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Auto-detectedWiring standards shown include AU/NZ references. US equivalents: PV1-F → USE-2, V90 → THWN-2. NEC Article 690 applies.
AWG ↔ mm² Quick Reference
How to Crimp a Cable Lug
The most critical skill in any DC build — done right, a crimped lug is stronger than the cable itself.
Hydraulic lug crimper, Wire cutters, Heavy-duty cable stripper, Heat gun, Copper compression lug, Heat shrink tubing, Battery cable
How to Install MC4 Connectors
MC4s are the industry standard for solar panel connections — but a bad crimp causes arcing and fires.
MC4 crimping tool (brand-matched), Wire stripper, MC4 assembly tool, Multimeter, MC4 male and female connectors, 4mm² or 6mm² PV solar cable
How to Fit Bootlace Ferrules
Ferrules prevent strand splaying in screw terminals — essential for MPPT, inverter, and charger connections.
Ratchet ferrule crimper, Wire stripper, Bootlace ferrules (correct size), Fine-strand wire
How to Measure and Cut Cable Correctly
Accurate cable lengths prevent voltage drop, reduce waste, and make for a professional-looking install.
Tape measure, Cable cutters, Marker pen, Battery cable or PV cable
How to Route and Secure Cables
Proper cable routing prevents chafing, vibration damage, and makes troubleshooting infinitely easier.
Cable tie gun, Drill and step bit, Conduit cutter, Stainless steel cable ties, Split loom conduit, Rubber grommets, Cable clips
How to Wire a Battery to a Busbar
The battery-to-busbar connection is the heart of your DC system — get the sequence and fusing right.
Torque wrench, Multimeter, Cable cutters, Hydraulic crimper, Flexible DC cable, Copper compression lugs, Class T or ANL fuse holder + fuse, Busbars, Heat shrink
How to Connect an MPPT Charge Controller
Correct wiring sequence prevents damage to the controller — always connect battery first, solar last.
Screwdriver, Multimeter, Wire stripper, Ferrule crimper, Bootlace ferrules, DC cable, Inline fuse or circuit breaker, MC4 connectors
How to Wire an Inverter
Inverters draw the highest currents in your system — cable sizing and fusing are critical.
Torque wrench, Hydraulic crimper, Multimeter, Cable cutters, Large flexible DC cable, Copper compression lugs, ANL or Class T fuse holder + fuse, Heat shrink
How to Install a Battery Shunt Correctly
A shunt must be the only path for all negative current — any bypass makes the readings useless.
Multimeter, Torque wrench, Wire stripper, Crimper, Battery shunt, Short cable (battery negative to shunt), Cable (shunt to negative busbar), Battery monitor display unit
How to Mount Solar Panels on a Van Roof
Roof mounting must handle highway speeds, rain, and vibration — the wrong adhesive or bracket will fail.
Drill and bits, Silicone gun, Torque wrench, Tape measure, Solar panel mounting brackets, VHB tape or self-tapping screws, Sikaflex 252 sealant, Rubber grommets, Cable entry gland
How to Wire a Solar Array (Series vs Parallel)
The wiring configuration affects your MPPT input voltage, cable sizing, and shading performance.
Multimeter, MC4 assembly tool, Wire stripper, MC4 crimper, PV solar cable, MC4 connectors, MC4 branch connectors for parallel strings, MC4 inline fuses
How to Use a Multimeter for DC Systems
A multimeter is your most important diagnostic tool — knowing how to use it correctly prevents mistakes and finds faults fast.
Digital multimeter with DC voltage, resistance, and continuity modes
First Power-On Commissioning Checklist
A systematic first power-on prevents damage to components and catches wiring errors before they become fires.
Multimeter, Clamp meter, IR thermometer (recommended), Notebook
AC Safety in Australia — What You Can and Cannot Do Yourself
The legal boundary between DIY DC and licensed AC work in Australia. Know the rules before you touch a 240V wire.
None — this is a reading guide, AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (reference), AS/NZS 3001 (Caravans and Tents)
AC Safety in the UK — Part P and What You Can Legally Do
Part P of the Building Regulations controls domestic electrical work in the UK. Understand notifiable vs non-notifiable work before you start.
None — this is a reading guide, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations), Part P Building Regulations guidance
Neutral-to-Ground Bonding in Australia — A Decision Tree
When, where, and how to bond neutral to earth in Australian off-grid systems. Getting this wrong is lethal.
Multimeter, Continuity tester, Torque wrench, Earth bonding conductor (green/yellow), Earth stake or chassis bonding point, Victron inverter with ground relay
Earthing and Bonding in the UK — A Decision Tree
When, where, and how to earth and bond in UK off-grid systems. BS 7671 requirements for caravans, cabins, and inverter systems.
Multimeter, Continuity tester, Torque wrench, Earthing conductor (green/yellow), Earth electrode or chassis bonding point, Victron inverter with ground relay
Victron MultiPlus VEConfigure — Australia Settings
The exact VEConfigure settings for Australian 240V/50Hz systems. Wrong grid code or voltage settings can damage appliances or void warranty.
Windows PC with VEConfigure3, MK3-USB interface cable, VictronConnect app (for firmware updates), Victron MultiPlus or Quattro inverter/charger, VE.Bus firmware 4.30 or later
Victron MultiPlus VEConfigure — UK Settings
The exact VEConfigure settings for UK 230V/50Hz systems. BS 7671 compliance starts with correct inverter configuration.
Windows PC with VEConfigure3, MK3-USB interface cable, VictronConnect app, Victron MultiPlus or Quattro inverter/charger, VE.Bus firmware 4.30 or later
RCD and RCBO Selection for Australian Off-Grid Systems
Type AC, Type A, Type F, or Type B? 30mA or 10mA? Learn which RCD your build needs and why.
RCD tester (licensed electrician equipment), Multimeter, RCD or RCBO (correct type and rating), Circuit breaker (if using separate RCD), DIN rail enclosure
RCD and RCBO Selection for UK Off-Grid Systems
BS 7671 requirements for RCD types, ratings, and testing in caravans, cabins, and inverter systems.
RCD tester (registered electrician equipment), Multimeter, RCD or RCBO (correct type and rating), MCB (if using separate RCD), Consumer unit or enclosure
Shore Power Hookup for Australian Caravans and Off-Grid Systems
Inlet types, polarity testing, and safe connection practices for Australian 240V caravan parks and domestic sockets.
Polarity tester, Multimeter, Insulation resistance tester (electrician), Torque wrench, Caravan inlet (15A or 32A), Shore power lead with correct plug, RCD (30mA Type A), Circuit breaker or RCBO
Shore Power Hookup for UK Caravans and Off-Grid Systems
Blue CEE connectors, polarity testing, and safe campsite hookup for UK 230V systems.
Polarity tester, Multimeter, Insulation resistance tester (electrician), Torque wrench, Blue 16A CEE inlet (IEC 60309), Hookup lead with correct connectors, 30mA RCD or RCBO, MCB (if using separate RCD)
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