Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-05-2013, 06:31 PM   #121
Senior Member
 
IntervaleII's Avatar
 
City: Tokyo, Japan / Tampa, Florida / Washington, Virginia
Vessel Name: Mondai Nai
Vessel Model: Nordhaven 55 - 45
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 328
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyWright View Post

Do you mean in parallel to give you 4KW? Or are they 12V output and wired in series to give you 2KW at 24V?
Sorry, yes they are in parallel. It uses only the 2KW one and then goes to the other 2KW when the load requires it. The charging also works the same way. I decided to go with a 24 volt system instead of a 12 volt system since it gives me more storage.
I hope that answers your question.
Cheers
IntervaleII is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2013, 06:50 PM   #122
Senior Member
 
MVNoPlans's Avatar
 
City: Olympia
Vessel Name: No Plans
Vessel Model: 1965 TollyCraft Voyager
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 107
My question would be do you really need an inverter system at the expense of delaying the use of the boat that would function by just using generated power.
Your right about selling the boat to save money.....[/QUOTE]

Use the boat with the genny. Get the inverter when you get it. I have one and they are convenient, but I didn't always have it and boating was still enjoyable.
MVNoPlans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2013, 07:40 PM   #123
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
Thanks, Intervale. That clarifies it for me. TBH, I wasn't even sure if gens could be connected in series to boost the voltage.

Quote:
Originally Posted by swampu View Post
My question would be do you really need an inverter system at the expense of delaying the use of the boat that would function by just using generated power.
Your right about selling the boat to save money.....
Swampu, if I was in your shoes, I'd plan the system for the inverter, allowing for it to be added at a later date. Then you can use and enjoy your boat sooner without losing the flexibility or easy installation of an inverter later.
__________________
My boat is my ark. It's my mobile treehouse and my floating fishing cabin. It's my retreat and my respite. Everyday I thank God I have a boat! -Al FJB

@DeltaBridges - 25 Delta Bridges in 25 Days
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2013, 08:06 PM   #124
Guru
 
City: Hotel, CA
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 8,323
Quote:
Originally Posted by MVNoPlans View Post
My question would be do you really need an inverter system at the expense of delaying the use of the boat that would function by just using generated power.
Your right about selling the boat to save money.....
Use the boat with the genny. Get the inverter when you get it. I have one and they are convenient, but I didn't always have it and boating was still enjoyable.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. Do not allow a piece of equipment to rule if you use the boat or not. No inverter or genny for me and we still use and enjoy the boat.
__________________
Craig

It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they've been fooled - Mark Twain
CPseudonym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2013, 08:36 PM   #125
Guru
 
rwidman's Avatar
 
City: North Charleston, SC
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,870
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyWright View Post
Thanks, Intervale. That clarifies it for me. TBH, I wasn't even sure if gens could be connected in series to boost the voltage. .............
I don't think you can and I don't understand why you would need to connect generators in series to increase the voltage.
rwidman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 09:12 AM   #126
Guru
 
caltexflanc's Avatar
 
City: North Carolina for now
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,348
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomeSailor View Post
On the main AC panel where they've always been. It doesn't care where the AC comes from.

The fridge and AC outlets are fed from and through the inverter. Everything else is fed around the inverter and are only supplied with AC when the genset is on.
Are you saying the fridge and outlet circuits are on the main panel but connected directly to the inverter rather than the main buss? Put another way, where exactly does the out put cable of the inverter go to and possibly through, to get to the items serviced by the inverter? I am not going to assume anything, but by your description someone has jerry-rigged a sub-panel right on your main board.
__________________
George

"There's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and what some guy says he's gotten away with"
caltexflanc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 09:23 AM   #127
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,144
The inverter is basically a subpanel
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 09:26 AM   #128
Guru
 
caltexflanc's Avatar
 
City: North Carolina for now
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,348
Quote:
Originally Posted by psneeld View Post
The inverter is basically a subpanel
???
__________________
George

"There's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and what some guy says he's gotten away with"
caltexflanc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 09:29 AM   #129
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,144
Did you see his diagram?
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 09:55 AM   #130
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
I really like the simplicity and flexibility of our setup. Shore 1,2 and genset are selected by a single rotary switch. The 110v output of the switch is then feed through the Magnum 3100w/160amp inverter/charger and on to the AC panel. The 220v output of the switch feeds a 220v panel. If no external power is available the inverter instantly switches on. If power is available the inverter switches to charging. All breakers are feed and I can turn off/on anything I like. No need for a 110v inverter sub-panel.
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 10:20 AM   #131
Member
 
Ksoulant's Avatar
 
City: Belle Chasse
Vessel Name: At Last
Vessel Model: Jefferson
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 21
To install a Sub panel you would have to rewire. That means removing the circuits from the main panel finding a location for the Sub panel etc. etc. etc. what a pain in the a** Why not just replace the main panel 3 way selector switch with a 4 way selector Switch. Then you can select between sources, shore power, generator, inverter or off.
Simple, no rewiring, when inverter is selected just turn off the circuits (breakers) you don’t want to power up, like the high load breakers such as water heater, A/C, stove and battery charger. Wiring of the inverter is simple and cheaper because you don't have to purchase a combo inverter/charger.
Ksoulant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 10:58 AM   #132
Guru
 
SomeSailor's Avatar
 
City: Everett, WA
Vessel Name: Honey Badger
Vessel Model: 42' CHB Europa
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 784
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daddyo View Post
I really like the simplicity and flexibility of our setup. Shore 1,2 and genset are selected by a single rotary switch. The 110v output of the switch is then feed through the Magnum 3100w/160amp inverter/charger and on to the AC panel. The 220v output of the switch feeds a 220v panel. If no external power is available the inverter instantly switches on. If power is available the inverter switches to charging. All breakers are feed and I can turn off/on anything I like. No need for a 110v inverter sub-panel.
Bingo. Only difference in mine is the fact my inverter won't hold up the whole boat so it's wired only to the fridge outlet and two others.

Here's the diagram again:



Quote:
Originally Posted by psneeld View Post
The inverter is basically a subpanel
I think of it more as an alternative source. There is no subpanel required (or desired)
SomeSailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 11:20 AM   #133
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,144
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomeSailor View Post
Bingo. Only difference in mine is the fact my inverter won't hold up the whole boat so it's wired only to the fridge outlet and two others.

Here's the diagram again:

xxxxxx



I think of it more as an alternative source. There is no subpanel required (or desired)
I know...but for simplicity it's doing the same thing...sorta...maybe..

I think your setup is great and if I ever go to one inverter with AC passthrough...your setup is a top probability.
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 11:21 AM   #134
Guru
 
caltexflanc's Avatar
 
City: North Carolina for now
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,348
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomeSailor View Post
Bingo. Only difference in mine is the fact my inverter won't hold up the whole boat so it's wired only to the fridge outlet and two others.

Here's the diagram again:





I think of it more as an alternative source. There is no subpanel required (or desired)
Well, you have created a form of sub-panel , missing a critical element, a large breaker between the inverter and the sub-circuits. And I take it those circuits have no connection to the main power buss bar, someone broke that off?

I had the room and the motivation to do this the right way, per Magnum's directions and generally accepted practice. Not only is my system safer on one hand, it is more convenient on the other in that there is no human interaction and thus potential for human error, involved.

Plus, as we just finished doing, it is easier to add new circuits to the inverter, and you know at a glance what is inverter powered and what is not. In my case, there are two other main panels on the boat besides the one the inverter subs off of. In turn, those are fed by one big master panel that allows distributing as many as two 240/50a shore cords and /or the genset to any combo of the three. Like I said, a larger and more complex boat than most, but a virtual no-brainer to operate the AC system as testified by husband and wife who have been using it the past 5 1/2 years.
__________________
George

"There's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and what some guy says he's gotten away with"
caltexflanc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 02:21 PM   #135
Moderator Emeritus
 
Pineapple Girl's Avatar
 
City: San Jose, CA
Vessel Name: Pineapple Girl 3
Vessel Model: Silverton 38c
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,171
Quote:
Originally Posted by psneeld View Post

I know...but for simplicity it's doing the same thing...sorta...maybe..

I think your setup is great and if I ever go to one inverter with AC passthrough...your setup is a top probability.
I have the same setup and would agree it is a sub panel- at least now that I understand it better from the posts in here!!

I'm not sure why NOT doing it this way is safer or easier? If shore and generator are off, two of my circuits are powered. (If i have the inverter function on.) Period. My inverter is not sized to handle anything else. So won't be adding circuits. If I did I'd go back to the pro who wired this up for me. Had this for a year plus and love it.
__________________
-Jennifer
2003 Silverton 38c (not a trawler)
Marina Village, Alameda
San Francisco Bay Area
Pineapple Girl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 02:46 PM   #136
Guru
 
caltexflanc's Avatar
 
City: North Carolina for now
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,348
There has to be a protective device between the inverter and the circuits it feeds to protect the wiring to those circuits. You have a breaker at the dock box shore outlet, you have fuses or breaker at the shore input, you have another breaker for shore power on the master panel and another before all the individual circuits on your panel. Likewise you have a breaker at the generator out put and typically should have one on the main panel for the genset, just like for shore. What you are doing, breaking out a few circuits on the main panel somehow and effectively creating a sub panel, is fine for small installations, save the lack of a breaker on the out put of the inverter (and there should be one before the AC input to the inverter as well.)
__________________
George

"There's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and what some guy says he's gotten away with"
caltexflanc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 02:50 PM   #137
Guru
 
SomeSailor's Avatar
 
City: Everett, WA
Vessel Name: Honey Badger
Vessel Model: 42' CHB Europa
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 784
Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
Well, you have created a form of sub-panel , missing a critical element, a large breaker between the inverter and the sub-circuits.
All of the circuit protection is there. It's the same path it always has. Whether I am inverting, generating or passing though shore power, the path always contains both a main and a sub-circuit breaker.

I don't see a sub-panel, just an inline inverter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
I had the room and the motivation to do this the right way, per Magnum's directions and generally accepted practice.
And the inclination to be so strident in the belief that your way is somehow superior?

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
Not only is my system safer on one hand, it is more convenient on the other in that there is no human interaction and thus potential for human error, involved.
Mine requires no interaction. I simply switch from shore to ships power. My genset operates the same way. I see no huge inconvenience.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
Like I said, a larger and more complex boat than most, but a virtual no-brainer to operate the AC system as testified by husband and wife who have been using it the past 5 1/2 years.
Larger and more complex than most. Yeah right....
SomeSailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 02:54 PM   #138
Guru
 
SomeSailor's Avatar
 
City: Everett, WA
Vessel Name: Honey Badger
Vessel Model: 42' CHB Europa
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 784
Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
What you are doing, breaking out a few circuits on the main panel somehow and effectively creating a sub panel, is fine for small installations, save the lack of a breaker on the out put of the inverter (and there should be one before the AC input to the inverter as well.)
I'm glad you approve.

There IS one ahead of the inverter. It's on the output of the GenSet. There is also a breaker on the output in the panel breakers for those outlets.

I get your logic. Spend more money. Complicate the wiring. Install more breakers, etc.

I did not build this setup that I have, but is clever and works very well. What you do on your arguably "larger and more complicated than most" is another point altogether.
SomeSailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 03:30 PM   #139
Guru
 
caltexflanc's Avatar
 
City: North Carolina for now
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,348
Quote:
Originally Posted by SomeSailor View Post
All of the circuit protection is there. It's the same path it always has. Whether I am inverting, generating or passing though shore power, the path always contains both a main and a sub-circuit breaker.

I don't see a sub-panel, just an inline inverter.



And the inclination to be so strident in the belief that your way is somehow superior?



Mine requires no interaction. I simply switch from shore to ships power. My genset operates the same way. I see no huge inconvenience.



Larger and more complex than most. Yeah right....
Re, throwing switches, I was speaking to to the other poster who said they have to flip switches to turn off non-invereter circuits in their set up.

You do have a sub panel whether you like the term or not. Your diagram doesn't show protection between the three circuits the invert powers and the inverter. Is it just missing from the drawing? Or "are you feeling lucky?"

I absolutely do feel superior about "my way" because it insures all the proper circuit protection is in place, you are not busting up panel busses, the circuits powered by the inverter are clearly identifiable, and it is flexible in a variety of ways.

It also shares with your system the nicety of not having to be "managed". An issue I have with those that use it as a third, but "pass through" source for the whole panel, is that someone has to be paying attention if one of the other sources, shore or generator, is disrupted. We do have power outages in this part of the country, and generators can stop or trip a breaker for various reasons.

Edit: PS: just looking at your diagram one more time, is there also not a breaker on your main panel for the feed to the inverter's input??
__________________
George

"There's the Right Way, the Wrong Way, and what some guy says he's gotten away with"
caltexflanc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2013, 06:41 PM   #140
Guru
 
SomeSailor's Avatar
 
City: Everett, WA
Vessel Name: Honey Badger
Vessel Model: 42' CHB Europa
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 784
Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
Re, throwing switches, I was speaking to to the other poster who said they have to flip switches to turn off non-invereter circuits in their set up.
Then perhaps you should work on that. You addressed this all to me. Be more clear.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
You do have a sub panel whether you like the term or not.
It's your term, not mine. By definition, I do not.

Definition: An electrical sub-panel, also known as a service subpanel or circuit breaker subpanel, acts as a waypoint between the main service panel and branch circuits further down the line.In essence, an electrical subpanel can be thought of as a mini service panel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
Your diagram doesn't show protection between the three circuits the invert powers and the inverter. Is it just missing from the drawing? Or "are you feeling lucky?"
Wasn't meant to be a schematic, just a functional diagram. The SAME circuit breakers in the main panel that are used to protect the circuit (GFCI breakers) are used to protect that leg whether the voltage comes from the inverter, the genset, or shore power.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
I absolutely do feel superior about "my way"
Why yes you do...

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
An issue I have with those that use it as a third, but "pass through" source for the whole panel, is that someone has to be paying attention if one of the other sources, shore or generator, is disrupted. We do have power outages in this part of the country, and generators can stop or trip a breaker for various reasons.
Then the inverter would begin to invert. I would get a beep indicating my generator has stopped running. But frankly, I think I would have noticed that already.

Quote:
Originally Posted by caltexflanc View Post
just looking at your diagram one more time, is there also not a breaker on your main panel for the feed to the inverter's input??
Yes. It is on breakers from the main, from that leg and from the genset.

Ya know... This is why this forum gets the reputation it gets. I took the time to draw that up for a user. I promised myself I wouldn't get sucked into an argument from some old guy with nothing better to do with his day, but in typical fashion that's whats played out.

I did not wire this boat. I find it's layout convenient, inexpensive and uncomplicated. I don't need to change it, and I'm not taking the time to berate your installation.

Perhaps you can take some of YOUR time and draw a detailed schematic of your elaborate system and convince the rest of the folks on here that they should do it your way. I'm OK with that, but I do not feel compelled to further explain how my obviously inferior system manages to serve me so well. It just does.
SomeSailor is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:37 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012