Multiplus tripping mains in charger only mode

DIY
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1

Hi, I have just installed a 1600 amp Multiplus inverter charger. Every time i switch to charge only mode it trips the hook up mains and, when I tried it at home, my house mains! My (Very simple) set up is as follows - 240amp Victron AGM, 175 Watt solar panel with a Victron MPPT charger, a Victron DC to DC charger and that’s it! I have been installing all this tuff in my van as I go along and can afford them so everything has been connected pretty much from day one apart from maintenance. When I first tried this at a campsite it tripped but I thought it may be dodgy campsite electrics. I then tried it another and another and finally today at home p- same result each time! Each time, everything has been connected, especially the battery but I have tried disconnecting the solar panel and DC to DC but to no avail. I have previously used a simple Victron mains charger (No issues at all) and am wishing I hadn’t wasted my money on this pile of junk! The inverter works fine and I’m guessing I should have just installed a simple inverter without the charging facility - you thoughts good people?

2

Is it tripping the outlet on over current or earth fault (gfci). USA or elsewhere in the world.

If it is over current, then you can set a limit on the current it will draw to stop it tripping breakers. You will need a means to program the Multiplus.

It it is gfci and you are in the USA this is a known issue as the USA uses gfci with very low fault tolerance. If this is the case search tje forum for gfci multiplus. Example below.

3

Hi,

Thank you for the quick response - I am in the UK. The switches are at the factory settings and the instructions say this should be fine! I wanted a simple plug and play system with no fancy whistles and bells but, from what you say, this is not possible! I’m not sure (The instructions are next to useless!) if this can be done via Bluetooth - would you know if this is the case?

Regards,

Dave

4

UK it is most likely tripping on over current. However, you say it tripped at home and that should allow more current so it may be an earth leakage fault. You need someone who knows how to test for an earth fault to confirm.

You need to know what current limit the hook up has, 6A is common = 1400W which the charger may exceed, especially if you have other users on your 230V power at the same time.

To program the Multiplus you use one of the following methods. The options are limited using the DIP switches (option 1), for optimum programming use options 2, 3 or 4. Links added for all options except 1 as this nerds the specific model manual.

  1. The DIP switches, I know nothing about this, details in the manual, I have no idea if the input current limit can be set this way.
  2. A smartphone using the VictronConnect app with a Mk3 USB interface between the phone and the Multiplus
  3. A PC/laptop using the VE Configure program with a Mk3 USB interface between the PC/laptop and the Multiplus.
  4. A PC/laptop using the VE Configure program though if you have a GX device connected to the Multiplus and the internet.
5

Hi,

thank you for that - I was hoping for a simple life but I guess I will have to bite the bullet and get the lead. I will get back to you when I have had a chance to try the options above.

Thanks again,

Regards,

Dave