Lots of great information from this guy................ lots and lots of vlogs, some are tough to get through, but it's worth it. I am back at the beginning, and it's making more sense , I'm learning
I like to have 2 inverters on board. A big one for running high loads like the vacuum cleaner, but then a small 400w unit at the chart table for doing things like charging devices. I think nverters can be very inefficient when powering loads that are small fractions of their max output
You mention marine inverters only bond N to Gnd when inverting. How does that work when the power grid has no N, but L1, L2 and Gnd (both L’s are live)? The inverter only panel will segregate from shore circuits, but what about pass through? Greetings from Norway
I have a Magnum MS2012 inverter/charger. That manual does not show a boat install, but I understand it is a marine unit. It also does not show a Disconnect switch. Is there a better more boat oriented diagram I could be referred to that would show me how I want it wired?
I've learned so much from your videos. Most importantly trying to make the boat safe. I have a Charles 50 amp charger on the boat looking to go to a inverter charger, figure 2000 watts. I have 3 lead acid batteries but thinking of going to a lithium for the house in the future. Is there a specific one I should look for or any will work? I there an issue with the engine charging, twin outboards? DC to Dc charging converter.
Hi Walt, definitely lots of choice with Lithium, check out our videos on Lithium, we discuss pros and cons of recharging the lithium batteries. With outboards, you might want to look at DC to DC charging to share your alternator charging to the Lithium battery.
Great info!!! We have a Carver 3067 and sometimes spend 3-4 days on the hook, we would like to run a few TVs and possibly a microwave and the lady’s curling iron on occasion, we have a three batteries, what would you recommend? Also is there anything that will shut down so we can still start our motors?
Shannon, based on the info above, you'll probably want a ~2800 - 3000 watt inverter /charger with a significant battery bank to power all of these for 3 - 4 days on the hook.
Hi Jeff, I watch all your stuff. Im a big fan. However, I am a bit. concerned. I've installed a spare (for redundancy) inverter only (not a charger-my main one is both). I did read the instructions-Yikes it was hard!. The instructions were very 'loud' about the importance of correct earthing...but there was no advice on how this should be done except that it should be earthed with the DC earth...I'm a little bit lost here and you haven't mentioned how this should be done or how important it is...Please advise
Good question, as grounding is tricky. In most boats, the DC negative bus, acts as a grounding bus for the boat. This is especially true if one or more engine negatives are connected to the DC negative bus. Two caveats apply: 1) your engine has to be electrically connected to the propeller shaft without any flexible coupling 2) your AC ground bus has to be connected to the DC negative bus.
Excellent video. I’ve seen it around three times already! I just have a question. You emphasize that there should be a separate ground bus for the inverter. I assume this one should not be connected to the DC ground busbar like the regular ground bar??
Yes, but also make sure your DC negative bus is also connected to your AC ground bus as the inverter/charger might have either a DC and/or AC ground fault.
FYI, NONE of your diagrams on the web page are working.. Been trying to confirm wiring for an install that no one seems to mention. For AC.. Once you have a separate AC panel for the inverter, What is the best way to connect that separate breaker to the appliance? My thought is, running wire to the appliance side of the corresponding breaker on the main AC panel?
@Jeff -- can you explain (or point us to a reference) why "all inverter loads need their own AC neutral bus"? Are you saying non-inverter AC loads should have a separate neutral bus (or no bus is needed on these other loads)? I am just beginning to learn the AC side, so please forgive the noob question all.
Hi Doug, all sources of power need to be the start and end of a circuit. The neutral bus for an inverter, is effectively the return path for the AC circuits powered via the inverter. Hope this makes more sense.
I might have misunderstood some parts but all the inverters I am researching now have low voltage cutouts so you cant drain the batteries to zero. Am I wrong?
I keep hearing "one size smaller for the ground" -- If I am using 4/0 AWG on a 2000 watt Inverter/Charger (over-sized - Yes I know) Do I have to use 3/0 AWG for the ground or is it OK to use 2/0 AWG?
@44.00 why would anyone have a heater on the inverter output anyway? treat it as a water heater and snip the panel's copper bar to separate the down stream breakers leaving the heaters behind . auto standby is a sneaky default setting most dont even know to check.
I just want to get this straight, if I wanted to run an AC in 50’s size boat off the inverter, then that’s not possible? Or just require a ton more battery banks.
Hi Gregory, good question. My suggestion is to treat AC electricity on a boat as serious or more serious then on land. That said, lots of boaters seem to think the bar for safety should be lower on the water then on land. Obviously, my risk tolerance is different.
This guy knows what he is talking about. Respect
Thanks, much appreciated.
The mechanic for years still learning you are the best and you got a good sense of humor too keep up the good work Steve from Annapolis Maryland
Thanks for the vote of confidence, much appreciated.
Lots of great information from this guy................ lots and lots of vlogs, some are tough to get through, but it's worth it. I am back at the beginning, and it's making more sense , I'm learning
Hi Jo, It's a journey. Gets easier and better over time.
I like to have 2 inverters on board. A big one for running high loads like the vacuum cleaner, but then a small 400w unit at the chart table for doing things like charging devices. I think nverters can be very inefficient when powering loads that are small fractions of their max output
fantastic series you produce ! excellent.
looking forward to watching all your vids-
Another excellent video by Jeff/PYS. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You mention marine inverters only bond N to Gnd when inverting. How does that work when the power grid has no N, but L1, L2 and Gnd (both L’s are live)? The inverter only panel will segregate from shore circuits, but what about pass through? Greetings from Norway
I have a Magnum MS2012 inverter/charger. That manual does not show a boat install, but I understand it is a marine unit. It also does not show a Disconnect switch. Is there a better more boat oriented diagram I could be referred to that would show me how I want it wired?
I've learned so much from your videos. Most importantly trying to make the boat safe. I have a Charles 50 amp charger on the boat looking to go to a inverter charger, figure 2000 watts. I have 3 lead acid batteries but thinking of going to a lithium for the house in the future. Is there a specific one I should look for or any will work? I there an issue with the engine charging, twin outboards? DC to Dc charging converter.
Hi Walt, definitely lots of choice with Lithium, check out our videos on Lithium, we discuss pros and cons of recharging the lithium batteries. With outboards, you might want to look at DC to DC charging to share your alternator charging to the Lithium battery.
Why can I run a 1000W electric jug from an inverter, but not a 20 litre hot water system with a 750w element?
Great info!!! We have a Carver 3067 and sometimes spend 3-4 days on the hook, we would like to run a few TVs and possibly a microwave and the lady’s curling iron on occasion, we have a three batteries, what would you recommend? Also is there anything that will shut down so we can still start our motors?
Shannon, based on the info above, you'll probably want a ~2800 - 3000 watt inverter /charger with a significant battery bank to power all of these for 3 - 4 days on the hook.
Amazing seminar. Im speccing out a new boat right now. Learned a lot.
Thanks John, really appreciate the feedback.
Hi Jeff, I watch all your stuff. Im a big fan. However, I am a bit. concerned. I've installed a spare (for redundancy) inverter only (not a charger-my main one is both). I did read the instructions-Yikes it was hard!. The instructions were very 'loud' about the importance of correct earthing...but there was no advice on how this should be done except that it should be earthed with the DC earth...I'm a little bit lost here and you haven't mentioned how this should be done or how important it is...Please advise
Good question, as grounding is tricky. In most boats, the DC negative bus, acts as a grounding bus for the boat. This is especially true if one or more engine negatives are connected to the DC negative bus. Two caveats apply: 1) your engine has to be electrically connected to the propeller shaft without any flexible coupling 2) your AC ground bus has to be connected to the DC negative bus.
Excellent video. I’ve seen it around three times already! I just have a question. You emphasize that there should be a separate ground bus for the inverter. I assume this one should not be connected to the DC ground busbar like the regular ground bar??
Yes, but also make sure your DC negative bus is also connected to your AC ground bus as the inverter/charger might have either a DC and/or AC ground fault.
@@PacificYachtSystems done! Thanks.
FYI, NONE of your diagrams on the web page are working.. Been trying to confirm wiring for an install that no one seems to mention. For AC.. Once you have a separate AC panel for the inverter, What is the best way to connect that separate breaker to the appliance? My thought is, running wire to the appliance side of the corresponding breaker on the main AC panel?
So odd, I'm no IT expert, but the webpage is working on Mozilla and IE.www.pysystems.ca/resources/diagrams/Anybody else experiencing the same?
@Jeff -- can you explain (or point us to a reference) why "all inverter loads need their own AC neutral bus"? Are you saying non-inverter AC loads should have a separate neutral bus (or no bus is needed on these other loads)? I am just beginning to learn the AC side, so please forgive the noob question all.
Hi Doug, all sources of power need to be the start and end of a circuit. The neutral bus for an inverter, is effectively the return path for the AC circuits powered via the inverter. Hope this makes more sense.
The manual the came with my inverter is not very extensive....
Anyone...can a 230v inverter (victron multi charger) also be used with 120v power...says 16A to 230v...just wondering?
Thanks
I might have misunderstood some parts but all the inverters I am researching now have low voltage cutouts so you cant drain the batteries to zero. Am I wrong?
Hi Terence, low voltage disconnect on a inverter is really there to protect against complete discharge of the battery.
I was trying to read the card you were wearing, but I failed..... haha
FYI the new (fall 2019) Mastervolt CombiMaster inverter/chargers are Ignition protected.
Wow... that's big news!!! thanks for sharing!
Great lecture I have learned so much. Thanks
Great to hear!
Excellent!!
Thank you! Cheers!
I keep hearing "one size smaller for the ground" -- If I am using 4/0 AWG on a 2000 watt Inverter/Charger (over-sized - Yes I know) Do I have to use 3/0 AWG for the ground or is it OK to use 2/0 AWG?
Hi WDR, if your inverter is wired with 4/0 you should use a 3/0 or larger wire for the chassis ground.
@44.00 why would anyone have a heater on the inverter output anyway? treat it as a water heater and snip the panel's copper bar to separate the down stream breakers leaving the heaters behind . auto standby is a sneaky default setting most dont even know to check.
Totally agree... and remember to seperate the AC neutrals too.
I have a question .
What is your website called
www.PYSystems.ca
www.pysystems.ca
I just want to get this straight, if I wanted to run an AC in 50’s size boat off the inverter, then that’s not possible? Or just require a ton more battery banks.
It's possible, but you'll have a huge battery bank and inverter setup.
Is there something inherently more dangerous about AC on a boat verses on land? You make it seem like a 120v shock on a boat is instant death.
Hi Gregory, good question. My suggestion is to treat AC electricity on a boat as serious or more serious then on land. That said, lots of boaters seem to think the bar for safety should be lower on the water then on land. Obviously, my risk tolerance is different.
Great
Outstanding. Thank you for the great presentation!
Hi S/V Oceanghost, appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching.
15:04
Hi H Am, can you tell me more about 15:04?
Typical electrician building a rocket. It's a couple of wires man. One out of a hundred wired right . Embellish much?
Thanks for the feedback,