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  • Is 10A breaker better than 32A breaker for a 3kVA MultiPlus-II with 2400W rating

    Posted by Innova on January 14, 2024 at 8:02 pm
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    I’m questioning the use of a 32A breaker for my 3kVA MultiPlus-II, which translates to about 10.43A at 2400W. Wouldn’t a 10A breaker be more suitable to protect against overload?

    SolarVoyager replied 5 months, 3 weeks ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
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  • SolarVoyager

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    January 15, 2024 at 4:54 am
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    The idea of using a 10A breaker for a 3kVA MultiPlus-II, considering its 2400W rating, needs careful consideration of several factors:

    • Operating Current vs. Breaker Rating: The 2400W rating indeed suggests an operating current of about 10.43A at 230V. However, breaker sizing isn’t solely based on the normal operating current. It also considers the maximum current that the unit can safely handle, inrush currents, and the nature of the loads and charging cycles.

    • Protection Against Overload: A 10A breaker would offer protection directly aligned with the typical operating current. However, it might trip frequently due to the inrush currents or transient spikes, which are common in power electronic devices like inverters.

    • Inverter’s Built-in Protection: The MultiPlus-II has built-in protection mechanisms to prevent overload and damage. It is designed to handle transient overloads and manage power distribution between charging and output loads without exceeding its total capacity.

    • Flexibility and Practicality: A 32A breaker provides a buffer that accommodates normal fluctuations in current draw, especially during battery charging or when heavy loads are switched on. This prevents unnecessary tripping, which can be disruptive and may potentially harm sensitive connected equipment.

    • Safety and Standards Compliance: Electrical installations are often governed by safety standards that recommend or require breakers to have a higher rating than the maximum operating current of devices for added safety, accounting for unforeseen scenarios and installation variances.

    So, while a 10A breaker seems theoretically aligned with the operating current derived from the 2400W rating, a 32A breaker provides a practical, flexible, and safer approach, considering the dynamic nature of power draw in inverter systems.

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