GlennWest Posted April 25, 2021 Report Share Posted April 25, 2021 (edited) I am contemplating this. I understand 2 120v inverters supplying each leg. I always have thought this has to come in pairs of two. But can 3 120v units work to supply L1 and L2 equally? I know in a house we run a single line to a receptacle and feed 2 items/circuits. Can't get my head around doing this. Possible? Is it as simple as running to a bussbar and come off with 2 lines? Or I could rearrange my electrical panel and put high draw items on one leg and feed two inverters to it. Low draw on other leg and 1 inverter on it. Edited April 26, 2021 by GlennWest Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Well compared cost and actually 1 12k unit is less cost. It is also 120/240 volt. Low frequency also. Sure don't need that much but it won't be worked hard, lol. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D&J Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 You would have to figure out how to get the inverters in phase with each other. Easier just to get a bigger inverter. Denny Quote Denny & Jami SKP#90175 Most Timing with Mac our Scottie, RIP Jasper our Westie 2013 F350 SC DRW 6.2 V8 4.30 Gears 2003 HH Premier 35FKTG Home Base Nebraska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 I agree but I no longer have 240v. Put mini split on step up transformer. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 I have no information on how 3 inverters would work together but with the breaker box and the wiring you have each leg is limited to 50 amps. In reality only 40 amps as it isn't advisable to plan more than 80%. The neutral is also limited to 50 amps. The reason the nuetral can carry split phase is loads cancel out. My thoughts are 3 inverters are going to be problematic or maybe worse unless you are planning on a major rewire. Keeping the ability to plug in will also complicate things. To wrap up I think it can be done but is it worth it? Quote Randy 2001 Volvo VNL 42 Cummins ISX Autoshift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vermilye Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 In order to parallel the output of two inverters, they must be synced, i.e. in phase even if you are not attempting to produce 120/240V single phase. Most inverters will not do this, although a Grid-Tie inverter might be used to sync one to the other. I suspect it will be less expensive to use 2 inverters, each sized for the appropriate loads, and keeping each completely independent of each other. Quote Travel photos RV Blogs Journals & Travelogues at:http://www.lakeshoreimages.com My Travel Blog - Jon's Journeys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 I have never seen inverters with the ability to run in parallel, but they may exist. In order to to do that you will need inverters designed to do so and the proper parallel connections. That is exactly what is done with portable generators that come with parallel kits as those are inverter/generators. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Kirk, Using Victron inverters, you can parallel up to 4 inverters for 120V, two sets of 4 inverters in a split phase, 120/240 array and up to 3 sets of 4 inverters for 3 phase 240 Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Magnum also. Growatt too. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjohnt Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Glenn and Kirk, sure its "possible" to use three Inverters, multiples are often used, all that's required is for them to be in sync, that's fairly understood in the industry,,,, HOWEVER (use of 3) IS JUST NOT A METHOD I PREFER OR SAW BACK WHEN I PRACTICED POWER DISTRIBUTION. Two should well suffice for RV use. A 50 Amp RV with two legs of 120 VAC equals 12,000 Watts and houses can run on less. You have already figured out you can use a dry transformer to obtain 240 Volts if your inverters cant supply it. As always its YOUR money, YOUR RV, YOUR choice even if its NOT my preferred method... Let us know what you decide John T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 Decided to go with a Growatt 12k unit. It is a low frequency unit with 2 mppt controllers built-in. Does 120/240 also. Overkill but shouldn't run hard at all. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjohnt Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 6 minutes ago, GlennWest said: Decided to go with a Growatt 12k unit. It is a low frequency unit with 2 mppt controllers built-in. Does 120/240 also. Overkill but shouldn't run hard at all. WISE CHOICE, In my opinion it 1) Beats two or three separate units,,,,,,,,, 2) Has the 240 you need for a mini split (saves the need for a separate dry transformer),,,,,,,,,,,3) Can supply 12,000 Watts same as the Utility for a 50 Amp RV ,,,,,,,,,,,,,4) Has MPPT controllers John T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 3 hours ago, GlennWest said: Decided to go with a Growatt 12k unit. It is a low frequency unit with 2 mppt controllers built-in. Does 120/240 also. Overkill but shouldn't run hard at all. Eat your cheerios as that is a heavy unit. I have been looking for the specs but I guess I am not looking in the right place. What is the idle draw? Can it operate in parallel with another inverter? Quote Randy 2001 Volvo VNL 42 Cummins ISX Autoshift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 (edited) Yes, it can be paralleled with another but I never will. 85% efficiency. According to Average Joe youtube video 9 watts on power saver mode. Not sure what that does yet or if I can run it like this. 175 pounds, might call you to help me mount it. Lol Edited April 27, 2021 by GlennWest Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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