Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power  (Read 297 times) previous topic - next topic

Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power

Plugged into 50 amp service here at home.  Progressive EMS reports both legs good into coach.

I decided to let solar charge batteries since AC and Heat not needed during the winter here in Florida so I turned Victron Multiplus 3000 (not ii) Off...so no charger and no inverter.

Later that day I went to plug in a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the coach and no AC at the outlets.  Also noticed that microwave also Off with Multiplus Off.

I turned the Charger (not inverter) function of the Multiplus on and all AC circuits had power.

Is this normal and I've just never noticed?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power

Reply #1 –
I would be curious as to why on shore power the 120v outlets were dead. I am not familiar with the Victron charger invertor.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power

Reply #2 –
I agree with craneman.

Given there's a change in inverter, this isn't going to be like one with the OEM Xantrex.  Some inverters have passthrough circuits and some also have internal transfer switches.  You might need to drag out the manual.

Without the Victron turned on, do ANY 120VAC items work on shore power? 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power

Reply #3 –
Yes, many inverter/chargers have a "pass through" feature.  If the inverter/charger receives a source of 120 VAC (shore power or generator) it pass it through to all circuits downstream.

Note, on some Foretravels there is a SECOND ATS with one source from shore power and the other from the inverter/charger.  If you have two (usually stacked on top of each other in the area at the foot of the bed), worthwhile to check connections inside (actually a routine thing to do once a year anyway).

And, also likely you have a second breaker box supplied by the inverter or second ATS.

Let us know how yours is wired and what you have checked and we can assist.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Power passing into the coach from 50 amp shore power

Reply #4 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
Plugged into 50 amp service here at home.  Progressive EMS reports both legs good into coach.

I decided to let solar charge batteries since AC and Heat not needed during the winter here in Florida so I turned Victron Multiplus 3000 (not ii) Off...so no charger and no inverter.

Later that day I went to plug in a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the coach and no AC at the outlets.  Also noticed that microwave also Off with Multiplus Off.

I turned the Charger (not inverter) function of the Multiplus on and all AC circuits had power.

Is this normal and I've just never noticed?

Our MultiPlus II is the same.  Off is off, no 120 volt power to the coach.  Charge only enables a passthrough of the 120 power to the coach when plugged in, as does the switch when in the inverter position.


Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker