentation. Be especially cautious when using metal tools. Dropping a metal tool onto batteries can short circuit them. The resulting
spark can lead to personal injury or damage to the equipment. Provide ventilation to outdoors from the battery compartment when
installing vented batteries such as golf cart T-1 05 batteries. The addition of a spill tray is also a good idea.
Clean all battery terminals. Very high currents are drawn from the batteries; even a small amount of electrical resistance can result in
overheating, poor performance, premature failure or even fire.
Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing or eyes. Wear complete eye and clothing
protection. Always avoid touching eyes while working near batteries. If battery acid or battery terminal corrosion contacts skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters the eyes, immediately flood with cool running water for at least 1 5 minutes and get
medical attention immediately. Baking soda neutralizes battery acid electrolyte. Keep a supply near the batteries
Do not work alone. Someone should be in the range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work with or near
electrical equipment.
Remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches etc. when working with batteries, photovoltaic modules or other electrical equipment.
Power from an illuminated photovoltaic array makes a very effective arc welder with dire consequences if one of the welded pieces is on
your person.
To reduce the risk of injury, connect only deep cycle lead acid type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may leak or burst,
causing personal injury or damage.
Wiring methods used shall be in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
Wiring must be done in accordance with the National Electrical Code Article 690 ANSI/NFPA 70. Use Class 1 wiring methods for field
wiring connections to terminals of a Class 2 circuit. Use only 1 4-1 0 gauge AWM wire. Select the wire gauge used based on the protection
provided by the circuit breakers/fuses. Overcurrent protection must be installed as part of the system installation. Refer to the wiring
diagrams provided in this manual for breaker/fuse/GFDI sizes and model numbers.
WARNING: This unit is not provided with a GFDI device. This inverter or charge controller must be used with an external GFDI device as
required by the Article 690 of the National Electrical Code for the installation location.
Use of attachments or accessories not approved by MidNite Solar could result in damage or injury.
Before making any connections verify that the circuit breakers are in the off position including the inverter breaker. Double check all
wiring before applying power.
