Converter 12V Wiring When Installing an Inverter/Charger

[dado5]

I have read most inverter threads and am about to start. I have a micro Minnie 2108fbs. I am installing viltron multiples 2000. I will remove the shore power from the main breaker at panel and route it to inverter IN. Inverter out goes back to main breaker at panel. Batteries go into inverter and out to the same lead as it is now. Correct? I will unhook the 110 leads from converter and cap them (black, green, white). What do I do with the 12volt (red and white) coming from converter into fuse panel? Thanks for any help.

 

[Morich]

Can we verify that we are all using the same terms as there seems to be something missing?
Inverters use battery to "make" 110 AC. There are times when terms get confused and inverter chargers are called inverters! Depending on details and what type, the inverter may also pass the AC through for uses like outlets, etc.
Then converters, chargers by a DIFFERENT NAME, use 110AC to make the 12VDC to charge batteries and use in the RV.
So the question is what will provide the 12VDC for battery and RV uses, if you have an inverter and disconnect the converter?
Possibly you have an inverter charger to add, not an inverter?
There are inverters, converters, and also inverter chargers, so it is important to know which you have!

 

[dado5]

Ok, i have an inverter charger. It has an auto transfer switch built in also

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

I would suggest getting the schematics from WBGO on wiring the inverter. My 2024 MM 2108FBS came prewired for an inverter, and pretty sure they supply the wiring diagrams for that.
Bill

 

[Morich]

Okay, that will replace both an inverter as well as the converter. So the wiring is somewhat generic but it does need to have several different sets of input/output.
For the two functions in one box, I tend to think of them as seperate but under one cover and go for thinking about what each does.
For the inverter, it needs 12VDC in to be changed to 110AC out to whatever limits the inverter portions will handle.That input as well as output will both need breakers or fuses. Normally we see breakers on the 110AC side and fuses on the output.
Then the inverter also needs 110AC input to pass through when you are plugged into power and not using the inverter and leave it turned off!
Then thinking of the charger portion, it will need 110AC in as well as 12VDC out and connections from it to the fuses to power the RV as well as connections to get the 12VDC to the batteries for charging.
Basic thoughts there and all of it needs detailed planning for the fuses, breakers, and correct wire sizing for the distance and current each will carry. Those will all depend on the specs and size of the inverter charger as well as space you can find to install the box keeping in mind that it may need good airflow to avoid overheating.
Location for switching the inverter on/off can be tricky to work out at times?

 

[creativepart]

Actually in that kind of situation you would usually install an inverter not an inverter charger. This lets the Converter handle the charging.

A Converter does two jobs. It charges the batteries, yes, but it also runs all 12vdc loads when you are on shore power. That’s what those 12vdc wires are that connect to your Converter. That also supplies all 12vdc power to those fuses in the
Control Center.

In reading your description I can’t advise you but it doesn’t sound feasible to me. Better ask an inverter tech. Most Victron dealers offer consulting services.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Dad05, what year is your Minnie?
I still think it is best to get the point to point schematic diagrams from WBGO. They have been set up for the inverter, not sure you even need the converter side unless you want to pull more from tow vehicle, the converter you have should charge as much as possible from shore power unless you upgrade wiring…
They have an intended place for the inverter, and wire loop ready for it to splice in, depending on size of course.
Bill

 

[dado5]

Ok, here is what I think I will do. Shore power will go to the inverter/charger. AC out from that to main on breaker panel. Batteries in to inverter charger and also to 12 volt fuse panel. I will disconnect converter completely. The only thing I will be missing is the ability to run 12 volt DC from shore power. That will come from the battery even when plugged in to shore power. But since my batteries will be charging from inverter/charger, I don't see any problem with this. any thoughts?

 

[Morich]

Getting into an area that I have not seen and not shown on drawings but this seems to be what I expect. Check before trusting too far!!
Some I know, some is what I "think" has to be there behind the load center.
I know the battery disconnect switch will cut the batteries off, both from feeding power to the RV but also cut off from charge coming from the converter! That snags lots of folks when storing! You can cut off charging but the lights still work from the converter and it is easy to assume that also is taking care of batteries but they go dead!

I feel like there has to be a connection,possilby inside the convertert where the battery feed and fuses are tied togehter, so take a close look on planning for where to get this done for the inverter charger?
In that red area, maybe take the converter wire off but repace it with the DC output wire from the inverter charger?
Not certain of what to expect there, so just for heads up? Part of the things the Winnebago drawings do not show and I have never needed to go there!