Inverter v inverter charger

jauguston wrote:
My Magnum IC is not always inverting.

He's talking about the hybrid versions that can parallel with another source like a generator.

Hi,

And the big advantage of separate components is that there is greater flexibility to the way the RV can be powered. Add to that ease of trouble shooting. The parts are also cheaper. (three strikes and you are OUT! lol)

I can plug into a 15 amp service--and still run the RV pretty much as though it were plugged into a 30 amp service. I plug in the converter and the water heater to shore power, and plug the rest of the RV into the inverter.

No transfer switch (which when switching under load may eventually end up non functional due to burned contacts).

This is most useful to me as I often do not have access to the shore power breaker.

Because I finally broke down and purchased a generator (Yamaha 3000 iSEB), I also use the inverter to power things when the generator is maxed out. It's kind of neat to be running 4000 watts from a 2800 watt generator. Granted, I can't do it forever, but I can do it for long enough to get the water heater to full temperature.

For these "tricks" I did "break out" the converter and water heater from the OEM power center. I used standard plugs to do so, so I can go back to OEM in about 20 seconds.

The big advantage to inverter/chargers is on installation. They are an inverter, charger, and automatic transfer switch in a single package. I am going to install my factory 100 amp converter on a separate 20 amp inlet so if needed I can either charge at 250 amps (not likely) or run double conversion - 15 amp circuit charging ~100 amps running the inverter to run the loads - at times exceeding the 15 amps coming in - like a electric heater or ac and the microwave / coffee pot / toaster / hair drier at the same time off a 15 amp cord. Useful at the inlaws house..

*

My Magnum IC is not always inverting. It is only inverting when I push the little button in the control panel to turn it on. If it is on it will pick up the load for the two power pass circuits that run through it if another power source is interupted such as shore power or generator is removed. Otherwise even if it is on it is not inverting if either of those sourced are available. The converter side will be charging the batteries.

The only exception where I'd look at an inverter/charger is the Victron or Magnum Energy "hybrids" that are always inverting, and power is passed to the batteries first. The advantage of this setup is that if the CG has low voltage, the inverter will start using the battery to maintain the proper electricity for components, which helps with A/C compressors that can burn out if started or run at under 100-110 volts for periods of time.

RoyB wrote:
I think you may be wanting to add more battery capacity..

A 55 AMP charger in my opinion may be abit short on re-charging a 400AH battery bank.

Yep, I agree with this. Most good IC's will have a 100a charger.

Hi,

I prefer a stand alone inverter. It makes some interesting things possible.

I think you may be wanting to add more battery capacity if you plan on loading down your 2000WATT Inverter anywhere close to a full 2000WATT load. Your manual probably says if you are planning on using over 1000WATTS of load it recommends a 400AH battery capacity.

A 55 AMP charger in my opinion may be abit short on re-charging a 400AH battery bank. The rule of thumb most battery guys like to see is somewhere around 20AMPS of charge capacity for each battery in the battery bank. This is especially important if you want to recharge your battery bank in a quick three hour charge time using smart mode charging technology.

My current 255AH battery banks draws 52-53AMPs consistently for the first 15 minutes or so when a 14.4VDC Boost charge voltage is presented to my 50% charge state battery bank.

If your INVERTER load is going to be around 150-160AMPs maximum than I think the 55AMP charger will be just fine... I just read a MAGNUM 2000 Inverter manual online and it states if you are planning on using the INVERTER loads in excess of 1000WATTs then a 400AH battery bank is recommended...

Even with a 400AH battery bank I don't think you will have a very long run time if you are running close to 2000WATT PSW load. Inverters are very power Hungry..

Check with others on this situation.

Just my thoughts
Roy Ken

Downside to combo might be wiring where you are forced into hard wiring, pass-through 120, and maybe sub-panels and confusion wrt the two legs in a 50a rig. But some folks prefer that in a MH.

Downside to separate might be if you want a higher amp charger than that 55amper to reduce gen time for recharging.

Inverter/chargers often come with 100a or 150a chargers, but that is rare among straight chargers. It is true you can get an inverter and a separate 100amp charger (eg, PowerMax PM4B-100) for less money ( perhaps a lot less) than the combo.

The combo would likely have some fancy settings options that you don't usually get otherwise if getting separate components