Inverter placement
I'm redoing my system and I'd like to get my inverter closer to the batteries. I have the Renogy 1,000 watt invrter, and I'd like to put it in the storage area under the bed, next to the batteries. ...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:dougrainer wrote:pianotuna wrote:
dougrainer,
Using 120 volt fans may not be the best idea. My Magnum inverter caught on fire because of that design. Far better to have a 12 volt fan, thermostatically controlled, that will continue to operate when the inverter is turned off.
Explain how 120 volt 4 inch fans INSTALLED correctly could cause an Inverter to catch on fire. Doug
Properly install the inverter as per Magnum specifications, following their recommendations for clearances.
Put the inverter under a heavy load such as an air conditioner.
After 1 hour, decide you wish to go shopping.
So turn off the air conditioner.
Now turn off the inverter, using the remote control for the Magnum (internal fans cooling fans stop, as the circuit providing power to them is on the 120 volt side of the inverter).
Go shopping and come back to scorch marks up the wall above the inverter.
And that is how my Magnum 3000 inverter/charger self destructed.
If Magnum had chosen 12 volt fans, powered from the DC input, the scenario would not have occurred.
Magnum did replace it under warranty.
So, I suggest, 12 volt cooling fans, thermostatically controlled, may be a better choice.
So, the MAGNUM fans caused the problem? Since Magnum builds hundreds of thousands of Inverter's IF the magnum design was the problem, there would be lots of this type problem. FYI, Magnum was started by ex Heart/Xantrex Engineers and they designed and built a much better RV product. I have NEVER seen a Magnum have such a scorch fire problem and I have repaired/replaced probably in excess of 1 hundred Magnums in the past 15 years. Not all factory defects, usually outside 120 power source caused. Doug
