How to see AC Amps from Inverter/Charger?

[rlamb]

On my 2004 Hunter 466 I noticed that the AC Ammeter on the panel does not include the amps being used by the Charger. I discovered this because I was popping the breaker but was well under 20 Amps on the panel. When I investigated I realized that the charging amps were not running thru the panel. If i reduced the allowable amps for the charger the breakers stopped popping.

My desire is to have the Inverter/Charger shunted thru the panel along with the rest of the boat (50 amp guage) and I wondered if anyone had done the same thing? I assume it is only a matter of shunting the Charger thru the same shunt but wanted to check with anone who has done this.

Rgds,
Roger

 

[Don Lucas]

On my 410 the panel ampmeter only shows what is going out on the main DC bus, wouldn't show amps for charging or though the inverter.

I installed a Victron Battery Monitor and this tracks all amps into or out of the house batteries. I would recommend you get a battery monitor instead of missing around with any type of rewiring of the original circuits. The battery monitor provides a lot more useful info than just the amps!

 

[rlamb]

I should have mentioned I want to see the AC amps, including what the charger is using. I have ordered a monitor for the batteries.

 

[artboas]

This is a little complicated

I should have mentioned I want to see the AC amps, including what the charger is using. I have ordered a monitor for the batteries.

Ok, a few basics
I'm guessing the charger you have is a Xantrex inverter/charger Freedom series.
It has an internal transfer switch, which allows its output loads to be run from either shore, or the inverter.
The bits would have been wired that the Xantrex output only ran circuits such as outlets, microwave , and stereo.
The airco & hot water tank would be on a different bus.
The reason for this is because the inverter cannot run the hot water & airco loads.
So, the AC ammeter is likely only showing the current from this branch; not the total AC shore current.
It would be a significant re-wire to take your shore service through the panel, and then re-distribute.

Having said that, if you want a total ship's service AC ammneter, then the simpler way to do it is locate it near the main breaker which disconnects on board power. Not sure where it is on your boat, but it would be within 10 feet of the AC inlet

 

[rlamb]

Re: This is a little complicated

Thanks much for the detailed comments. Yes it is the Xantrex and you are correct in that it is setup to support the AC of the boat (when no shore power available) for all but the A/C and hot water heater. The inverter is underneath the Nav station seat and the A/C - D/C panel is right next to it. The AC Ammeter goes up to 50 Amps so wondering how/ehy it would be difficult to run all the A/C amps thru this meter? Im hoping it is fairly reasonable but havent loked behind the panel. Open for added comments or if anyone has done this?