Inverter/converter

[jeflen]

I am going to by a new inver converter but know which to look at. I currently have a xantrex proline 2.0. Starting to have problems. Would appreciate any suggestions

[twinboat]

They often work or not.

If your having problems, you need to troubleshoot the whole system.

[paul65k]

Magnum 3012 is a very good inverter as is the Victron Multiplus 12/3000.
Victron is that it can be monitored and controlled from your smartphone so no need to run a wire for the control panel

[twinboat]

Moving up to a 3000 watt inverter may involve upgrading a lot of wiring, both battery and 120 volt sides.

[Brianna]

How do you figure, twinboat?

[cavie]

Increase from 2000 to 3000 will require and up size in the wire GA.

[twinboat]

#1: The battery cables and fuse will need to be upgraded to handle the additional amp draw of a larger inverter/charger.

#2: A 2000 watt inverter may be wired into a 15 or 20 amp circuit. 2000 watts is about 16 amps.
A 3000 watt inverter is a capable of about 25 amps. If the wiring is undersized, it becomes a fire hazard.

[ElvistheKing]

I'm very pleased with my Victron Quattro, it allowed me to replace both my old charger-inverter AND the auto transfer switch (because it has 2 AC inputs: one for shore power, the other for the generator). The power-boost feature is awesome: so useful on the limited current pitches we get over here (the absolute maximum is 16A and in Germany, I have seen 6A!).

I can monitor and control the system from 6000 miles away.
(https://vrm.victronenergy.com/instal...47118/advanced)

And it acts as a UPS for my "stuff".

And for me (a bit of a geek) I can even muck about integrating it with the Home Automation system I am slowly putting into my RV.

BUT it wasn't cheap :-(

[Brianna]

Ahhh.
Got it.
You mean up-size the battery-to-inverter cables, and the inverter-to-distribution panel cables.
I was thinking you were saying rewire all the house circuits. So I was like, whaaaat?

[wolfe10]

Higher amp inverter/charger is ONLY of value if you have a battery bank large enough to support it AND have high-amp appliances that you want to be able to run on it.


Higher amp inverter/chargers use more voltage in "stand by mode" and cost more.


Align what you buy with YOUR needs.

[ElvistheKing]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Higher amp inverter/charger is ONLY of value if you have a battery bank large enough to support it AND have high-amp appliances that you want to be able to run on it.


Higher amp inverter/chargers use more voltage in "stand by mode" and cost more.


Align what you buy with YOUR needs.

960Ah
Washing Machine
Dishwasher
Microwave
AC

Just experimenting with the AES feature on the Victron to reduce the standby power but I'm finding that it's my 12v system that draws most of the current when not plugged in and idle (fairly certain its all my own fault because of my coms/HA setup).

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by ElvistheKing

960Ah
Washing Machine
Dishwasher
Microwave
AC

Just experimenting with the AES feature on the Victron to reduce the standby power but I'm finding that it's my 12v system that draws most of the current when not plugged in and idle (fairly certain its all my own fault because of my coms/HA setup).

Wow, you must have a HUGE battery bank to even consider running a washing machine or even dish washer on the inverter.



Doubt more than a hand full or motorhomes could/should do that.


I know I would never consider running either of those while dry camping!

[ElvistheKing]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Wow, you must have a HUGE battery bank to even consider running a washing machine or even dish washer on the inverter.



Doubt more than a hand full or motorhomes could/should do that.


I know I would never consider running either of those while dry camping!

It's also to run off campsite power that may only be as much as 6A (at 240v but still) in Germany, for instance, using the power boost feature on the inverter.

p.s. With the AES on my 5Kw inverter draws 19w at the "first setting" if I set it to "search mode" the specs say it will draw 10w.

For reference, the rest of my 12v system whilst idle draws 78w.

8 x 6v Lead Acid, batteries, I keep looking at the Lithium Cells to see what I could fit in the same space, but it's a lot of money and my LA's are not that old.

[DrDaveMA]

Originally Posted by ElvistheKing

960Ah

Washing Machine

Dishwasher

Microwave

AC



Just experimenting with the AES feature on the Victron to reduce the standby power but I'm finding that it's my 12v system that draws most of the current when not plugged in and idle (fairly certain its all my own fault because of my coms/HA setup).

You definitely do not want to run the A/C off the battery bank, with the standard WRV 8 battery set up you will be out of power way to fast.