I’m working on a system for my coach. I was reading the details of the MultiPlus-II 2x120 manual (Rev 00 - 05/2023) and I see it has different data than the MP datasheet. The manual shows a case size difference and it also has an AC-IN 2. The manual appears to have Quattro-II data mixed in with the MP data? The link to the HTML version on the intro page links to the Quattro-II 2x120V
The HTML version of the MultiPlus-II 2x120 manual appears to reflect the datasheet.
Yes, the MP-II manual has some elements leftover from the Quattro-II manual - we alerted the documentation team to that last week so it should be fixed soon!
Thanks Justin, the revision of that manual was 17 months ago. Hard to believe it wasn’t noticed a year ago.
I think most people who are reading the manual are very likely using the HTML5 version, which does seem to be correct - well either that or they’re not reading the manual at all, which is also unfortunately often true.
I do believe in RTFM. I don’t see any guidance on mounting orientation. Is it permissible to ceiling mount a MP, assuming valid side clearances?
I would strongly advise against it, as if you mounted it to the ceiling with the face down, the transformer would be hanging from its mount fighting gravity, and gravity always eventually wins. If it’s needed to mount to the ceiling, then better to build a drop-down shelf attached to the ceiling, and mount the unit on its back, facing up, on the shelf.
Thanks Justin, I was just looking at the 3D model. It appears if the orientation was back down, the “top” vent wouldn’t be as effective in convection due to the lid. There is no mention of a fan in the .html version, but the model has a fan.
The datasheet does say fan assisted cooling. Does it always run, run as needed, proportional speed? How is the transformer mounted?
Yes, in the manual it does state “suitable for wall-mounting”, so ideally on a wall, vertically oriented in an upright position, is the proper mounting orientation and will give you the best cooling and drip resistance. Other mounting methods/orientations would not be supported, but in practice only having it hanging face-down would be a really bad idea. I’ve seen them mounted on their backs or on their sides -ie, oriented horizontally on a vertical surface such as a wall- with no ill effects so long as it’s sure to be a very dry area.
The fan will ramp up, at various speeds, as needed and as determined by a temperature probe that is wound into the transformer.
The transformer is mounted to the upper-rear of the case, thus why mounting on its back or horizontally on a vertical surface, has no appreciable effect on the transformer but only mildly appreciable effect on its cooling efficiency.
Thanks Justin, I’m a bit disappointed in the lack of documentation on mounting. It conveys absolutely no indications there would be any unsupported mounting orientations. Dry, ventilated, clear space around, that’s close to, but away from the batteries is what they specify. Suitable for isn’t the words for a requirement.
Is there other documentation that might address the limitations you’ve mentioned?
I would argue that “suitable for X” means “unsuitable for Y”, if that makes sense - or at the very least, that “Y hasn’t been tested, so try at your own risk”.
Most professional installers who are familiar with the equipment will know the wiggle room that exists, or is wise, or will discuss with you the possible effects or consequences of doing things in a way other than as proscribed. Many things that aren’t directly in documentation are totally fine so long as a number of ifs ands or buts have been addressed and resolved in a way appropriate to the specific installation environment and use-case, which is where the experienced systems installer can offer further recommendations or cautions as necessary - there’s simply no way to document or test every possible configuration or use-case that these components might see.
Thanks Justin, I wasn’t looking for every possible configurations, just documentation on the only 4 likely orientations.
I would respectfully disagree with your argument. It’s been my experience that a manual or specification sheet always spells out operation that would be detrimental or unsafe. The documentation provided for the MP2 has very vague language pertaining to mounting orientations, but provides numerous cautions about the location and suitability of the mounting surface among other things.
How do most professional installers get familiar with which orientations are warrantied and which aren’t? Are there classes or an installer’s manual available? I assume there has to be a better way than trial & error, no?
Is there a way to get an official anwser from Victron?
Well, warranty won’t be based on installation orientation alone, but it depends on the issue. If your unit is experiencing a spurious overload, and it’s installed face down, there shouldn’t be an issue with warranty because the one isn’t affecting the other. If the transformer shakes loose and it’s installed face-down, there will be an issue with warranty, because the one is affecting the other.
If you sign up for a (free) account at professional.victronenergy.com, there are an absolute load of training videos and resources available through there that will be exceptionally useful, both in learning more about the components, best practices, and in some cases the internal construction of units that will help in making judgement calls about such things.
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