©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.
Regardless of the type of diversion load you decide to utilize, make sure that
the diversion load can handle all the power the charging system is capable of
putting out. Paralleling heater elements (whether open air or water heater) will
allow more power dissipation. A good rule of thumb is to not have a combined
charging source greater than 80% of the diversion load controllers current
handling ability. For example, if a Trace C-Series, 40-amp diversion load
controller is being used, do not place a combination of charging sources which
are capable of putting out more than 32 amps (80% of 40 amps) on the load
controllers circuit. Sizing a diversion system this way allows a safety margin
for unusual conditions (high winds, high water flow, etc.). It is not recom-
mended that light bulbs be used as diversion loads for a couple of reasons:
1.
An incandescent light bulb has a substantially lower cold filament resistance
than when it is on. This means it draws more power (up to five times) to
start the light when it is cold than once the filament has warmed up. Even
a 40-watt light bulb may have an in-rush amperage at turn-on of 200
amps. This could cause the load controller to shut down.
2.
In the event a light bulb load burns out, a smaller-than-necessary load will
be present, and the excess energy will have nowhere to go.
7.0 DIVERSION LOADS
45
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