Have you replaced Xantrex with Xantrex - inverter / chargers

[IanSmith-UK]

After 17 years it looks like our Xantrex RV2012 MSW inverter / charger might have 'died' - presently undergoing 'investigative surgery' to properly diagnose the problem (will not invert) and explore possible / alternative treatment / 'cures'

Currently researching replacements whilst I await the engineer's report -
I am favouring replacement / upgrade to the Xantrex Freedom SW2012 or 3012
BUT
what have others done with the 'extra' ground cable connection ??
(The RV2012 has an extra ground connection on the side of the unit - in addition to the battery ground on the front of the unit - the newer SW2012 / 3012 only has the battery ground connection)

Am not interested in swapping out to Magnum / Victron / Sterling - "other makes are also available" because of the remodelling required (bad enough with the new Xantrex remote controls but at least the new Xantrex inverter / charger has the same size / footprint and will go in the same place)

?? Anybody done a similar Xantrex to Xantrex upgrade / swap ??

Best wishes from 'across the pond'

Ian S.
Exeter, UK
CC 2005 Allure 430 #31231
CAT C9 #9DG02935

[Argosy]

The old one may have been electrically noisy and the case was a shield and grounded to help with interference. Newer technology is smaller, uses less power and not as noisy. Personally I'd use the old ground, if there's no convenient screw or bolt use a toothed lock washer between the case and ground under one of the mounting bolts. Or clamp it up out of the way if you rather.

[Biljol]

That “extra ground” is the main ground for the house 12v system.

When I replaced mine (to a magnum) that ground needed to be connected to the negative lug on the magnum. I believe you will need to do the same and connect to the negative lug on the inverter.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Your biggest problem will be the remote panel and any auxiliary Xantrex devices, e.g. Auto Gen Start. The new units are incompatible, so you end up buying multiple new pieces of gear.

The SW series inverters have a "ground point" on the housing that serves the same purpose as on your RV2012. It is shown in Figure 10 of the SW-series installation manual.

[IanSmith-UK]

Originally Posted by Biljol

That “extra ground” is the main ground for the house 12v system.
When I replaced mine (to a magnum) that ground needed to be connected to the negative lug on the magnum. I believe you will need to do the same and connect to the negative lug on the inverter.

Thanks for the destination / confirmation of the 'extra ground'
(When I removed the inverter - I 'lost' a load of electricals until I reconnected the 'extra ground' to the temporarily redundant battery ground - so suspected something similar just hadn't got around to investigating)

Hope I have enough slack to reach the negative stud on the new inverter if necessary - time will tell

Thanks again