Hi
The aircon in our caravan only works when the external 15A is plugged into the caravan, and not via the Multiplus (all other 240V items work via the inverter). It would seem the manufacturer wired the caravan so that the AC can only work when connected to external power.
We've upgraded our batteries (1080A) and Solar (2430W) to handle our power needs.
Is there a simple way to change the setup so that all 240V power, including our AC is controlled via the Multiplus?
Thanks
What size Multi?
What size A/C (Electrical kW rating)?
What did the Van manufacturer recommend? Did the van manufacturer provide any Electrical diagrams? Are any other electrical items on the 15A plug?
We've a Multiplus-II 12/3000/120-32, with Dometic Ibis 3 A/C 2.7kW (5.5A) Cooling / 3.1kW (5.8A) Heat.
The van is 2018 and the manufacturer has not replied (their renowned for bad communication even though fantastic quality vans). All 240V appliances are linked to the 15A external connection, but only the A/C is dedicated to it, whereas all others can use both the external 15A or the inverter.
Basic answer is that there are two AC outlets on the bigger multiplus units. One is shore/external power only, the other is shore/external plus inverter.
As long as the multiplus is large enough to run the aircon and other loads, simply switch the aircon input wiring to the other AC outlet. Assuming DC and AC cabling sufficient!
your multiplus is to small to run your A/C from battery, its 2400W (3000VA) cont load @ 25 degrees
that's why the installer connected it to ac out 2 or direct to the power input
if you want to run it from solar/battery you need a bigger multiplus 5000, but with heating that is also almost maxed out
The Multiplus is not connected yet, it's the van manufacturer that's connected the external 15A to the A/C.
I've only just now seen that Victron have brought out a new MultiPlus-II 12/5000/220-50 230V here in Australia, this must be just recent as previously maximum 12V was 3000VA. Looks like more money to spend :(
I've just checked the specs for the IBIS 3, as per below, and the maximum required input power is 1700W which is covered by the Multiplus-II 12/3000/120-32 with 2400W.
Now I realise when the A/C is first starting to cool it will be drawing near max power and as such can't run any other power hungry gear, but once it settles down then the power draw is a lot less.
Power Input Cooling - 1300 W
Power Input Heating - 1210 W
Current Cooling - 5.8A
Current Heating - 5.5A
Maximum Input - 1700W
Maximum Current - 7.5A
The specs don’t indicate this is an inverter aircon. So while the draw may be low, the surge every time the compressor starts can be many times the rating of the unit. Consider a soft starter. Also remember that the 2400W is at 25C. Under constant load and higher temps the inverter will derate down to 1700W (give or take).
Something made worse by mobile installations and restricted airflow.
Hi All
Appreciate all the comments and info.
FYI, to save any potential hassle I've went and bought the MultiPlus II 12/5000/220-50 therefore no need for me to worry if the AC will overload the Multiplus when starting.
Hope everyone is safe and sound.
Thanks, John
