I did not recognise that instantly but read the manual and there it was. There was something about passwords and regulations so that one can not just start messing the network.
Can someone point me to where in the manual is states or explains the input is bidirectional, looking at the wiring schematic it makes sense but for peace of mind would just want to clarify. Great video though!!
@@eliotmansfield lol bi directional had a talk with someone and I said could I feed PV back the AC output and I was told no looked at the schematics and it’s a big relay, AC in its makeup is bidirectional Alternating Current. Great mock-up just seeing the easiest way I could add one with PV backup as well
@@incognitowarrior The multiplus wont feed back into the grid on failure there's dual contactors inside the unit (in series - so double redundancy) which drops the "output" on grid loss. This is a certified requirement for G98/G99 in the UK and elsewhere.
this video pretty much covered off the last hurdle I was stuck on - a lot of the diagrams online totally skip over the single leg mode and what that means in simple terms thank you for this! also another person into track cars and ham radio, top man! M7TJF
2:02 would I need a meter still, if my multiplus was the first thing between the main meter and the fuse panel, if the main meter also has a second fuse panel branching off to another part of the house? my goal is not to export. tyvm
all consumption needs to be cross the victron (so it can use its internal energy meter) for it to work correctly. If that’s not the case then you need an external meter. You can also fit an external current clamp on the victron as others have suggested , but I have run into a different issue with that which ive not determined the problem yet.(there’s a thread on victron named slow ess response)
Thanks for the clear explanation, I'm early days for solar etc so in need of good info. Will you please consider a video to explain your whole system with your rational for the choices you made?
This was really great. I have an apartment with 3 phases and only light loads. I start with a simple solution, just using multiplus ii as a ups. Just plugging the input to normal wall outlet. What i did not realise was that I need rcd on the output.
Hi Eliot - great video. Helped me no end. I am drawing up my wiring diagram for my Multiplus II at the moment. I am using Visio. I would like to use your Visio drawing as a start point. Would it be possible for me to upload a copy of your one for me to then modify for my needs?
Hello and congratulations for the video I come to you for the multiplus can we use the ACin input not permanently on the network but just connect it to a 230V 20A socket (France) to just supply the ACin input to charge a park battery at night rate and use the ACout during the day to restore the energy to my electrical panel? because connecting the ACin to the network bothers me a little because it requires a lot of steps because if there is a risk of injection into the network it is necessary to go through a Consuel I would especially like to be in self-consumption and from time to time be able to close the multiplus with a source inverter in my prolonged absence and switch to the direct network laurent
Great video & only one I could find that clearly explained single leg mode. I’m connecting Multiplus II 48/3000 in single leg mode & assume I can use a type B 16A MCB (due to effective limitation of 13A from 3000) & 1.5mm2 cabling or should I be using a type B RCBO?
Thanks for that. Regarding the earth/neutral bonding relay in the Victron, does it bond when it loses grid earth reference or when grid power is not detected?
Hmm. I hadn't realised it would connect Neutral+earth for 'fake TN-C-S'. I assumed I would need an earth rod for grid-down operation. But the whole thing will just be floating at some random voltage given that neither Neutral nor Earth are actually referenced to anything, won't it? Seems to me that an actual earth (via rod) would be a good idea here.
i guess you wont need the meter when mppt only charges the battery but what is the state of earth and neutral in off grid situation .. ? because i saw a parameter inside system and left it as it is... not yet installed .. will work as mobile station but alway s propper earthed when operated . nice video helped a lot..
Hi Eliot, thanks it's getting clearer. In the last diagram, "single leg mode", how does the Multiplus connect to the consumer unit without blowing up? Does it detect the phase of the grid and somehow match it? I'm worried about spending all this dough and wiring it like this.. Cheers
Hi Eliot you are the champ in keeping things simple. I am planning a home batterie and have a three fase grid connection. Is it possible to take one phase and just add a multiplus 2 (with a 10000 Kva 48 battery hooked up to it).
Hi Eliot, when the Multiplus 2 is in UPS mode presumably it isolates the input/output from back feeding the grid, so is in anti-islanding mode? Also I intend using a laptop to programme the unit, do you know if there is a UPS setting on this interface?
Excellent and very helpful video thanks for posting it. I would like to convert my system to Victron ESS but I have an existing Growatt hybrid inverter with 4.5kw of pv and 17kwh of pylontech. I have a victron Multiplus II and an additional Seplos Mason battery but I am not sure how best to set them up preferably using ESS if that is possible. Any thought?
Thanks Eliot great video the diagrams make the explanation really simple and you have probably answered 100 of my questions in that video. I'm on a quest to build my initial setup with what I think will be The Multiplus II 48v 5000 With a small capacity of Pylontech Batteries initially then growing overtime. The house doesn't have big loads at present no car charger (yet) and still Gas Heating (for now) Hot water is a clever mix of immersion fed by excess AC solar PV and divert to combi if not enough etc. Will the Multiplus work with 5kwh of battery initially or am going to be needing more to get started? Also any thoughts on the Diverted excess PV to immersion using the Solic 200 for this and it's been great just wondering if it's going to then conflict with the Multiplus. Thanks again
I’m running 4 x pylon 3000’s (~13kw) which seems to be a good match for the 5000 multiplus which can recharge the pack in 4 hours overnight - that’s the maximum it can do in four hours. I’ve got 3.5kw of solar as well, which seems well matched. I run a hot tub which pulls about 6kwh daytime. Without solar the batteries would be flat by 4pm, with solar they will last all night. Yesterday which was very sunny, did an hour of immersion too and pack was only down to 40% by midnight. There’s victron compatible immersion diverter which is on my to do list: www.victronenergy.com/blog/2019/06/11/hot-water-on-the-skeleton-coast/
@@eliotmansfield Interesting I may have to double up my batteries from day 1. Was thinking of starting small and growing the setup. I guess I should reach out to Victron and see what the minimum they suggest. There doesn't seem to be anything obvious in the documentation. Nice work on your setup! I look forward to if you do anymore videos on it! Thanks again
@@michaelstott8847 I would say 3 x USC3000 is the minimum because you should only pull 25A from each pack. Have a read of this: www.victronenergy.com/live/battery_compatibility:pylontech_phantom
@@eliotmansfield amazing thanks for that guide that's really helped. I think I'm nearly ready to push the button and order 2x US5000 now. If you were adding additional solar PV what factors would you look at to decide if they should be connected via MPPT or via a PV inverter? My thinking is anything that is mainly going to charge the batteries is better on a MPPT and anything for current demand is better on an AC inverter. But actually is it better to just use the MPPT and let the victron multiplus do the work inverting anyway. interested to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you
Excellent upload. So clear. I wonder if you could do a video of a 10000kva multi plus 2 totally off grid with a generator 15kwh battery and solar panels. How to safely connect and include the consumer unit and how much power you can get.
I have the same Victron as you. The mains has a 50A RCBO after the main breaker. Can the AC input to the victron be supplied via this or does it need to be straight off the main breaker? I’ve already rewired the MCB to give two rows, Essential supplies (AC1 out) and Non-Essential supplies (AC 2 out). I’m going to put the AC grid tied solar on the AC in 1500w. Thanks for the helpful video. 👍
depends if you have an upstream energy meter. if not, all your loads need to be downstream of the victron on ac1/2 as required not exceeding 50a total. If you do have an upstream energy meter (such as et112) then you don’t need ac2 out, because those loads can live upstream of the victron which will still benefit from the ess feature
@@eliotmansfield I dont have an energy meter. I watched your second video and I think I’ll need to change the AC in breaker for the type B and maybe replace the service breakers with individual RCBOs like you have. Thanks for the quick reply.
Hi Eliot, Can the Multiplus II be connected in single leg mode to my consumer unit in my garage on a 20 amp mcb, rather than directly to the main consumer unit in the house. I'lm intending installing the energy meter straight after the utility meter and running it to the Multiplus II in the garage The reason for this is that, I want to limit the noise from the inverter in the house. Great video, and your DJ'ing aint bad either :)
thanks for this video. i’ve already learnt so much from watching it. yet i still have one question. in the single leg mode, the bi directional gds in and out from a spar in the consumer unit. it can supply approximately 20Amp and would use this first, then if need can take extra power from the grid. How is this workload managed. i can’t help but think it’s 2 separate supplies to the consumer unit which isn’t capable of prioritising which input to use first. ? i ask because if i spend lots of money on batteries i wanna make sure i use them/it first.
Great video Eliot thank you.quick question. When the inverter is taking power from the batteries and powering the house what happens if the draw is higher than the inverter can give i.e over 3kw?? Does it then pull the extra power from the grid to power the load or would the inverter switch off ?
if the grid is present then the inverter works up to its maximum and pulls the balance from the grid. If there’s no grid - then I assume it shuts down - because that’s really all it can do, not sure if it self recovers - i’ve not tried it to be fair
Thanks for a great video Eliot :) What would happen in a LOM event to the loads on the AC in/out of the MPII.... i.e. the house loads on the left hand side of your diagram ? Would the MPII go into island mode and effecively supply nothing except the essential loads on AC Out 1 ? Or could it be configured with the right grid code to keep supplying those loads on AC in/out ? Secondly.... if a backup generator using an ATS was installed between the grid meter and the rest of the house, would it enable the MPII to keep operating normally ? Thanks ;)
Excellent description thanks🙏 However, I am still not fully confident about using this in my application which is going to be an "off-grid" annexe with only the potential option of grid-recharging. The complete Victron system is ready for installation, Links Distr. & Shunt, Gerbo & 250/100 chrger. Without knowing the internal design of this inverter, I find it difficult to create my ideal setup. I hope it will all be explained in the Multiplus user manual.
How would this change on a 3 phase setup ? Surely 3 multiplus II cand then handle all your loads .. on output 1 .. or 1 & 2 in an event of grid failure ..
just use three phase consumers afaic - the main thing is to try and draw similar amounts on all three phases. I have a friend with what i call single legged 3ph setup - so doesn’t benefit from the protected output
Using current transformer on each leg of main panel to prevent backfired but Ess mode not preventing backfeed even though it is set to +100watt. Should I just use Germany grid code and not ess?
Great video, please could you advise what diagram best fits a multiplus 2 and pylon battery system ac coupled to an existing 2kw array and sunnyboy inverter on a feed in tariff?
Can I ask if I was to use a multiplus 2 in what you call single legged does it gave to come from / to the consumer like your explanation or can it just be conected via henley block so I'm visualising parallel.
Brilliant video -very helpful. Do you happen to know - if you have a solar install using a FIT meter which you do not wish to disturb, can The multi II if you use another ET112 on the 230v output from the solar panel invertor - after the FIT meter - can This be used inteligentally to ensure all the solar sourced power (thats now 230v from the solar invertor) to use to charge your batteries or be used for daytime demand? Hope this question makes sense. Thanks again
Victron inverters (pulling off batteries) have a continual rating and a surge rating. They are not limited to the continual rating. So for example a Multiplus 2 - 48/5000 has a continual and a peak power rating. Might be a good idea to clearly explain what the numbers on the spec sheet actually mean, power assist etc.
The part I don't like..... If the 1 leg is RCBO protected, and I use UPS feature via another consumer with a radial, there would be 2x RCBO on one circuit. 🤔 what's your thoughts on this? I'm thinking a time delayed 50ma rcd, and the usual 30ma RCBO from ac1 on the circuit its self.
So as ever with this stuff we are getting into scope creep. As we head into winter I know that 13kw of batteries wont support my loads, so i've ordered another two pylons to take me up to 20kw and i'm adding a second multiplus in parallel which will give me more charging current to get that pack charged in the four hour GO window, this also means each unit is working less hard during charge and discharge and I also get more inverting capacity. The 5000va unit covers most of my daily loads, including a large induction hob - but two big loads would exceed the capacity.
Hi Eliot and thank you for your video. Is it possible to only let the grid feed into your installation and not the other way when using the energy meter together with the multiplus? I have a small 6Kw wind turbine that the power company no longer wants connected to their grid because the inverters are outdated regarding the quality of the electricity produced by the inverters. The turbine´s controllerunit is equipped with two 3Kw SMA windyboy inverters with one phase each, so 400V between phases measured. I intend to install two hot water tanks with heating elements in them. The turbine will primarily heat the tanks, but if possible also help feed the air/water heatpump if possible. I need to make som kind of priority controller with a plc or something for that. Do you think the multiplus II GX can balance the loads for that? I am thinking of 15 Kw of battery storage for some of the loads on my property. TIA, Palle
If this was in a camper van setup, and I was using the 12/2000 80 multiplus, what size of 3 core cable would be needed to run the m+ input to the hookup and then the m+ output to the consumer unit, 16mm2?
My understanding was you can connect a clamp from the Multiplus to the incoming just after the meter and before any loads so the unit can monitor the supply ? Or is that with the GX model ?
at the moment i have it installed like the last option (bi-direktional) but my energy meter is placed after the consumers and before the multiplus 2 500..is this still gonna work though..?
no - because you have the loads drawn on your consumer unit that the energy meter can’t “see”. The other option is to use a victron current clamp around your meter tails plugged directly into the victron instead - you also benefit from faster reaction time
@@eliotmansfield In (5:40 in video) is the L1 powerd by ess and the battery?, and will it work if you have a 3 fase 16 amp cee in the main consumer unit for car charging that the multiplus just power L1? I forgot to mention I don't wont to feed any to the grid.
Excellent video thanks Eliot, just what I needed. I wonder could your answer a question for me. I've seen some where that you can connect a pv system to the protected side of the multiple which would be great for long grid failures. Under normal circumstances is that pv input available to the rest of the system? Is that protected circuit input also bidirectional through the multiplus? Many thanks Steve
@@stephenharrisson9442 I'm looking at the same issue. I think the issue to be considered with putting PV only on ACout1 is that the PV current is then also passing through the inverter. When batteries are full, that PV output is then fed to the grid through ACin, and any critical loads on ACout2. In the event of grid failure, the Victron MP2 creates a local grid so the PV inverter still runs, and the MP2 can be set to increase frequency to control that PV inverter as long as the PV inverter supports it (change the PV inverter if not). The PV inverter output should come PV inverter - AC isolator - Generation meter - MCB breaker - MP2 ACout1 and gets to the grid via MP2 ACin - Consumer board RCD - Meter - Grid. @Eliot Mansfield ,what drawing software is that? - really useful video, thanks.
@@L81ker hi Clive, I have one solar grid tied inverter connected to the meter tails of my main consumer unit - after an et 112 meter . My question is do I need to change any settings within the multiplus 2 if I feed another grid tied solar inverter into the ups side - ac output 1
FYI, I would use the CT option for the Multiplus it reacts to the grid significantly quicker then the energy meter and it is cheaper. The energy meters have to go Modbus > GX device > VE Bus this adds delay and means you pull and push more to the grid then with the CT.
Interesting. Do you have numbers on how much 'spillage' we are talking about there? And will the MPII shutdown with 30 seconds if the CT is disconnected? This is required for G100 compliance.
Thank you so much for this extremely helpful info. Im in the process of purchasing a Multiplus 2 and a 48v 4.8Kwh battery unit purely to support vital kit like the combi boiler, home alarm, CCTV, security lights, modem and maybe the freezer on a UPS back up basis. I have a few questions additional to your brilliant advice, and would like to drop you a line for some more info if ok with you....(not sure how to do that as a direct message or mail). Thanks again.
This is really useful. For a Van conversion, would you recommend going straight from AC inlet to the Multiplus with a inline breaker in place, then from the Multiplus to the CU?
Can you show us very simply where the et112 usb is connected to an easy Solar and also the three wires that go to the et112 for single phase grid power meter use
Assuming you are using it as an energy storage system (ess) - there’s nothing further to do - it will push against the grid supply to balance out. A 12v system sounds like it might be off-grid rv/boat?
Thanks for a great video it’s answered questions I had. You fitted a Zappi? Do you have a circuit diagram for that install? Are you a UK distribution for Victron? Thanks John
No power enters the unit - so it powers down. In single leg mode you only use the input(output) and you must have an et112 energy monitor. You don’t get any off-grid/grid failure support - it only works when the grid is present
Few reasons. One I have messed up after watching your video it’s clear mine has not been wired correctly and I have now turned it off! I had ac in fed from garage consumer unit and then the AC out feeding it back to its own comsumer unit protected then back into the Henley block. I found your video after seeing some other comments that if mains shut off my inverter wouldn’t and would power the grid. Now I am in a position of how to put it right. I am thinking do away with the feed from the garage and use what was the power out to become the bidirectional supply feed as you mentioned. Seems very wrong that this is not spoke about at all in the victron manual or wiring unlimited book.
Is it also true that you can use single legged mode to connect a PV Inverter onto AC-out2 or Ac-out1? I heard / understood that this is possible but in case of an power outtage the PV inverter has to switch off when the batteries are full during the outage otherwise it will damage the Multiplus.
Not exactly sure so would rather not comment. But if you have on ac1 (protected) the PV will continue to work because it doesn’t know the grid has been lost and the contactors inside the multiplus maintains grid isolation and compliance.
@@eliotmansfield exactly! So you can script or program the inverter to shutdown or DRM the PV inverter by closing a contact. That way you can still charge the batteries.
Great video, thanks. I have a question about the 50A pass-through limit. In the Victon manual for the MP-II 5000 it says that it is 100A. Below is an extract from the manual for the 48 | 5000 | 70 - 100 | 230/240V, page 11. I'd be grateful if you can help clarify: AC-out-1 (see appendix A) The AC output cable can be connected directly to the terminal block "AC-out". Maximum torque: 6 Nm. With its PowerAssist feature the MultiPlus can add up to 5kVA (that is 5000 / 230 = 22A) to the output during periods of peak power requirement. Together with a maximum input current of 100A this means that the output can supply up to 100 + 22 = 122A. An earth leakage circuit breaker and a fuse or circuit breaker rated to support the expected load must be included in series with the output, and cable cross-section must be sized accordingly. The maximum rating of the fuse or circuit breaker is 122A
Multiplus II 48/5000/240v. There's a transfer relay (well two in series for safety) that are rated to 50A only. So either output will support a combined load up to 50A only. Output 1 is the protected loads output, which will support up to 5000Va (which is actually about 4.4kw - VA is NOT kw) when the grid is lost (or 50a when it's present). Output 2 drops if the grid drops. Not sure where you are seeing 100a - the specs are here: www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-MultiPlus-II-inverter-charger-EN.pdf edit - the 8000 upwards models support 100A changeover.
The MultiPlus II 48/5000/70-50 has a maximum feed through current of 50A. the 48/800/110-100 has a maximum feed through current of 100A. I wonder if you have a MultiPlus and not a MultiPlus II?
Great video Elliot. Can I ask about the scenario of connecting AC-IN to existing CU (including the ET122 up front) and critical loads connected to AC OUT-1. In the event of grid failure, would one need to require ATS circuits included (any discharge to the grid from batteries and/or PV)? I'm in the UK, by the way. And what RCBO rating would you suggest for the AC-IN on the Normal Load CU (40A?) and AC OUT-1 in the Critical Load CU (20A/32A)? Thanks again for the video - like everyone else said below, has answered a gazillion and one questions in 10mins. But now posing a gazillion more! :)
I feed my (two) multiplus 5000 with 2.5mm2 cable protected by a 20A mcb - which is close to the limit of that breaker/cable size. You might ask why not 4mm2 and a 32A Breaker, well it's because I have two 5000's in parallel and Victron state not to over-specify the AC feed wiring. Critical loads are protected by a 20A breaker. Things get complicated, because you should be using type "B" RCD/RCBO's which provide the best protection against induced DC fault currents over AC (old school type "AC" RCD's wont trip if there's a DC current overlaid onto the AC - there's a number of video's about this issue and i didn't mention it in this video). Type A's should be used everywhere as minimum in the 18th regs.
Hi, I am planning a single leg mode ESS but grid connection point is 30m from MP. Will ET112 work OK over that distance? Also, could I just use ct clamp which would be simpler to install. Thanks
The ET112 uses modbus (rs485) which is a fairly robust serial protocol which is good for hundreds of meters in theory. Although not officially supported, it is possible to extend the connection. Mine is at least 20 meters away extended over genuine cat6 cable (not crappy cheap ebay copper coated aluminium CCA ‘cat’ cable which is fake rubbish - i’ve done a video about it). A friend had extended his rs485 connection via ethernet extenders and it’s also possible to get ethernet versions of the energy meters. You do need to enable the terminator resistor for it to work, look in the pamphlet - it shows how to enable it
Great video - keep 'em coming! One question - in the simplest mode, are you saying that a supply from a 16 amp mcb in the main consumer unit (cu) could be used to enable the battery storage? Wouldn't this potentially hook through to the other loads on the cu bus in the house above 16amp if they were close by and trip the mcb? It just seems too easy!
5000va unit needs a 20A mcb. The unit cannot produce more than 5000va (about 4.4kw) so regardless of the house draw it wont exceed that - if you total house draw exceeds that then it takes the balance from the grid.
@@eliotmansfield I realise I'm a bit late to the party here but I'm in the process of fitting a Multiplus II 48/5000 myself. Looking through my manual (Rev 5 09/2022) Section 4.3 AC-In : it suggests the 5 kVA model should have a 50A fuse or MCB protecting it. In the AC-out-1 section it advises the Power Assist feature can add additional power, now this is where it gets a bit muddy, the figures in this paragraph seem to apply to the 3000 kVA version because it mentions 32A + 13A = 45A, (32A being the Maximum Pass Through Current for the 300 kVA version) thus I assume if it's a 5000 kVA version (since it mentions 50A in the AC-In paragraph above, and in the Specs tables for the 5000 kVA version it states Maximum Feed Through Current is 50A) then these figures would be 50A + (5000/230= 22A) so potential output on max assist would be 72A, therefore the nearest breaker that you would need to fit on the AC-out side would be an 80A. Would you agree?
@@thegrimreaper7777 without reading up, i suspect you have it wrong. I think it will only ever output 50a and not combine it’s assistance to essentially exceed its maximum load rating of 50a The terminals on the unit probably wouldn’t take the massive cable required to supply 72a - which isn’t far off the speed size of your meter tails. so it’s 50a max imo
Watch the video again. The victron has an internal one - but if all the energy doesn't cross the Victron (what i referred to as single legged) then you need an et112 as shown in the presentation.
Amazing information. Currently in the process of installing a few of these systems. But trying to find the correct information is like pulling teeth. Is the unit bidirectional at default or would it need to be configured to work that way?
It can actually do 5000w/20A (hence it being a Multiplus II 5000) at a push, but is nominally rated 4000w. My Multiplus quite often pushes 5000w for prolonged periods!
It is very disappointed to know that you can only pull 20ah from This multi plus when you are using the ups mode I wonder if can I pull at least 50 ah from a Quattro when connecting to the battery?
I've bought a Multi II 5000/48 with Cerbo GX and Lifepo4 battery pack. Will apply for G99 as in the UK. But looking for an electrician (part P qualified I think) who can install this. Anyone in the UK South East (Berkshire) been through this and have a recommendation? Ideally want someone who has knowledge of the Victron stuff. Cheers
@@TobotronPrime got panels from my original pv system. Not certain it's worth more with this set up as I'm looking to charge the battery up on a cheap electric tariff. This is really only to add an AC coupled battery into my setup
@@davidpattinson5091 ahh gotcha I thought you were starting from scratch I’ve done mine (6 panels on garage roof) and 4.8kwh battery Victron system myself Just got a local spark to install the consumer unit meter and wire the inverter into the garage circuit (which is also connected to the consumer unit) Once I get it working I’ll post a link to details here, if that helps… I’m self taught, no experience of doing anything like this before, just learnt from YT and applying some basic DIY skills; also from YT lol
@@eliotmansfield With my system set up for ESS, i have disabled Grid feed-in and have no meter installed. This stops any power flow towards the grid at all times however the multi's and quattro both follow regions regulations and disconnect Grid when power fails. Wouldn't this stop the last example working in this case? I could be wrong though, don't hold me too it. :D
@@masterswish3355 if you're referring to the last method as the "single legged mode" without a meter install at the distribution box talking back to the victron inverter, then pretty sure you will be feeding into the grid regardless of grid feed-in or not being set on the victron inverter
@@TobotronPrime Feed-in disables feeding to the grid, it's an option mainly for places like SA where grid feed-in is disallowed in it's entirety. so no power feeds back via AC-in 1 or AC-in 2.
@@masterswish3355 I’m doing the same with mine in the UK (we have the same rule if you install your own equipment) But I’m pretty sure you still need either a meter feeding information back if you’re trying to achieve that in single leg mode. If your inverter is upstream of everything and AC in runs into it before anything else on the house circuit then probably yes grid feed in setting will work. It’s a shame Victron don’t make this sort of thing crystal clear, they skip over the details in almost all their documentation.
Thank you, the documentation from Victron is very unclear for what is a complex product. In the end, you are paying 1500 euros for a 960w inverter (48v, 20 amps) which is just awful value for money.
@@eliotmansfield @Eliot Mansfield Thank you Elliot for the correction and the excellent videos. Im looking into creating an off grid system with grid forming, using GTI inverters and the multiplus, so have placed the focus too much on the battery amps instead of AC:). Our house currently has around 20a connection from the grid, and since we have both electric water heating and an electric car, it can be sufficient. A bunch of smart plugs, plus a large a hot water tank and heavy old french furniture which make for the cheapest thermal batteries outside of filling your living room with rocks. It's also far more comfortable to sit on.
45 seconds in and you'd answered the biggest question I had!!!! Input is bidirectional!! Thank the lord. You my fella, deserve a pint 🍺
Indeed! The reason that I tuned in was this simple question! It get rid of all my schematics that I've drawn.
I did not recognise that instantly but read the manual and there it was. There was something about passwords and regulations so that one can not just start messing the network.
Can someone point me to where in the manual is states or explains the input is bidirectional, looking at the wiring schematic it makes sense but for peace of mind would just want to clarify. Great video though!!
@@mw-tg4tf you just need to trust me - it’s bidirectional. It’s been installed 9 months.
@@eliotmansfield lol bi directional had a talk with someone and I said could I feed PV back the AC output and I was told no looked at the schematics and it’s a big relay, AC in its makeup is bidirectional Alternating Current.
Great mock-up just seeing the easiest way I could add one with PV backup as well
Finally someone who can explain it in a way that even I can understand it! Thank you so much!
Days of searching and you’ve really answered so many questions and explained things so clearly. Thank you!!
Now I just need to figure out how to configure the unit in “single legged” mode to stop it feeding back into the grid on grid failure!
@@incognitowarrior my understanding was that this is automatic to protect the grid. I may have this wrong of course
@@incognitowarrior The multiplus wont feed back into the grid on failure there's dual contactors inside the unit (in series - so double redundancy) which drops the "output" on grid loss. This is a certified requirement for G98/G99 in the UK and elsewhere.
been like looking for two weeks and this guy answered them in a couple of minutes, thanks a lot
THIS IS A FABULOUS VIDEO - great work and well explained WELL DONE Eliot - I just wish I could have found this sooner !
Best video yet on MP II. Explains exactly how it works.
@@nhikoid thanks - watch part 2
this video pretty much covered off the last hurdle I was stuck on - a lot of the diagrams online totally skip over the single leg mode and what that means in simple terms
thank you for this!
also another person into track cars and ham radio, top man! M7TJF
2:02 would I need a meter still, if my multiplus was the first thing between the main meter and the fuse panel, if the main meter also has a second fuse panel branching off to another part of the house? my goal is not to export. tyvm
all consumption needs to be cross the victron (so it can use its internal energy meter) for it to work correctly. If that’s not the case then you need an external meter.
You can also fit an external current clamp on the victron as others have suggested , but I have run into a different issue with that which ive not determined the problem yet.(there’s a thread on victron named slow ess response)
I got confused.
What are disadvanteges of the last schema?
Will I have to switch between invertor/grid in this case?
Thanks for the clear explanation, I'm early days for solar etc so in need of good info. Will you please consider a video to explain your whole system with your rational for the choices you made?
This was really great. I have an apartment with 3 phases and only light loads. I start with a simple solution, just using multiplus ii as a ups. Just plugging the input to normal wall outlet. What i did not realise was that I need rcd on the output.
the rcd is required in grid failure because the victron becomes it’s own power station
Hi Eliot - great video. Helped me no end. I am drawing up my wiring diagram for my Multiplus II at the moment. I am using Visio. I would like to use your Visio drawing as a start point. Would it be possible for me to upload a copy of your one for me to then modify for my needs?
drop me an email
Hello and congratulations for the video
I come to you for the multiplus
can we use the ACin input not permanently on the network but just connect it to a 230V 20A socket (France) to just supply the ACin input to charge a park battery at night rate and use the ACout during the day to restore the energy to my electrical panel?
because connecting the ACin to the network bothers me a little because it requires a lot of steps because if there is a risk of injection into the network it is necessary to go through a Consuel I would especially like to be in self-consumption and from time to time be able to close the multiplus with a source inverter in my prolonged absence and switch to the direct network
laurent
Great video & only one I could find that clearly explained single leg mode. I’m connecting Multiplus II 48/3000 in single leg mode & assume I can use a type B 16A MCB (due to effective limitation of 13A from 3000) & 1.5mm2 cabling or should I be using a type B RCBO?
@@PaulRBinding type b mcb and type b rcbo are completely different things. 1.5mm cable is way too thin - consult a spark.
Good, simple explanation, I just wanted to know where exactly to install the energy meter, thanks.
Fantastic video. So simply explained
Thanks for that. Regarding the earth/neutral bonding relay in the Victron, does it bond when it loses grid earth reference or when grid power is not detected?
when there’s grid loss only
Hmm. I hadn't realised it would connect Neutral+earth for 'fake TN-C-S'. I assumed I would need an earth rod for grid-down operation. But the whole thing will just be floating at some random voltage given that neither Neutral nor Earth are actually referenced to anything, won't it? Seems to me that an actual earth (via rod) would be a good idea here.
@@xxwookey yes fit an earth rod - the latest regs also recommend that too now. Ideally you want 16mm, 10mm min
i guess you wont need the meter when mppt only charges the battery but what is the state of earth and neutral in off grid situation .. ? because i saw a parameter inside system and left it as it is... not yet installed .. will work as mobile station but alway s propper earthed when operated . nice video helped a lot..
Hi Eliot, thanks it's getting clearer. In the last diagram, "single leg mode", how does the Multiplus connect to the consumer unit without blowing up? Does it detect the phase of the grid and somehow match it? I'm worried about spending all this dough and wiring it like this..
Cheers
Yes - it synchronises to your grid before actually fully coming online - typically 20 seconds for g98/g99 compliancy in the uk
Hi Eliot you are the champ in keeping things simple. I am planning a home batterie and have a three fase grid connection. Is it possible to take one phase and just add a multiplus 2 (with a 10000 Kva 48 battery hooked up to it).
Hi Eliot, when the Multiplus 2 is in UPS mode presumably it isolates the input/output from back feeding the grid, so is in anti-islanding mode? Also I intend using a laptop to programme the unit, do you know if there is a UPS setting on this interface?
Would like to know that, too. Hope it doesn;t need full ATS stuff!?
Excellent and very helpful video thanks for posting it. I would like to convert my system to Victron ESS but I have an existing Growatt hybrid inverter with 4.5kw of pv and 17kwh of pylontech. I have a victron Multiplus II and an additional Seplos Mason battery but I am not sure how best to set them up preferably using ESS if that is possible. Any thought?
Thanks Eliot great video the diagrams make the explanation really simple and you have probably answered 100 of my questions in that video.
I'm on a quest to build my initial setup with what I think will be The Multiplus II 48v 5000
With a small capacity of Pylontech Batteries initially then growing overtime.
The house doesn't have big loads at present no car charger (yet) and still Gas Heating (for now) Hot water is a clever mix of immersion fed by excess AC solar PV and divert to combi if not enough etc.
Will the Multiplus work with 5kwh of battery initially or am going to be needing more to get started?
Also any thoughts on the Diverted excess PV to immersion using the Solic 200 for this and it's been great just wondering if it's going to then conflict with the Multiplus.
Thanks again
I’m running 4 x pylon 3000’s (~13kw) which seems to be a good match for the 5000 multiplus which can recharge the pack in 4 hours overnight - that’s the maximum it can do in four hours. I’ve got 3.5kw of solar as well, which seems well matched. I run a hot tub which pulls about 6kwh daytime. Without solar the batteries would be flat by 4pm, with solar they will last all night. Yesterday which was very sunny, did an hour of immersion too and pack was only down to 40% by midnight.
There’s victron compatible immersion diverter which is on my to do list:
www.victronenergy.com/blog/2019/06/11/hot-water-on-the-skeleton-coast/
@@eliotmansfield Interesting I may have to double up my batteries from day 1. Was thinking of starting small and growing the setup. I guess I should reach out to Victron and see what the minimum they suggest. There doesn't seem to be anything obvious in the documentation.
Nice work on your setup! I look forward to if you do anymore videos on it! Thanks again
@@michaelstott8847 I would say 3 x USC3000 is the minimum because you should only pull 25A from each pack. Have a read of this: www.victronenergy.com/live/battery_compatibility:pylontech_phantom
@@eliotmansfield amazing thanks for that guide that's really helped. I think I'm nearly ready to push the button and order 2x US5000 now.
If you were adding additional solar PV what factors would you look at to decide if they should be connected via MPPT or via a PV inverter?
My thinking is anything that is mainly going to charge the batteries is better on a MPPT and anything for current demand is better on an AC inverter. But actually is it better to just use the MPPT and let the victron multiplus do the work inverting anyway. interested to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you
yes thats right.
Excellent upload. So clear. I wonder if you could do a video of a 10000kva multi plus 2 totally off grid with a generator 15kwh battery and solar panels. How to safely connect and include the consumer unit and how much power you can get.
i don’t want to make videos on something i don’t have first hand knowledge of unfortunately
I have the same Victron as you. The mains has a 50A RCBO after the main breaker. Can the AC input to the victron be supplied via this or does it need to be straight off the main breaker? I’ve already rewired the MCB to give two rows, Essential supplies (AC1 out) and Non-Essential supplies (AC 2 out). I’m going to put the AC grid tied solar on the AC in 1500w. Thanks for the helpful video. 👍
depends if you have an upstream energy meter. if not, all your loads need to be downstream of the victron on ac1/2 as required not exceeding 50a total. If you do have an upstream energy meter (such as et112) then you don’t need ac2 out, because those loads can live upstream of the victron which will still benefit from the ess feature
@@eliotmansfield I dont have an energy meter. I watched your second video and I think I’ll need to change the AC in breaker for the type B and maybe replace the service breakers with individual RCBOs like you have. Thanks for the quick reply.
Thanks for the excellent video
Hi Eliot, Can the Multiplus II be connected in single leg mode to my consumer unit in my garage on a 20 amp mcb, rather than directly to the main consumer unit in the house. I'lm intending installing the energy meter straight after the utility meter and running it to the Multiplus II in the garage
The reason for this is that, I want to limit the noise from the inverter in the house.
Great video, and your DJ'ing aint bad either :)
yes that will work. Just make sure the cable to the garage is thick enough - it may only be 2.5mm which may not be enough depending on distance
Thank you so much for your reply 👍
thanks for this video. i’ve already learnt so much from watching it. yet i still have one question. in the single leg mode, the bi directional gds in and out from a spar in the consumer unit. it can supply approximately 20Amp and would use this first, then if need can take extra power from the grid. How is this workload managed. i can’t help but think it’s 2 separate supplies to the consumer unit which isn’t capable of prioritising which input to use first. ? i ask because if i spend lots of money on batteries i wanna make sure i use them/it first.
Great video Eliot thank you.quick question. When the inverter is taking power from the batteries and powering the house what happens if the draw is higher than the inverter can give i.e over 3kw?? Does it then pull the extra power from the grid to power the load or would the inverter switch off ?
if the grid is present then the inverter works up to its maximum and pulls the balance from the grid.
If there’s no grid - then I assume it shuts down - because that’s really all it can do, not sure if it self recovers - i’ve not tried it to be fair
Thanks for a great video Eliot :) What would happen in a LOM event to the loads on the AC in/out of the MPII.... i.e. the house loads on the left hand side of your diagram ? Would the MPII go into island mode and effecively supply nothing except the essential loads on AC Out 1 ? Or could it be configured with the right grid code to keep supplying those loads on AC in/out ?
Secondly.... if a backup generator using an ATS was installed between the grid meter and the rest of the house, would it enable the MPII to keep operating normally ? Thanks ;)
ac out 1 is the only output that keeps going on lom - so arrange your loads accordingly - see the other two videos
Excellent description thanks🙏 However, I am still not fully confident about using this in my application which is going to be an "off-grid" annexe with only the potential option of grid-recharging. The complete Victron system is ready for installation, Links Distr. & Shunt, Gerbo & 250/100 chrger. Without knowing the internal design of this inverter, I find it difficult to create my ideal setup. I hope it will all be explained in the Multiplus user manual.
How would this change on a 3 phase setup ? Surely 3 multiplus II cand then handle all your loads .. on output 1 .. or 1 & 2 in an event of grid failure ..
just use three phase consumers afaic - the main thing is to try and draw similar amounts on all three phases. I have a friend with what i call single legged 3ph setup - so doesn’t benefit from the protected output
Using current transformer on each leg of main panel to prevent backfired but Ess mode not preventing backfeed even though it is set to +100watt. Should I just use Germany grid code and not ess?
Great video, please could you advise what diagram best fits a multiplus 2 and pylon battery system ac coupled to an existing 2kw array and sunnyboy inverter on a feed in tariff?
Can I ask if I was to use a multiplus 2 in what you call single legged does it gave to come from / to the consumer like your explanation or can it just be conected via henley block so I'm visualising parallel.
Brilliant video -very helpful. Do you happen to know - if you have a solar install using a FIT meter which you do not wish to disturb, can The multi II if you use another ET112 on the 230v output from the solar panel invertor - after the FIT meter - can This be used inteligentally to ensure all the solar sourced power (thats now 230v from the solar invertor) to use to charge your batteries or be used for daytime demand? Hope this question makes sense. Thanks again
Not sure I’m afraid - my solar is DC connected directly to the battery bus bar using a victron mppt charge controller. I consume everything I produce.
Victron inverters (pulling off batteries) have a continual rating and a surge rating. They are not limited to the continual rating. So for example a Multiplus 2 - 48/5000 has a continual and a peak power rating. Might be a good idea to clearly explain what the numbers on the spec sheet actually mean, power assist etc.
The part I don't like..... If the 1 leg is RCBO protected, and I use UPS feature via another consumer with a radial, there would be 2x RCBO on one circuit. 🤔 what's your thoughts on this?
I'm thinking a time delayed 50ma rcd, and the usual 30ma RCBO from ac1 on the circuit its self.
yes i believe that’s the answer - which ive not implemented yet. (have two standard rcbo’s inline - so could cause nuisance tripping)
So as ever with this stuff we are getting into scope creep. As we head into winter I know that 13kw of batteries wont support my loads, so i've ordered another two pylons to take me up to 20kw and i'm adding a second multiplus in parallel which will give me more charging current to get that pack charged in the four hour GO window, this also means each unit is working less hard during charge and discharge and I also get more inverting capacity. The 5000va unit covers most of my daily loads, including a large induction hob - but two big loads would exceed the capacity.
Hi Eliot and thank you for your video. Is it possible to only let the grid feed into your installation and not the other way when using the energy meter together with the multiplus? I have a small 6Kw wind turbine that the power company no longer wants connected to their grid because the inverters are outdated regarding the quality of the electricity produced by the inverters. The turbine´s controllerunit is equipped with two 3Kw SMA windyboy inverters with one phase each, so 400V between phases measured. I intend to install two hot water tanks with heating elements in them. The turbine will primarily heat the tanks, but if possible also help feed the air/water heatpump if possible. I need to make som kind of priority controller with a plc or something for that. Do you think the multiplus II GX can balance the loads for that?
I am thinking of 15 Kw of battery storage for some of the loads on my property. TIA, Palle
Great explanation. Question, if I have an existing Solar 3.9kw system could I replace my inverter with the Victron too?
The Multiplus is just the inverter, you can add a blue solar mppt charge controller which does dc to dc direct charging of your battery
If this was in a camper van setup, and I was using the 12/2000 80 multiplus, what size of 3 core cable would be needed to run the m+ input to the hookup and then the m+ output to the consumer unit, 16mm2?
My understanding was you can connect a clamp from the Multiplus to the incoming just after the meter and before any loads so the unit can monitor the supply ? Or is that with the GX model ?
at the moment i have it installed like the last option (bi-direktional) but my energy meter is placed after the consumers and before the multiplus 2 500..is this still gonna work though..?
no - because you have the loads drawn on your consumer unit that the energy meter can’t “see”. The other option is to use a victron current clamp around your meter tails plugged directly into the victron instead - you also benefit from faster reaction time
Is this using the ESS system and connected to L1 (time 5:30 and 9:40 in video) or not?
Yes I’m using it in ESS mode
@@eliotmansfield
Thanks!
@@eliotmansfield
In (5:40 in video) is the L1 powerd by ess and the battery?, and will it work if you have a 3 fase 16 amp cee in the main consumer unit for car charging that the multiplus just power L1?
I forgot to mention I don't wont to feed any to the grid.
@@hunter7181 If you have three phase electrics you need three multiplus units (or two units if you are split phase like the US has)
Excellent video thanks Eliot, just what I needed. I wonder could your answer a question for me. I've seen some where that you can connect a pv system to the protected side of the multiple which would be great for long grid failures. Under normal circumstances is that pv input available to the rest of the system? Is that protected circuit input also bidirectional through the multiplus?
Many thanks Steve
I suspect yes - but don’t know for sure. I went for DC connected PV - seemed less hassle and it’s more efficient.
Thanks for that Eliot. Yeah you would imagine it must be really. Both my of systems are already grid connected so that would be great for me 👍
@@stephenharrisson9442 I'm looking at the same issue. I think the issue to be considered with putting PV only on ACout1 is that the PV current is then also passing through the inverter. When batteries are full, that PV output is then fed to the grid through ACin, and any critical loads on ACout2. In the event of grid failure, the Victron MP2 creates a local grid so the PV inverter still runs, and the MP2 can be set to increase frequency to control that PV inverter as long as the PV inverter supports it (change the PV inverter if not). The PV inverter output should come PV inverter - AC isolator - Generation meter - MCB breaker - MP2 ACout1 and gets to the grid via MP2 ACin - Consumer board RCD - Meter - Grid.
@Eliot Mansfield ,what drawing software is that? - really useful video, thanks.
@@L81ker hi Clive, I have one solar grid tied inverter connected to the meter tails of my main consumer unit - after an et 112 meter . My question is do I need to change any settings within the multiplus 2 if I feed another grid tied solar inverter into the ups side - ac output 1
FYI, I would use the CT option for the Multiplus it reacts to the grid significantly quicker then the energy meter and it is cheaper. The energy meters have to go Modbus > GX device > VE Bus this adds delay and means you pull and push more to the grid then with the CT.
Yes I’ve become aware of that option now - my meter is 20 meters away from the multiplus which i think i might get away with.
Interesting. Do you have numbers on how much 'spillage' we are talking about there? And will the MPII shutdown with 30 seconds if the CT is disconnected? This is required for G100 compliance.
Thank you so much for this extremely helpful info.
Im in the process of purchasing a Multiplus 2 and a 48v 4.8Kwh battery unit purely to support vital kit like the combi boiler, home alarm, CCTV, security lights, modem and maybe the freezer on a UPS back up basis.
I have a few questions additional to your brilliant advice, and would like to drop you a line for some more info if ok with you....(not sure how to do that as a direct message or mail).
Thanks again.
google my name
Is this diagram made using Microsoft Visio?
yes 👍
This is really useful.
For a Van conversion, would you recommend going straight from AC inlet to the Multiplus with a inline breaker in place, then from the Multiplus to the CU?
Something like that. My video is more around energy storage systems (ess) on domestic properties
@@eliotmansfield Thank you, looking to accumulate as much info as I can
A lot of van + victron videos on RUclips. 👍
Can you show us very simply where the et112 usb is connected to an easy Solar and also the three wires that go to the et112 for single phase grid power meter use
I have MultiplusII 12v 3000[120 50] 120v. How do you access bidirectional function on AC input( 3 write)
Assuming you are using it as an energy storage system (ess) - there’s nothing further to do - it will push against the grid supply to balance out. A 12v system sounds like it might be off-grid rv/boat?
@@eliotmansfield Correct.
Thanks.
Thanks for a great video it’s answered questions I had. You fitted a Zappi? Do you have a circuit diagram for that install?
Are you a UK distribution for Victron?
Thanks John
no and no i’m afraid.
Hi Eliot Fantastic video.
I want to use my inverter in what you call single leg mode.
Just a question.
How does it monitor for grid failure?
No power enters the unit - so it powers down. In single leg mode you only use the input(output) and you must have an et112 energy monitor. You don’t get any off-grid/grid failure support - it only works when the grid is present
Thank you.
I want to supply mine from a Henley block taken before the consumer unit however after the ET112. Hopfully there’s no use with this.
Of course into a small consumer unit with a rcd and mcb.
@@stevefowler7210 why not fit a 20a mcb spur from consumer unit and run it from there?
Few reasons.
One I have messed up after watching your video it’s clear mine has not been wired correctly and I have now turned it off!
I had ac in fed from garage consumer unit and then the AC out feeding it back to its own comsumer unit protected then back into the Henley block.
I found your video after seeing some other comments that if mains shut off my inverter wouldn’t and would power the grid.
Now I am in a position of how to put it right. I am thinking do away with the feed from the garage and use what was the power out to become the bidirectional supply feed as you mentioned.
Seems very wrong that this is not spoke about at all in the victron manual or wiring unlimited book.
Is it also true that you can use single legged mode to connect a PV Inverter onto AC-out2 or Ac-out1? I heard / understood that this is possible but in case of an power outtage the PV inverter has to switch off when the batteries are full during the outage otherwise it will damage the Multiplus.
Not exactly sure so would rather not comment. But if you have on ac1 (protected) the PV will continue to work because it doesn’t know the grid has been lost and the contactors inside the multiplus maintains grid isolation and compliance.
@@eliotmansfield exactly! So you can script or program the inverter to shutdown or DRM the PV inverter by closing a contact. That way you can still charge the batteries.
@@SanderStolk Probably. I went for DC connected solar panels - nice and simple
@@eliotmansfield True! Less loss from DC to AC and back. A MPTT from Victron is a better solution.
Great video, thanks. I have a question about the 50A pass-through limit. In the Victon manual for the MP-II 5000 it says that it is 100A. Below is an extract from the manual for the 48 | 5000 | 70 - 100 | 230/240V, page 11. I'd be grateful if you can help clarify:
AC-out-1 (see appendix A)
The AC output cable can be connected directly to the terminal block "AC-out". Maximum torque: 6 Nm.
With its PowerAssist feature the MultiPlus can add up to 5kVA (that is 5000 / 230 = 22A) to the output during periods of peak power
requirement. Together with a maximum input current of 100A this means that the output can supply up to 100 + 22 = 122A.
An earth leakage circuit breaker and a fuse or circuit breaker rated to support the expected load must be included in series
with the output, and cable cross-section must be sized accordingly. The maximum rating of the fuse or circuit breaker is 122A
Multiplus II 48/5000/240v. There's a transfer relay (well two in series for safety) that are rated to 50A only. So either output will support a combined load up to 50A only. Output 1 is the protected loads output, which will support up to 5000Va (which is actually about 4.4kw - VA is NOT kw) when the grid is lost (or 50a when it's present). Output 2 drops if the grid drops. Not sure where you are seeing 100a - the specs are here: www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-MultiPlus-II-inverter-charger-EN.pdf
edit - the 8000 upwards models support 100A changeover.
The MultiPlus II 48/5000/70-50 has a maximum feed through current of 50A. the 48/800/110-100 has a maximum feed through current of 100A. I wonder if you have a MultiPlus and not a MultiPlus II?
@@davidsteele3037 Well spotted! Yes, I was looking at the MP manual. The MP-II manual does say 50A. Thanks for helping straigten this out for me
Can I just use a CT clamp rather than a hard wired ET112. Will make installation easier. Not bothered about essential loads vs non essential
Great video Elliot. Can I ask about the scenario of connecting AC-IN to existing CU (including the ET122 up front) and critical loads connected to AC OUT-1. In the event of grid failure, would one need to require ATS circuits included (any discharge to the grid from batteries and/or PV)? I'm in the UK, by the way. And what RCBO rating would you suggest for the AC-IN on the Normal Load CU (40A?) and AC OUT-1 in the Critical Load CU (20A/32A)? Thanks again for the video - like everyone else said below, has answered a gazillion and one questions in 10mins. But now posing a gazillion more! :)
I feed my (two) multiplus 5000 with 2.5mm2 cable protected by a 20A mcb - which is close to the limit of that breaker/cable size. You might ask why not 4mm2 and a 32A Breaker, well it's because I have two 5000's in parallel and Victron state not to over-specify the AC feed wiring. Critical loads are protected by a 20A breaker. Things get complicated, because you should be using type "B" RCD/RCBO's which provide the best protection against induced DC fault currents over AC (old school type "AC" RCD's wont trip if there's a DC current overlaid onto the AC - there's a number of video's about this issue and i didn't mention it in this video). Type A's should be used everywhere as minimum in the 18th regs.
Hi, I am planning a single leg mode ESS but grid connection point is 30m from MP. Will ET112 work OK over that distance? Also, could I just use ct clamp which would be simpler to install. Thanks
The ET112 uses modbus (rs485) which is a fairly robust serial protocol which is good for hundreds of meters in theory. Although not officially supported, it is possible to extend the connection. Mine is at least 20 meters away extended over genuine cat6 cable (not crappy cheap ebay copper coated aluminium CCA ‘cat’ cable which is fake rubbish - i’ve done a video about it). A friend had extended his rs485 connection via ethernet extenders and it’s also possible to get ethernet versions of the energy meters. You do need to enable the terminator resistor for it to work, look in the pamphlet - it shows how to enable it
Great video - keep 'em coming!
One question - in the simplest mode, are you saying that a supply from a 16 amp mcb in the main consumer unit (cu) could be used to enable the battery storage? Wouldn't this potentially hook through to the other loads on the cu bus in the house above 16amp if they were close by and trip the mcb? It just seems too easy!
5000va unit needs a 20A mcb. The unit cannot produce more than 5000va (about 4.4kw) so regardless of the house draw it wont exceed that - if you total house draw exceeds that then it takes the balance from the grid.
@@eliotmansfield Self-limiting - get it thanks.
@@eliotmansfield I realise I'm a bit late to the party here but I'm in the process of fitting a Multiplus II 48/5000 myself. Looking through my manual (Rev 5 09/2022) Section 4.3 AC-In : it suggests the 5 kVA model should have a 50A fuse or MCB protecting it. In the AC-out-1 section it advises the Power Assist feature can add additional power, now this is where it gets a bit muddy, the figures in this paragraph seem to apply to the 3000 kVA version because it mentions 32A + 13A = 45A, (32A being the Maximum Pass Through Current for the 300 kVA version) thus I assume if it's a 5000 kVA version (since it mentions 50A in the AC-In paragraph above, and in the Specs tables for the 5000 kVA version it states Maximum Feed Through Current is 50A) then these figures would be 50A + (5000/230= 22A) so potential output on max assist would be 72A, therefore the nearest breaker that you would need to fit on the AC-out side would be an 80A. Would you agree?
@@thegrimreaper7777 without reading up, i suspect you have it wrong. I think it will only ever output 50a and not combine it’s assistance to essentially exceed its maximum load rating of 50a
The terminals on the unit probably wouldn’t take the massive cable required to supply 72a - which isn’t far off the speed size of your meter tails.
so it’s 50a max imo
Does multiplus grid tie? It doesn't seem to have a CT clamp or a CT clamp connector
Watch the video again. The victron has an internal one - but if all the energy doesn't cross the Victron (what i referred to as single legged) then you need an et112 as shown in the presentation.
Hey Elliot, what program are you using for your diagram? Larry
Visio
Thx
Amazing information. Currently in the process of installing a few of these systems. But trying to find the correct information is like pulling teeth.
Is the unit bidirectional at default or would it need to be configured to work that way?
it’s bidirectional as default
Hello Eliot, thanks for this nice video. May I ask what software you use for these drawings? Ciao, Rik
Visio - the actual icons are just cuts of the pictures. Victron wont release the icons for visio
So the AC-OUT1 loads of "20A" you are calculating from 4000W / 230V = 17.4A.
It can actually do 5000w/20A (hence it being a Multiplus II 5000) at a push, but is nominally rated 4000w. My Multiplus quite often pushes 5000w for prolonged periods!
thanks
coop
...
It is very disappointed to know that you can only pull 20ah from This multi plus when you are using the ups mode I wonder if can I pull at least 50 ah from a Quattro when connecting to the battery?
It’s all down to the size of the inverter. A 5000va inverter can only deliver about 20 amps AC.
Ac out 2 is programable
why not parallel connection. the last on grid is not a good idea as it could be no power if grid is off. then Ur house will no more power.
I tried to get in contact with you concerning a P6066. Any e-mail address?
my details are on my channel page
@@eliotmansfield Sorry, but I cannot find an e-mail address.
@@MartinVanselow I got your email, but my reply bounced. But I dont know anything about P6066’s
I've bought a Multi II 5000/48 with Cerbo GX and Lifepo4 battery pack. Will apply for G99 as in the UK. But looking for an electrician (part P qualified I think) who can install this. Anyone in the UK South East (Berkshire) been through this and have a recommendation? Ideally want someone who has knowledge of the Victron stuff. Cheers
you’re going to struggle to find anyone that will touch it
however it’s not too hard to DIY
have you got panels up etc?
@@TobotronPrime got panels from my original pv system. Not certain it's worth more with this set up as I'm looking to charge the battery up on a cheap electric tariff. This is really only to add an AC coupled battery into my setup
@@davidpattinson5091 ahh gotcha I thought you were starting from scratch
I’ve done mine (6 panels on garage roof) and 4.8kwh battery Victron system myself
Just got a local spark to install the consumer unit meter and wire the inverter into the garage circuit (which is also connected to the consumer unit)
Once I get it working I’ll post a link to details here, if that helps…
I’m self taught, no experience of doing anything like this before, just learnt from YT and applying some basic DIY skills; also from YT lol
Last method doesn't work with feed-in disabled in ESS remember my guys! :D
can you explain more
@@eliotmansfield With my system set up for ESS, i have disabled Grid feed-in and have no meter installed. This stops any power flow towards the grid at all times however the multi's and quattro both follow regions regulations and disconnect Grid when power fails.
Wouldn't this stop the last example working in this case? I could be wrong though, don't hold me too it. :D
@@masterswish3355 if you're referring to the last method as the "single legged mode" without a meter install at the distribution box talking back to the victron inverter, then pretty sure you will be feeding into the grid regardless of grid feed-in or not being set on the victron inverter
@@TobotronPrime Feed-in disables feeding to the grid, it's an option mainly for places like SA where grid feed-in is disallowed in it's entirety. so no power feeds back via AC-in 1 or AC-in 2.
@@masterswish3355 I’m doing the same with mine in the UK (we have the same rule if you install your own equipment)
But I’m pretty sure you still need either a meter feeding information back if you’re trying to achieve that in single leg mode.
If your inverter is upstream of everything and AC in runs into it before anything else on the house circuit then probably yes grid feed in setting will work.
It’s a shame Victron don’t make this sort of thing crystal clear, they skip over the details in almost all their documentation.
Thank you, the documentation from Victron is very unclear for what is a complex product. In the end, you are paying 1500 euros for a 960w inverter (48v, 20 amps) which is just awful value for money.
the multiplus 5000 is a 5000 va, which is close to 20amps at 240v. It will draw around 100A from a 48v battery to achieve that.
@@eliotmansfield @Eliot Mansfield Thank you Elliot for the correction and the excellent videos. Im looking into creating an off grid system with grid forming, using GTI inverters and the multiplus, so have placed the focus too much on the battery amps instead of AC:).
Our house currently has around 20a connection from the grid, and since we have both electric water heating and an electric car, it can be sufficient. A bunch of smart plugs, plus a large a hot water tank and heavy old french furniture which make for the cheapest thermal batteries outside of filling your living room with rocks. It's also far more comfortable to sit on.