I have this new kit but what should I know about it

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Langloan

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Just looking
Bought a second hand Autotrail Arapaho and got this inventor fitted as part of the deal - also a new solar panel and two new batteries

Is it any good and will it power all my electrical gadgets E.g microwave, hairdryer etc

It seems to be Bluetooth but has a switch up in a cupboard?

Should I turn it on and leave alone when no EHU
 
Hi and congrats on the new van.

You will need to tell us more info before anyone can really help, such as what size and type of inverter it is, how much solar and size of the batteries.
 
You need to know the size of batteries and solar and the invertor rating and the power rating of the things you expect to connect and come back and ask the question. You also need to monitor the battery state as if you overuse electrical kit and flatten them it's likely to dammage them and you'll need new ones. What specifically did you ask for?
 
image_67223041.JPG
image_67223041.JPG


Solar panel is 150 watt

Just checking on the two leisure batteries
 
Its a 1600 watt inverter.
IMO you can use up to 1500w max items but that will flatten any batteries pretty quickly.
I would not advise not using any appliance with an heating element - Hair driers / electric kettles/electric toasters.

They are good for cheaper 230V TV and sound bars and charging 230v items

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That's a nice pure sine wave (PSW) inverter, with a transfer switch so it automatically switches over to hookup when plugged in. An inverter like that can power anything up to 1500W, but you need to be aware of the limited energy storage of the leisure batteries it is working from.

A 100Ah 12V battery can supply 100 x 12 = 1200 watt-hours of energy, but depending on the type of battery only 50% to 80% of that is usable. Two leisure batteries are probably about 200Ah total, so the usable power will be 1200Wh to 1920Wh.

You can see that a 1000W fan heater will exhaust the battery in about an hour or two, so it's not really a good idea for heating. Having said that, it is OK for high power in short bursts. A coffee machine, microwave or hair dryer are quite commonly used in this kind of setup.

When used for long-term low power loads like a TV or laptop, you should be aware of the extra power an inverter draws, even with no load at all. It's best to switch off the inverter when not actually using it. That's why there's a convenient on/off switch.

As an example, a 1000W microwave on for 6 minutes (1/10 of an hour) will use 1000/10 = 100Wh.
 
Last edited:
Armytwowheels said:
Hi and congrats on the new van.

You will need to tell us more info before anyone can really help, such as what size and type of inverter it is, how much solar and size of the batteries.
Click to expand...
The invertor is 1600 and the Solar panel 150w and the two batteries are

Lion Leisure Sealed Marine Battery - 80Ah Twin TerminalsProduct Code: 444776851​

 
Victron display differently to other manufacturers. Double check that 1600 as I don’t think that means 1600W. I always get confused when buying Victron gear and have to treble check.

Edit: it is 1600VA not 1600W. You will need someone who can think properly to explain what that is in watts👍
 
nabsim said:
Victron display differently to other manufacturers. Double check that 1600 as I don’t think that means 1600W. I always get confused when buying Victron gear and have to treble check.

Edit: it is 1600VA not 1600W. You will need someone who can think properly to explain what that is in watts👍
Click to expand...
I believe it is still 1600 watts or as near as makes no difference.

anybody want to have a read, https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/volt-ampere-VA

So basically in DC it's the same VA = Watt in AC it depends on what is being powered.

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funflair said:
I believe it is still 1600 watts or as near as makes no difference.

anybody want to have a read, https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/volt-ampere-VA

So basically in DC it's the same VA = Watt in AC it depends on what is being powered.
Click to expand...
I can never understand why they don’t just use the same as everyone else. I almost bought an inverter last year but turned out it wasn’t what I expected. If Va is the same as W then it would have done what I wanted so I am even more confused now. 🤪🤪
 
autorouter said:
That's a nice pure sine wave (PSW) inverter, with a transfer switch so it automatically switches over to hookup when plugged in. An inverter like that can power anything up to 1500W, but you need to be aware of the limited energy storage of the leisure batteries it is working from.

A 100Ah 12V battery can supply 100 x 12 = 1200 watt-hours of energy, but depending on the type of battery only 50% to 80% of that is usable. Two leisure batteries are probably about 200Ah total, so the usable power will be 1200Wh to 1920Wh.

You can see that a 1000W fan heater will exhaust the battery in about an hour or two, so it's not really a good idea for heating. Having said that, it is OK for high power in short bursts. A coffee machine, microwave or hair dryer are quite commonly used in this kind of setup.

When used for long-term low power loads like a TV or laptop, you should be aware of the extra power an inverter draws, even with no load at all. It's best to switch off the inverter when not actually using it. That's why there's a convenient on/off switch.

As an example, a 1000W microwave on for 6 minutes (1/10 of an hour) will use 1000/10 = 100Wh.
Click to expand...
I concur 😊
 
funflair said:
I believe it is still 1600 watts or as near as makes no difference.

anybody want to have a read, https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/volt-ampere-VA

So basically in DC it's the same VA = Watt in AC it depends on what is being powered.
Click to expand...
it is NOT a 1600W inverter. It is a 1300W Inverter.

I would suggest anyone who wants to have a read, read the manufacturers datasheet to check the spec - https://www.victronenergy.com/inverters/phoenix-inverter-smart#downloads
 
Sorry, but one thing that bugs me is the amount of misinformation about the Victron inverter ratings. So often the value (in VAs) is quoted as the Power output in wattage - especially by "Vanlife YouTubers" - and people end up with the wrong kit.
Victron have not really done themselves any favours by using the VA value, but in their defence, it IS the more accurate value as the VA doesn't vary but the wattage of devices can depending on what type of device they are.

I think some cheap Inverter makers quote their Wattage with the same kind of exaggeration that Amstrad and the like used to use to describe their 'Music Centres' in "Music Power" Watts rather than RMS Watts (for anyone old enough to remember 'Music Power' or even 'Music Centres' :) )
 
So back to the ops question. I would say it means the inverter will power a lot of mains powered stuff but check first on the peak power requirements especially on the microwave and anything providing heat ( hairdryer etc) as its going to go over the inverter capacity really easily. Also anything over say 100w only a short time will be available without risking discharging the batteries to a point where they're likely to get dammaged. But I'm no expert what do others say.
 
Hoovie said:
Sorry, but one thing that bugs me is the amount of misinformation about the Victron inverter ratings. So often the value (in VAs) is quoted as the Power output in wattage - especially by "Vanlife YouTubers" - and people end up with the wrong kit.
Victron have not really done themselves any favours by using the VA value, but in their defence, it IS the more accurate value as the VA doesn't vary but the wattage of devices can depending on what type of device they are.

I think some cheap Inverter makers quote their Wattage with the same kind of exaggeration that Amstrad and the like used to use to describe their 'Music Centres' in "Music Power" Watts rather than RMS Watts (for anyone old enough to remember 'Music Power' or even 'Music Centres' :) )
Click to expand...
I think what you are saying is that the Victron description whilst correct is actually too clever for the average numpty like me and it leads to confusion;) well that's me Mr Confused.

I get the basics of VA and Watts but didn't realise that Victron always quote a lower Watt figure, is there 1300 Watt figure as quoted based on an average reactance load so a purely resistive might be higher? or am I overthinking this?
 
funflair said:
I think what you are saying is that the Victron description whilst correct is actually too clever for the average numpty like me and it leads to confusion;) well that's me Mr Confused.

I get the basics of VA and Watts but didn't realise that Victron always quote a lower Watt figure, is there 1300 Watt figure as quoted based on an average reactance load so a purely resistive might be higher? or am I overthinking this?
Click to expand...
Victron is one of those engineering-lead companies that means the products are great but there is often a disconnect between the products and the marketing and customers. I love the Victron kit but it can be quite frustrating as they don't always get why a problem may actually be a problem, as something works the way Victron think it should, but not the way a customer needs it to work!

going back to Watts and VAs, their Wattage figure is based on a standard Power Factor - I think of 0.8? - and I think (I don't know, just my feeling) that they assume their inverters are used with relatively high-end devices with electronics and the like where the gap between VA and Watts is greater. So the Wattage rating is a little on the pessimistic side maybe for some people?

Talking ratings, something that Inverter users should be aware of - and Victron is very up-front about this in the data sheet - is how the power rating drops when it gets warmer. Check the rating at 25C (1300W) and then at 40C (1200W) and if it hits 65C! (800W). I have my Victron Easyplus 12/1600/70 in an external locker and I have added forced cooling with a fan vent cut into the outside door that kicks on when the compartment temperature hits a set value. Lots of Inverters are fitted into cupboards and underseat compartments that have minimal ventilation and can get very hot. Mine didn't get above 25C despite the inverter running at an average of 300W for around 6 hours yesterday
 
FWIW, This is my Electrics Locker where I keep all the Victron kit.

(The Ablemail B2B is at the front close to all the batteries).

And for cooling, fitted this fan/vent kit in the locker door, controlled by a temp sensor.
IMG_20210828_180322_2.jpgIMG_20210828_175933_9.jpg
Electronic devices can keep running at remarkably high temperatures, but it is always good if you can keep them as cool as possible. Where there are installations in the largeish garages in the big Motorhomes (and see some outstanding installations posted up here on the forum), it is worth keeping an eye on the temps and if holidaying in the warmer climes, consider adding external ventilation if not already present.

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I knew you were on here Dave but couldn’t remember what your username was here :) The way Victron label stuff has always confused me as you know and it’s why I always check with you 👍
 
nabsim said:
I knew you were on here Dave but couldn’t remember what your username was here :) The way Victron label stuff has always confused me as you know and it’s why I always check with you 👍
Click to expand...
It still confuses me as well!
 
Hoovie said:
It still confuses me as well!
Click to expand...
Ha ha don’t say that, although I don’t need anything at the moment so you can be a little confused so long as it doesn’t last :)
 
Hoovie said:
FWIW, This is my Electrics Locker where I keep all the Victron kit.

(The Ablemail B2B is at the front close to all the batteries).

And for cooling, fitted this fan/vent kit in the locker door, controlled by a temp sensor.
View attachment 614441View attachment 614442
Electronic devices can keep running at remarkably high temperatures, but it is always good if you can keep them as cool as possible. Where there are installations in the largeish garages in the big Motorhomes (and see some outstanding installations posted up here on the forum), it is worth keeping an eye on the temps and if holidaying in the warmer climes, consider adding external ventilation if not already present.
Click to expand...
I want a locker like that👍😁😁
 
I to want a locker like that! EHU is a lot easier to understand.
Victron is probably the market leader, and provide all that info for electrical engineering types. AC supplies are tricky take a look at the power triangle if you haven’t already, real power, apparent power and reactive power.

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Langloan said:
The invertor is 1600 and the Solar panel 150w and the two batteries are

Lion Leisure Sealed Marine Battery - 80Ah Twin TerminalsProduct Code: 444776851​

Click to expand...
The inverter is 1600va which is about 1200 Watts.
If you want to run it at full power you need around 500 ah of batteries, you only have 160ah.
 
Hoovie said:
FWIW, This is my Electrics Locker where I keep all the Victron kit.

(The Ablemail B2B is at the front close to all the batteries).

And for cooling, fitted this fan/vent kit in the locker door, controlled by a temp sensor.
View attachment 614441View attachment 614442
Electronic devices can keep running at remarkably high temperatures, but it is always good if you can keep them as cool as possible. Where there are installations in the largeish garages in the big Motorhomes (and see some outstanding installations posted up here on the forum), it is worth keeping an eye on the temps and if holidaying in the warmer climes, consider adding external ventilation if not already present.
Click to expand...
That's all very neat (y) can I ask what you use to print the labels?
 
Itsmcb said:
That's all very neat (y) can I ask what you use to print the labels?
Click to expand...
Thanks. Used a brother handheld label printer. Essentially an updated version of those old Dymotape labellers that used to press down and stamp the letters out.
Quite handy and you can get different coloured tape.
 
1651788595539.jpeg
So a 1600 VA invertor might only have a true power of 1400 W depending on what power factor is. if you can find an appliance with a power factor of 1 you would have 1600 W but appliances are generally in the range 0.8 - 0.95

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