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orangeminnie · 02-23-2020, 11:14 AM

All my outlets are on the output side of a Xantrex XC2000 inverter/charger/transfer switch. The charge function cannot be turned off when 120v is supplied. I want to run a 120v dehydrator at all times, but I don't want or need my lithium batteries sitting on the charger all winter. Should I rig up a special outlet on the input side of the Xantrex and then turn off the Xantrex input breaker? Can I power the Xantrex with the batteries disconnected ("charging into thin air")? Any other suggestions?

RKins · 02-24-2020, 06:38 AM

Do you mean a dehumidifier? Will there be a source of power by the rig all winter? You could just plug the device into that source. Maybe I need more clear info.

orangeminnie · 02-24-2020, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKins

Do you mean a dehumidifier? Will there be a source of power by the rig all winter? You could just plug the device into that source. Maybe I need more clear info.

Yes: dehumidifier. We are in a very wet climate. Yes there will be power at the rig all winter. I'm planning to go with my first option, but open to suggestions! Thank you!

96 Wideglide · 02-26-2020, 11:48 AM

Run an extension cord thru a cracked open window to power your dehumidifier.

orangeminnie · 02-26-2020, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Run an extension cord thru a cracked open window to power your dehumidifier.

I'm an annoying Radio Engineer who can spend too much time looking for the "professional" solution, when a seat-of-the-pants solution would work just as well and save hours of time. Thanks!

Here's a question: do you think people would pay a bit extra to store their RV (at an outdoor lot), if 110v was readily available at each unit, to run trickle chargers and dehumidifiers?

astrocamper · 02-27-2020, 10:45 AM

My Spartan Power 2200 pure sine wave inverter has the ability to disable the charging function. I leave my charging turned off and let the solar controllers charge the batteries.

I read the manual for yours and didn't see a way to full disable charging. It wouldn't be hard to install a sealable port to pass the extension cable through.

Dav L · 02-27-2020, 06:18 PM

And you do want to keep the lithium batteries charged thru the winter...and is there a battery protection circuit so they don't charge / get used if they are cold?

orangeminnie · 02-27-2020, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

And you do want to keep the lithium batteries charged thru the winter...and is there a battery protection circuit so they don't charge / get used if they are cold?

The best for lithium is to just disconnect them for the winter. This is what I'll do once I add a pre-inverter/charger convenience outlet for the dehumidifier. It's above freezing here 80% of the time in the winter.