Victron Multiplus 101
Today we are going to talk about the big blue box that you often see in a camper van electrical system - a Victron Multiplus Inverter/Charger. Our goal is to inform you what a Multiplus does, tell you about it’s features, and talk about the different sizes in the Multiplus range.
What does a Multiplus do?
It is a device that combines a power inverter and a charger/converter, this is an efficient way to fit components with similar operations into a single unit, saving space, wire, and time.
A power inverter converts DC power from your batteries to AC power that is used for household devices (microwaves, TVs, computers), think anything that plugs into a typical 120V outlet.
Typical 120v AC Outlet
While a charger/converter takes AC power (household/shore) and converts it into DC power to charge your batteries. The Multiplus has the ability to power your DC loads directly when the system is plugged into shore power. This means the DC loads will not discharge the battery.
What are the features of the Multiplus?
The Multiplus includes many beneficial features for use in a campervan electrical system. Besides being both a power inverter and battery charger/converter the Multiplus also has a built in transfer switch, UPS Function, the ability to operate in parallel, and the very useful, PowerAssist function.
A built in transfer switch means that when you plug your system into shore power (at home, a campground, or through a generator) your Multiplus will automatically switch from taking energy from your battery bank to taking energy from the shore power that you just plugged into. Less work you have to do!
UPS Function (Uninterrupted Power Supply Function) means that when shore power is disconnected or if there is a power grid failure the Multiplus automatically and nearly instantaneously switches on the inverter function of the unit and continues to power your electrical system from your battery bank.
The PowerAssist is an incredible feature that allows the Multiplus to add the shore power to your battery power to provide more AC power than was originally available from shore power alone. This is very useful to start a heavy load (such as an air conditioner, or a microwave) even when you may not have enough shore power available to support the heavy draw. Think of it as an upgrade, if you have a 15 amp shore power hook-up, the power assist feature could increase it to 30 amp, gaining the additional power from your battery bank.
POWER ASSIST
The Multi also has the ability to operate in parallel, meaning higher power output. You can wire up to 6 units together to gain virtually unlimited power.
Remote monitoring and control of your system can be gained through pairing your Multiplus with a Cerbo GX device and using the free VRM (Victron Remote Monitoring) app. We think the Cerbo is a great device that allows for remote troubleshooting and high quality statistical data. We encourage it to be installed in all the systems we design for our customers.
What size Inverter is right for you?
Victron Inverters comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 800 watts to 5000 watts with the capability to expand in size to literally power a small town, but for the majority of our installations in camper vans and RVs we recommend either the 1200w, 2000w, or 3000w models.
When deciding what model is right for you, we want to take into consideration what you will be using the inverter for. This will strictly be the appliances you use that will be powered by 120v AC.
1200w Inverter
We have included this inverter-only option because it is popular among our installations for smaller systems and people who may only need a small amount of AC power. It is a very high quality product and we fully recommend it if a larger option is not for you.
Ideal for :
Charging laptops and cell phones
Small streaming devices
Inflatable mattress pumps
Small blenders
2000w Inverter/Charger
This size seems to be the most popular option for people who want a fully equipped off grid camper with the ability to power large equipment via shore power or a generator. The 2000w model is very versatile, compact and powerful, with the power assist function this system is capable of delivering 4000w of power!
Ideal for:
Small rooftop air conditioner
Microwave
Larger kitchen appliances
Electric tea kettle
3000w Inverter/Charger
This size inverter/charger is very popular with those who intend to travel in warmer climates and using air conditioning more generously, or have larger battery banks and want to consume AC power will little constraint.
Ideal for:
Induction cooktops
Large rooftop air conditioner
Hair dryers
240v AC shore power hook up
This Multiplus guide is intended to be a brief overview of what the Victron inverters are and how they can be utilized in a campervan or RV electrical system. These inverters are capable of drawing large amounts of current making them very dangerous and should only be installed and programmed by qualified installers.
If you do not feel fully confident in your ability we offer full services from complete system design to full electrical installs.
