This will seem basic to some, but I don’t want to make a mistake. I’m replacing a Trace RV2512 with a Victron Multiplus 2x120, and have a question. My rig (2000 Monaco Windsor RV) has two breaker panels, with output from the master panel (2 30A breakers) going to the inverter, and the output from the inverter returning to a secondary panel as two leads. Testing voltage between the hot leads shows 0v, so they are in phase. Each lead is Romex and has load, neutral, and ground wires. The question: Since I have two hot leads, two grounds, and two neutrals coming into the Multiplus, would it be correct/ok to bind the neutrals together before running into the Multiplus? There are two L1/L2 hot inputs, but only one neutral input. Those neutrals are all attached to a neutral buss bar in my breaker/distribution panel.
The way the two panels work: the master panel has all the things that require shore or generator power, the secondary panel has all the things that run if boondocking, ie lower current draw items. TIA for any guidance.
Two independent in-phase circuits shouldn’t be run into the MultiPlus-II 2x120 in any case, it requires 180 degree phase rotation between L1 and L2 (so ~240v between them) to work with.
The Trace manual shows that as a split phase pass-through inverter. If you’re plugged into a 20A or 30A circuit with a dogbone OR running the inverter, you will see single phase (L1/L2 = 0V). Is the 30A breaker a dual or 2 singles?
Thanks-I thought that was what I read in the installation manual. The same question arises though: those two lines will have two neutrals, yet there is one neutral input to the MultiPlus-II 2x120. Also, I must be wrong about the circuits being in-phase, unless both sides of my breaker panel are running off one leg of the 50A shore power. It’s coming in out of phase from shore power, so I’ll re-check that and see if I was wrong. Also, since there is one neutral incoming, binding the two neutrals between out of phase feed lines should be ok, right? because it was originally one neutral anyway.
@Justin ok, I had a dumb moment apparently and used my multimeter on the wrong setting. Those two feed lines are definitely out of phase, as they should be. I edited my original post to reflect that. My only question then is about the two neutrals and one neutral input. How does Victron recommend connecting two neutral leads to one neutral terminal? Or, do they recommend running one heavier duty neutral lead from the primary breaker panel (ie the output that goes to the inverter) to the inverter? Right now, my coach is wired using Romex to/from the inverter. Previous inverter was 2500W, new one will be 3000, so not much different there. Still within 30A.
Well, Victron is a global manufacturer, not an electrical installer who’s licensed within whatever your particular jurisdiction may be, so really that will be a question for your systems installer after an inspection and verification of the existing system and wiring to ensure that everything’s done correctly and to the relevant codes/regulations.
Personally, since there’s only one neutral to begin with, I’d say joining them back together isn’t an issue, but I’m not there inspecting the system so I can’t offer system-specific advice with regard to how your wiring is set up currently and the best way to modify it safely. I’ve been wildly mistaken before when making assumptions on the internet about how a system is wired, so I stick with the “please consult your installer after a thorough inspection and verification of the existing wiring” line.