Which automatic transfer switch for Inverter?

[steven2002]

Hi folks I will be fitting soon a 300ah lithium battery,victron 30a charger,relay to disconnect vans split charger and 2000w renogy Inverter.
I think I want to fit an auto transfer switch to switch from mains to Inverter.
Plan is mains electric from inlet socket on van to one side of switch and Inverter feeding other then outlet then straight to the AC consumer unit.
I would disconnect the vans charger and possibly connect new charger to the mains in side of the transfer switch.also would have heating and fridge running on gas while on Inverter power.
So if this seems ok which and what size transfer switch should I look at?

Tha renogy Inverter has an inbuilt transfer switch but the power output is only a 13a socket..
Thanks Steven.

Van is a rapido with CBE consumer unit and electrics.

 

[autorouter]

I wouldn't have thought a 13A socket would be a huge limitation - the maximum you can expect from a hookup post is 16A, and they are relatively rare. They mostly have 10A or 6A trips anyway, unless you will be frequenting winter camping sites.

The problem is the UK 3-pin plug with its 13A fuse that will fit in the 3-pin UK socket. If you really need the extra, then there's a couple of options. You could replace the 13A socket with a Schuko power socket, which will take 16A, through an unfused 16A plug. Or if it's going to be a permanent installation, you could remove the socket entirely, and wire the output directly to the consumer unit.

I'm sure other versions of the Renogy inverter will be available having a Schuko output socket, so I don't think you will be over-stressing anything by changing/removing the socket.

Good idea to fit an RCD + B16 MCB between the EHU inlet and the inverter mains inlet. Or even better, a 2-pole 30mA 16A RCBO.

 

[steven2002]

Thanks.would it be easier maybe to then to forget about the inbuilt transfer switch and get a standalone one.then I could use the Inverter for the sockets in the van and just make sure heating and fridge in not on electric.
Thanks.

 

[autorouter]

You could still use the internal transfer switch. The van sockets will be connected to an MCB in the consumer unit. Disconnect the wire, put a 13A plug on it, and plug it into the inverter output. Might need to extend the wire a bit, using Wago connectors for example. Then connect the MCB to the mains input of the internal transfer switch.

Your sockets will then work automatically on EHU power if available, and from inverter when EHU is not available. The RCD/MCB in the consumer unit will protect the van sockets when on EHU.

 

[tonyidle]

A simple mains operated 30A relay to switch chosen consumers from the inverter to incoming supply will do the job. The relay to operate on when on hook-up. I'm doing exactly that.

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[autorouter]

A simple mains operated 30A relay to switch chosen consumers from the inverter to incoming supply will do the job. The relay to operate on when on hook-up. I'm doing exactly that.

Make sure it's a 'break-before-make' type relay - most of them are but best to check. You don't want the inverter output and the EHU input to clash, even for a fraction of a second. If you're unlucky, that could be a 700V voltage difference

 

[tonyidle]

Make sure it's a 'break-before-make' type relay - most of them are but best to check. You don't want the inverter output and the EHU input to clash, even for a fraction of a second. If you're unlucky, that could be a 700V voltage difference

I think you mean break before make?

 

[tacr2man]

these work well and can be wired to prioritise automatically or manual mode
<Broken link removed> several sellers you can wire mains charger into ehu input side if you are not knowledgeable best get qualified electrician to install system . they are break before make

 

[DBK]

I fitted an automatic changeover system although it was a bit of a search finding one with the correct rating. I wired it so it closes when on EHU but in hindsight I should have connected it to the inverter output. The reason is when wired like mine is now and you are on a very low rated supply, I've come across 3A ones, and you want to power something needing more current you have to unplug the EHU before you can turn on the inverter. It would be better wired so you didn't have to unplug the EHU and could just turn on the inverter. I might change it one day but it isn't a big chore to unplug - unless it's raining of course!

I described the fit here: (the relay saga starts a post #16)

Fitting a 1500W Inverter

In this thread I asked for comments on a 1500W pure sign inverter. As the comments were favourable I went ahead and ordered one. :) https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/thoughts-on-this-inverter.155627/ When it arrived I tried it for size in my chosen spot in the PVC. This is very...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[steven2002]

Cheers folks that's a good bit of information.
I will have a look over the weekend and have a think which looks the best option.
Thanks all.

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[steven2002]

I think autorouter your suggestion would be the easiest option for me. I have changed the socket on the Inverter to schuko type.i will try and get a MCB for protecting the Inverter and charger from a local supplier or online.
Thanks folks.

 

[steven2002]

Ok so I have fitted the roamer 300 lipo battery,used the internal transfer switch in the Inverter and changed the sockets on it to a schuko 16a type.also fitted a victron 30a mains charger with a switch to be able to easily switch off.
Also sterling 60a b2b.
All seems good but now need to isolate the split charging so the latest question is on a CBE ds470 ra does anyone know where I can find the d+wire to trigger the relay?
Thanks.
Steven.