Specialty Concepts SC3/15 - Manual (Page 6)

3. LOCATION: - The SC3/15 should be mounted where it can be easily seen and reached
to take the best advantage of the metering. Carefully consider how the wires are to be
run from the solar panel to the controller, and from the controller to the battery. The
SC3/15 should be mounted as close to the battery as possible, and should be mounted
on a vertical surface to aid in cooling.
FLUSH MOUNT: The SC3/15 is designed to be recessed into the side of a cabinet or
wall where the wiring can be accessed from the back. Allow 2 - 3 inches behind the
unit.
WALL MOUNT: The SC3/15 with 4x7 BOX is designed to be mounted on the surface of
a cabinet or wall. Wiring can be run down the wall or through a hole in the wall
directly below the controller.
4. PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: - The unit should be mounted indoors, out of the
weather, unless a weatherproof enclosure is used. Avoid mounting in direct sunlight or in
a hot environment. Basically, do not mount anywhere you would not put a TV or stereo.
5. PREPARE THE LOCATION PRIOR TO WIRING:
FLUSH MOUNT: Use the template provided to position and mark the cut-out and the
four mounting holes. Make the cut-out using a key hole or jig saw. Start by drilling
holes in the corners, then saw between the holes.
WALL MOUNT: Mount the knock-out box to the wall using suitable fasteners.
6. COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION OF PANEL, BATTERIES AND LOAD: - Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for mounting and wiring the solar panel, batteries and the
load. Install with the correct series-parallel configuration to insure proper system voltage
and current.
7. SELECT WIRE:
WIRE TYPE: - It is recommended that stranded wire rather than solid wire be used
whenever possible, because stranded wire does not fatigue and cause loose
connections over time as easily as solid wire does.
WIRE SIZE: - Wire should be sized of sufficient gauge to safely handle the rated
current of the system and to limit voltage drop. The wiring used within the
controller is of sufficient gauge to handle the currents carried, and these wires are
short enough that voltage drops are not a concern, but larger gauge may be
appropriate for runs to the array or battery.
Approximate Wire Size: (for 10 foot total length: panels to batteries)
# Solar Panels (50 watt) Minimum Wire Gauge
1 # 14
2 # 12
3 - 6 # 10