So I want to use my Inverter appropriately. I do not understand why they have on-and-off, charger only and Inverter only. The “off” one is easy to understand. I need explanations for the other 3.
Hi, this is explained quite clearly in the manual. Section 3.1.
There are also a fair number of topics that touch on this subject on this very forum.
Granted, inverter only is not a physical switch setting but it is hopefully fairly self-explanatory, supply loads only from battery (system disconnects from grid).
Usually a system is set to on so it can do what it needs to do - both charge and invert as necessary.
Hi Nick, so I never got a manual for the inverter. It came with my Tab 400. They don’t give out manuals.
So I did download it and it makes no sense whatsoever.
Remember I am new, and asking a newbie question. The "On " and “Inverter only” seem to be the same. I am getting that the Charger only should be when you’re hooked to shore power because it passes through the power and does not involve the inverter. Does that mode massage the power so it is more pure for computer equipment?
The inverter only does not compute. If “on” does the same thing why use the inverter only? That makes no sense to me! When do you use one over the other?
PS I have read 3.1 from the download many times and still makes no sense. Maybe to an engineer or someone that has been using Victron components for years but for me it makes no sense. I do get the Off button !
“On” is Auto mode - the unit will automatically switch between inverting, or passing through and charging, depending on whether AC input is present.
“Charger Only” will only charge and pass through, but will never invert.
“Inverter Only” will only invert, never charge nor pass through.
Thanks Justin
So why use Inverter only especially if you use On?
That’s up to you, I have no idea why you might want to do that.
The option exists, it’s up to you if you have a reason to use it.
That’s what I want to know. It does not explain that in the manual. That’s why I am here. I want explanations as to “why” and “why not” you would use Charger only, Inverter only or On when On seems to cover all of it!
The only thing that is self-evident is the Off button!
The “why” is for you to decide.
If “on” serves your purposes, then use “on”. If you find yourself in a scenario where you do not want to allow inverting when shore power drops out, then use “charger only”. If you find yourself in a scenario where you do not want to allow incoming power from the shore connection, then use “inverter only”.
Ok, getting closer… Why would you want to only use an inverter if you have the ability to use shore power? What is the benefit ?
I don’t.
If you don’t see a reason to use it, don’t use it. Options exist for you to use if you need to. If that need ever presents itself to you, then now you know where to find it and what it does!
I can’t answer a question that I do not know the answer to. Which is why I am here. To answer my questions. I want a compare and contrast of each. On, Charger only, Inverter only and when it would benefit it to use or not to use. I am totally new to this. I am not an engineer and have had to learn from reading and everyone has a different take on the use. I want universal truth.
If there is already a section in this website that explains the pros and cons of using each of those that I ask about point it out to me or tell me where it is at. I will gladly go read about it. I have yet to find a breakdown of On, Charger only and Inverter only.
This is the website of Victron and I am a newbie . I want answers to my questions that are not answered in the manual.
The people that designed and built this equipment should have done that in the manual. If I am asking I know others are as well. Hell I just found out that the people that built my solar panels were never quality control testing their panels before selling them . The consumer was getting something that was broken or not performing to the specs that it was rated to.
Everyone here is a volunteer, whether system owners, installers, or general enthusiasts; this is not an Ask Victron site nor a Victron Support site. See our Community Guidelines for details.
There are many exceptionally good free resources that you can use to start learning the foundational concepts missing, such as Victron’s own YouTube channel, Victron Professional, the Wiring Unlimited and Energy Unlimited books, the extensive user and installation manuals, and so forth, all freely available at your fingertips.
Another Community member may or may not chime in with their own thoughts and opinions to try to help your understanding as their time and patience permits! Unfortunately I must acknowledge that I am out of both; best of fortune to you!
Thanks Justin
This site is connected to Victron , I appreciate your candor. I will ask anyone as to where I would start finding the information I seek. If there is an article to explain it please send me that way.
Sincerely. Todd Killeen
Hi, I think the easiest thing is to work towards a goal. If your inverter is already doing everything you want, you’ve already reached it. If you’re looking for a feature and haven’t found it yet, the next step would be to ask about the mode that might make it possible.