Need help developing my wiring layout

[scoutkid]

All,

Greetings! I am finally getting around to setting up the power systems in my van, and I could use a bit of help. Mostly I just want to make sure I don't burn Vantom to the ground, so if you could help with that I'd appreciate it :sombrero:

I found this diagram online, and I think it gets PRETTY close to what I would like to do. I just purchased a power CONVERTER, so I can charge my house battery from shore power. Additionally, I have a solar array and charge controller. Ideally, I would like to be able to charge all batteries (house and start) with either solar or shore power or the alternator. Additionally, I'd like to have the house battery isolated from the start batteries. It LOOKS like this this setup would do it. However I don't see an isolator anywhere in there....

http://www.where-rv-now.com/Notes/Amp/2003Diagram.html



Also, I have a 2000W INVERTER. Is it possible to wire it in so that any of my 120V outlets will see either shore power (if connected) OR the inverter (if boondocking)? That is one part that is throwing me off.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[scoutkid]

Ok, so after a bit of research I have come up with this.



My biggest question comes regarding the Inverter and Converter. I don't think I want to put them on the same 120 V circuit because the converter will think the inverter is some form of shore power, correct? If so, how would you go about separating that 120 V power?

Some sort of transfer switch? I just don't want to have special 120 V outlets for the converter and the inverter.

 

[G35Vortec454]

For simplicity, reliability and full automation of your power system, get a single box that incorporates the inverter, 3 or 4 stage charger, and transfer switch. Use it with your sunsaver-duo and a high-output alternator, along with a robust battery bank and you'll have a great boondocking system

 

[4x4junkie]

My biggest question comes regarding the Inverter and Converter. I don't think I want to put them on the same 120 V circuit because the converter will think the inverter is some form of shore power, correct? If so, how would you go about separating that 120 V power?

Some sort of transfer switch? I just don't want to have special 120 V outlets for the converter and the inverter.

An "Inverter/Charger" unit probably would make things a lot simpler. Such units have a built in transfer switch that seamlessly makes the switch from Inverter (from your batteries) to 120VAC shore power and vice-versa. At the same time it will also charge your 12V batteries while shore (or generator) power is present.
Xantrex units are pretty well-made IME.

Otherwise yeah you'll need a separate transfer switch to switch the shore power to your outlets.

Edit:
G35 beat me to it (got sidetracked for a moment lol)

 

[dwh]

 

[dwh]

Or...

 

[dwh]

One thing to keep in mind is the limits of the available shore power. If it's a 30a supply, then pretty much no worries, but what if it's a 15a supply?

Figure a 25a@12v converter/charger. Move the decimal point and it's 2.5a@120v.
Plus overhead...figure it's gonna draw maybe...say 3a from the shore power.

That'd leave 12a available.

120v / 12a = 1000w

So if you draw over 1000w from the plugs inside the camper, *while* the charger is drawing 3a - you're gonna pop the 15a shore power supply breaker. (If you use a transfer switch.)

In that case, you'd be better off just drawing your power inside the camper from the inverter only, and leave the shore power just for topping up the battery. (Per the second modded diagram I just posted.)

 

[dwh]

BTW, which converter did you buy?

 

[4x4junkie]

Some (don't know if all) Xantrex inv/chg units have a setting where they automatically cut the battery charge power down if the load on the outlets side exceeds a certain amount (say the battery charger operates at 60A, that's ~900 watts on the 120VAC side. Start up a microwave oven, for example (1400W) and it will automatically cut the battery charge current down to ~26-28 amps (or about 400 watts) during that time. This should prevent a 15A shore breaker from popping.

The Freedom SW series I know has this function.

 

[dwh]

Yea that's true. Pretty sure the ProSine inverter/charger lets you do something like that as well.

But...

In the OP, he stated he's *already got* both the converter and the inverter. In a case like that, I generally just try to work with what's already there rather than start recommending blue-sky "best of the best" solutions.

 

[Bergum]

Do it like in the middle drawing, and put a switch on the topmost wire.
Then you can have the advantage of bouth systems. More power when avaliable, or easy on the power grid when needed.

B4x4.no