Magnum inverter/charger tutorial?

mitiempo · Jan 30, 2016

Seems like a good idea - I can't recall ever seeing a good inverter install tutorial.

Stu Jackson · Jan 30, 2016

mt, one of the reasons I'd think is that the installation of in inverter and even inverter/chargers is the simple part.

The hardest part is designing the SYSTEM, both sides, so that the right equipment can be selected.

Issues that are major determinants include Management - does the AC side have an ATS or will manual switching be required; does the AC inverter side feed separate sub panels or the main panel which would require managing loads; and DC system support side.

These are issues that have been long and detailed enough to warrant complete BOOKS and websites.

Not sayin' it couldn't be done, but it'd be a pretty hefty investment to do so. In many cases, the list of the options available in system design and management alone would be longer than the How Do wire up and mount the equipment: it's what it's connected to that's so critical.

Like, for example, explaining an ATS to unknowledegable skippers alone would be a half page.

mitiempo · Jan 30, 2016

Stu, I agree. There are many variables when installing an inverter/charger. Actually most manuals I have seen cover the basic options fairly well - even Xantrex.
I answered this post because it looked a bit lost - no replies in 3+ weeks.

Maine Sail · Jan 31, 2016

I will eventually get to it but building the new web site is taking most of my free time.

GorillaToast · Feb 19, 2016

Rodd said:
Thanks Maine!
and yes Stu, the system is key. I am interested in the ATS end of it myself. I feel power from inverter to Master breaker on panel lets one select which loads to use that are compatible with the size inverter one has installed.

Can both shore power and inverter be connected to the AC master breaker? I was just planning to use my Xantrex Prowatt sw2000 as a stand alone for powering occasionally used AC appliances. It never occurred to me to use it to power the outlets.

Stu Jackson · Feb 19, 2016

GorillaToast said:
Can both shore power and inverter be connected to the AC master breaker? I was just planning to use my Xantrex Prowatt sw2000 as a stand alone for powering occasionally used AC appliances. It never occurred to me to use it to power the outlets.

RTFM. F stands for funny.

Can both shore power and inverter be connected to the AC master breaker? NOT at the SAME TIME if BOTH are ON. You'll, literally, blow things up!!!

One MUST think of an inverter as a SOURCE of power, just like your local utility through shorepower, and generators.

seadaddler · Feb 19, 2016

I have a 2000 inverter/charger on my 2007 H-36 and the inverter yes does supply
power to all my outlets and microwave and anything needing 110 power when the remote is pushed for inverter.
But I also have (auto switching) to prevent shore power and inverter power to main panel at the same time and some boats use some kind of manual rotary switch to prevent shore power and inverter at same time.
Nick

GorillaToast · Feb 19, 2016

Stu Jackson said:
RTFM. F stands for funny.

Stu, have you read the Xantrex manual? I have, cover to cover, and there is no information on attaching the AC output to loads in any other way than plugging them into the front panel outlets. In fact, the two wiring diagrams don't even show AC loads in the circuits.

Stu Jackson said:
Can both shore power and inverter be connected to the AC master breaker? NOT at the SAME TIME if BOTH are ON. You'll, literally, blow things up!!!

Obviously!

GorillaToast · Feb 19, 2016

seadaddler said:
But I also have (auto switching) to prevent shore power and inverter power to main panel at the same time...
Nick

Nick, could you elaborate on the auto switching?

mitiempo · Feb 19, 2016

Nick's SW2000 has a built-in transfer switch. That means either all or a portion of the shore power passes through the inverter. When the shore power is present the inverter passes it on to breakers for outlets and is a battery charger. When the shore power is not present the inverter produces AC power from the battery bank and powers the same outlets.

GorillaToast · Feb 19, 2016

mitiempo said:
Nick's SW2000 has a built-in transfer switch. That means either all or a portion of the shore power passes through the inverter. When the shore power is present the inverter passes it on to breakers for outlets and is a battery charger. When the shore power is not present the inverter produces AC power from the battery bank and powers the same outlets.

How is it wired into the system? Put a 3-prong plug onto some 14/3 triplex wire and connect to the AC panel's main breaker from the inverters front panel?

mitiempo · Feb 19, 2016

GorillaToast said:
How is it wired into the system? Put a 3-prong plug onto some 14/3 triplex wire and connect to the AC panel's main breaker from the inverters front panel?

Because it is both an inverter and a charger it has both an AC input and an AC output. These are hardwired - there are not any 3 prong plugs on this model.

GorillaToast · Feb 19, 2016

Oh, mine is the PROwatt SW2000 inverter only, not a charger/inverter.

mitiempo · Feb 19, 2016

Correct, your PROwatt SW2000 is a stand alone inverter. Some inverters and all inverter/chargers allow for connection to external outlets. Some inverters that are not chargers have AC pass through capability as well.

You could connect an extension or powerbar to your inverter to make using appliances more convenient.

Maine Sail · Feb 20, 2016

GorillaToast said:
Can both shore power and inverter be connected to the AC master breaker?

No not without a SHORE/OFF/INVERTER transfer switch.

GorillaToast said:
I was just planning to use my Xantrex Prowatt sw2000 as a stand alone for powering occasionally used AC appliances. It never occurred to me to use it to power the outlets.

This is the best way for that type of inverter. I generally advise that type of inverter be wired only to dedicated inverter only separate outlets and not to the ships AC panel.

GorillaToast · Feb 20, 2016

mitiempo said:
You could connect an extension or powerbar to your inverter to make using appliances more convenient.

That is exactly what I originally planned to do. Thanks for your help.

GorillaToast · Feb 20, 2016

[QUOTE="Maine Sail, post: 1273187, member: 2"|
This is the best way for that type of inverter. I generally advise that type of inverter be wired only to dedicated inverter only separate outlets and not to the ships AC panel.[/QUOTE]

I think I'll just use its own outlets. KISS!

btw, just got my Sterling 60A charger. Nice!! Plan to install it Monday
Thanks

Maine Sail · Feb 20, 2016

Did you order the ProCharge Ultra from me? I know I shipped out a couple of 60A chargers last week. But screen names and bill to names are different.