Electrical Conundrum… help?

[Slvr_Lining]

This is the first time attempting to start a thread… Hope it works when I hit “submit” and would appreciate any advice.

We have. 27’ Globetrotter with the upgraded microwave/convection/etc (Contoure). We also have 400ah of BB batteries, 500w of solar, a 3,000w Victron multiplus 2 inverter and other assorted Victron goodies.

When on shore power and using the microwave, I see about 1,500 watts of demand from the microwave. All good so far.

When boondocking and using the microwave, I see only about 500w of demand and the microwave takes forever to heat things.

Now, I know that the inverter is capable of running big loads as I have successfully run one of the AC units for a few minutes… just to test. During the test, I can see about 2,000w supplied by the inverter.


So, I know that the microwave draws 1,500w when on shore power, I know that the 3kw inverter can supply more than the microwave demands, and yet the demand, when not connected to shore power, is about 500w… making the microwave useless.


Any thoughts/recommendations on what needs to happen so that the microwave works effectively while disconnected from shore power?

[BGClassic]

I have a similar setup with our Classic, after upgrading. The only thing I can think of is circuit 7, for the inverter. I assume you removed the original 1000W inverter? That's probably a long shot guess.

You are right though, I can also run one AC, and coffee maker and microwave easily with our set up. I do manage the loads, though.

The only other thing may be the Multiplus II configuration, but your AC works.

Someone will chime in here.

Good luck.

[Slvr_Lining]

Thanks for thinking through and offering up ideas BGClassic. Yes, the original 1000w inverter was removed.

Anybody else want to join in on the head scratching!

[BGClassic]

How hard is it to get to the AC outlet for your microwave? Unplug it, try a different AC power source.

[charlesk]

Guessing that someone rewired the distribution panel when the new inverter was installed. Since it’s just one circuit, maybe the possibility of a loose wire or loose neutral for that circuit that was rewired for the inverter. Might be worth having someone check the distribution panel wiring.

[Slvr_Lining]

Thank you for your response charlesk. Yes, the wires on the distribution panel are tight. Also, the microwave works fine when on shore power.

[StogieMan]

Check to see if the AES (Automatic Economy Switch) is turned on in your Victron Multiplus settings. This should be disabled. When this is turned on it can cause issues with appliance’s especially with some Keurig & espresso machines and microwaves. This is a known issue and you can check the Victron forum for some deeper reading.

I would also make sure that your power assist is on and set to 2 to be able to handle that initial surge.

Hope this helps.

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/...idal%20voltage.


https://www.victronenergy.com/media/...-settings.html


Take a look at this video around the 3:07 mark where he talks about the AES setting.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Xsyg...ature=youtu.be

[BGClassic]

This is puzzling. I also thought it could be a MPII configuration issue, but an AC unit will run off the battery.

Following.

[Slvr_Lining]

StogieMan - thank you for your advice! This sounds like a very promising solution to my problem. I have a Touch 50 but don’t see a way to get to that setting without using the method described in the video you included. We’re on the road for the next 2 months so may not be able to check/change settings until we get back home. I sure appreciate your reaponse!

BGClassic - the AC units have soft starts so they may not be negatively impacted by the AES setting(?)

It will likely be many weeks before I can make the recommended changes but I will post the outcome once done!

Thank you!

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by BGClassic

This is puzzling. I also thought it could be a MPII configuration issue, but an AC unit will run off the battery.

Following.

Correct - a Victron Multiplus or II 3k can run your AC with no issues. The issue that the Multiplus “may” have is when running your AC with some generators with the UPS function on that sometimes creates some problems but this a completely separate issue and also a lot of discussions on the Victron forum on this.

When not tied to shore power, your 3K Multiplus will provide you with 3000 watts to run whatever you want and of course with managing your loads. It also depends on if you’re tied to shore power and if you’re using the power assist function. An AC will draw close to 1500 watts, micro about 1500 and the hot water heater is about the same. Both the AC and micro will have higher surges on ramp up. I have a soft start on my AC and the initial surge comes in around 300’ish watts before it ramps up and settles out.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by Slvr_Lining

StogieMan - thank you for your advice! This sounds like a very promising solution to my problem. I have a Touch 50 but don’t see a way to get to that setting without using the method described in the video you included. We’re on the road for the next 2 months so may not be able to check/change settings until we get back home. I sure appreciate your reaponse!

BGClassic - the AC units have soft starts so they may not be negatively impacted by the AES setting(?)

It will likely be many weeks before I can make the recommended changes but I will post the outcome once done!

Thank you!

Yup, that’s one downside with accessing the Multiplus settings. You can’t access the settings through the Cerbo GX monitor 50, 70 or Ekrano and can only do so with a MK3 - USB adapter or online through the Victron VRM portal. I really wish that they would change that.

Again, you can also access the settings through the Victron VRM portal but I find to be a real PITA, more steps and rather use the MK3 adapter as it’s much easier. It’s a good idea to purchase one and have on hand.

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/v...te-veconfigure


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5WS3VZ...kipTwisterOG=2

[BGClassic]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

Correct - a Victron Multiplus or II 3k can run your AC with no issues. The issue that the Multiplus “may” have is when running your AC with some generators with the UPS function on that sometimes creates some problems but this a completely separate issue and also a lot of discussions on the Victron forum on this.

When not tied to shore power, your 3K Multiplus will provide you with 3000 watts to run whatever you want and of course with managing your loads. It also depends on if you’re tied to shore power and if you’re using the power assist function. An AC will draw close to 1500 watts, micro about 1500 and the hot water heater is about the same. Both the AC and micro will have higher surges on ramp up. I have a soft start on my AC and the initial surge comes in around 300’ish watts before it ramps up and settles out.

Thanks. Guess I need to spend more time reading the Victron forums.

I have the MK3 interface, as my dealer recommended it. I initially missed some setup items on my MPII, and had to go back and correct them.

I can run my AC units, even though only one has a soft start installed. Only one at a time, though. I plan to travel with my ThinkPad laptop in case I need to make changes.