Finished Lifeline/Magnum Install

[DaveP]

Well, I finished my GPL-4CT and Magnum 3012M install this weekend. I flipped the switch and it all worked like a charm. I am really impressed with the Magnum Inverter/Charger and how it simplifies the installation.

I thought I would snap a few pictures before I covered up all this beautiful equipment with the couch.

Thanks to Lew, Randy and the rest of you that help advise me on this project!

[Silver Hawk]

Very nice and clean insulation!

Aren't AGM's the best things since sliced bread!

[DaveP]

Yes they are! I love the fact you can install them on their sides. It made the install under the couch possible.

[Silver Hawk]

Question: (I'm redoing an older AS)
1) Which Magnum Inverter/Charger did you use?
2) how many amp are the 6volt batteries?
2) What's the long plastic thing with white things inside on 'top' of the batteries?
Thanks

[55AS]

I think the plastic thing you are asking about is the negative bus bar.

[DaveP]

1. Magnum MSH3012M 3000W Inverter/Charger with Remote Monitor and Battery Monitor.
2. 220Ahrs each wired in series/parallel to get 12 volts and 220Ahrs usable capacity (at 50% discharge).
3. A Blue Sea Systems Class T 225 to 400A Fuse Block with Insulating Cover and 400 amp T-rated fuse (required to protect the DC wiring and Magnum).

Got batteries from Randy at Bestconverter.com. The Magnum stuff came from SEPbatteries.com (Stored Energy Products). They are offering a 10% discount on all Magnum products right now. Got Blue Seas products on Amazon.

[DaveP]

BTW, the negative bus bar is mounted on the left side of the vertical board behind the inverter and the positive is on the right.

[lewster]

Dave,

Nice job!

What size cable did you use? 4/0 requires a 400 amp class T fuse. 2/0 a 300 amp fuse. Remember that you fuse the wire, not the device.

I may be wrong, but your cables look to be 2/0?

[DaveP]

Lew,

Thanks!

I decided to go with 4/0 welders cable, so I used the 400 amp T rated fuse. It is a bit of overkill with the short links, but I figured what the heck!

[DaveP]

So, the batteries and inverter are now tucked away under the couch. I am hoping I don't have to services them for a verrrry looong time. Getting the couch in and out is a pita!

[chichi]

does the magnum have a transfer switch by chance?

[DaveP]

Hi Chichi,

The Magnum 3012M inverter/charger does not, but it sort of functions as one so you do not need one. It is a hybrid inverter. It passes the shore power through without inverting unless the shore power falls below a certain level at which point it will kick-in (if its turned on) to bring the voltage up to 120v using some battery power. With no shore power, it only inverts from the batteries. It is the latest technology and Magnum only has it in the 3000 watt inverter and this is the reason I put such a large inverter in my trailer. Victron makes a similar product.

This is the explanation in the manual:

"Why is the MSH-M Series a “Hybrid”? Most inverters only use one source of energy to power the inverter loads—either from the incoming AC power (i.e., shorepower or generator) or from the batteries. The MSH-M Series combines the energy from both the AC input and the batteries to power the inverter loads. This feature gives the inverter the ability to recharge the battery when there is surplus power, or to deliver more power to the loads if they require more than the AC input can supply by itself."

Good luck with your decision. If you need an installer or advice, Lewster is a professional and knows this stuff inside and out.