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Generator wired through Magnum Inverter
Not sure if this should go in the electrical or generator category.
Situation, I am 99% dry camping these days (long story). it was very hot, so I started the generator to run the AC unit in the bedroom. After a few minutes the generator shut off. I restarted it, and a few minutes later it shut off again. So much for AC that night. The batteries were very low, so I am thinking that trying to charge the batteries and run the AC unit was creating too large of current draw. The next day I started the generator without the AC on, and it worked perfectly, and was charging the batteries without issue.
Before I bought the bus I was testing the generator with the former owner, and he said it took about 3 minutes to register charging, as it was run through the inverter. He said he wished he hadn’t wired it that way.
Question: Do you think the system is wired incorrectly?
Do I need to “unwire” the generator output from passing the inverter first?
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46 Replies
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If the generator runs through the inverter(s) it means some of the power from the generator is charging the batteries, and that some of the power is a pass through to those circuits powered by inverter. I think. The reason for hesitance is not enough is known about what sounds like a very unusual wiring.
Does shore power go through the inverter(s)?
What is the current setting for charging on the inverter?
Generally speaking a generator will put out more power than is available from shore power if the generator rating exceeds 12.5KW. There should be no overload or shut down of the generator so not enough information is available to determine what is going on.
Vantare runs all its power through inverters so that is not an issue, but Vantare has a well designed and thought out system, but not all converters have done that. What is concerning is the suggestion the previous owner made the change and that is a bright red warning signal that something is not right.
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What conversion? Royale, Featherlite, etc, and what size generator.
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Do you have amp meters? they show how many amps each of the 50 amp legs is consuming.
My bus has adjustable timers in the transfer switch. One for setting the time before gen power is allowed onboard, and another for the shore power. See pic below.It sounds like your gen is over heating, that’s why it shuts down. My gen(17.5kw) can run multiple ACs and charge batteries at the same time. Loose fan belt behind the radiator? Loose water pump belt on the gen engine? -
Converter and brand of generator?
If it’s a Power Tech they will shut down if the draw is too high.
You stated your batteries were low so once the inverters kick in to charge, they could pull as much as 20+ amps each to charge your batteries. When the ACs kick on they can pull as much as 60 amps temporarily at start up. this can be enough to cause the Powertech gen to shut off.
Next time, try turning your charge rate (or shore cord size) down to 5 amps each or let your batteries charge for an hour before turning on an AC.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
WOW! Thank you for all the great information!!!I have infrequent internet access (when in town). I will read all the posts and answer all the questions tonight.
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
Hi Jon-
Yes, it appears that shore power is going through the inverter as well.
I have not been able to plug in anywhere since purchase, but while at the former owners home, while connected to his 30amp shore power, the inverter was showing it was charging until it reached “float status”.
The bus had a ‘Trace” inverter built in, which must have stopped working at some point, so he put in the Magnum system.
I’m not sure what the current setting for the inverter is, not sure how to determine that.
Yes, I’m not sure he wired it himself, but it is possible, as he has done other projects on the bus. I can post photos if you tell me what to take them of.
Thanks!
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It is a Kingston Coach, built by Bill Kingston.
The Generator is 15KW Kubota built by Wrico International.
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Ace-
Where are these timers located, near the generator or in the coach?
The generator doesn’t seem hot, seems pretty cool in the bay, I have been running it with the bay door open. Has plenty of coolant, I will check the belt, but the water temp gauge seems to be running pretty cool.
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YellowJacket-
The Converter was “Kingston Coach” by Bill Kingston. The generator is a 15KW Wrico International. The generator engine is a Kubota. The 8 coach batteries don’t seem to hold a charge very long, so they are constantly needing to be recharged even I am not using much juice. A couple small LED lights, and a little window fan. However I was running the original Dometic frigerator on DC, because when I put it on propane it was making a clicking noise and the propane sensor alarm went off a couple times. Then the refrigerator wasn’t working at all. At least on DC, it seemed kinda cool, not cold, that is until the batteries run down.
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Luc,
We have preached on here for years about how weak batteries will mask electrical problems. I would start with new batteries and I think a lot of your problems would disappear.
Also getting 8 old batteries to float on 30amp is a task, I wouldn’t put to much stock in that.
Later
bv
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Luc, I worded my comment/question about shore power through inverters wrong.
All inverters pass through shore power, but Vantare as an example runs all circuits via inverters, whereas most other converters have their conversions set up so only specific circuits are powered by inverters or power passed through the inverters from shore or generator.
Bernie made the best observation of the day with his comment about batteries. Heed his advice.
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What type/size are you batteries? Lead acid or AGM? Voltage?
Am I to understand you only have one inverter/Charger? As mentioned, 8 batteries are a lot for one inverter. Unless you have 8 – 6v batteries wired series-Parallel giving you the equivalent of 4 – 12v batteries.
In any case if they do not last long that would be the place to start.
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YellowJacket-
They appear to be standard lead/acid batteries. Duracell Golf Cart EGC2?
Yes, I only see One inverter. Is it recommended to have Two? Not sure where I would have space to mount a second.
I will try and post some photos.
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Bernie-
Thanks for the good advice. I will get some new batteries.
What type/brand would be the best?
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Luc,
Depending on what your plans are for your coach is what would determine my course of action.
The system you show is golf cart batteries and 1 inverter and I don’t know what your pulling for amp loads. It would probably be to much work and cost to try and bring it up to date so I’m stopping on advice.
if you keep the golf cart batteries (those are definitely aged out) at least get a sealed maintenance free battery so you don’t have to check them for water.
Later
bv
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