January 19, 20233 yr 1. Can I run this inverter through a DB? (a small residential unit with limited requirements) Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/1200 230V Sine Wave VE.Direct IEC 2. If so, what would be a good automatic change over switch?
January 20, 20233 yr Author Can someone please advise? Esp question 1 - can I get an electrician to connect this into my DB? Even if we make it a manual changeover it will still be of great assistence.
January 24, 20233 yr I'm assuming you're wanting to supply the DB so you can run the lights in the house and the TV etc? It is possible to connect any inverter into a DB, BUT it is very important to ensure that the inverter and eskom CANNOT feed the DB at the same time when it is not a grid tied inverter, which that Victron is not... I would go with a manual changeover switch, but make sure it is a make-break-make type, including live and neutral, so that it is not possible for the inverter and eskom to supply the DB at the same time. Yes, this means everything would go off while/until you change the switch over, but that would occur with an automatic changeover too... The other important consideration is the load. That inverter spec shows it rated for 850W constant power with a peak of 2200W (which would be for a very short period), so if you turned on the kettle or microwave, or if the geyser turned on, while the inverter was supplying the DB you'd probably blow the inverter. My personal opinion, I would not connect that type of inverter to the DB, I'd just run an extension lead to the TV and have a small lamp (LED bulb) connected for light, thereby probably negating the overload issue and of course the dual feed possibility...
January 24, 20233 yr I have installed a bunch of small 1kw with a lithium to supply essential items only. I have since been struggling to get the one that I like and I have now decided to go with the Victron like you have above. I just tie it Into a auto change over so that the plugs can be used via Eskom when available to not overlaod with a vacume or iron etc. I have not done one with the Victron as yet but I have installed plenty small units for lights and essential plug circuits only
January 24, 20233 yr 3 hours ago, RhysMcW said: I'm assuming you're wanting to supply the DB so you can run the lights in the house and the TV etc? It is possible to connect any inverter into a DB, BUT it is very important to ensure that the inverter and eskom CANNOT feed the DB at the same time when it is not a grid tied inverter, which that Victron is not... I would go with a manual changeover switch, but make sure it is a make-break-make type, including live and neutral, so that it is not possible for the inverter and eskom to supply the DB at the same time. Yes, this means everything would go off while/until you change the switch over, but that would occur with an automatic changeover too... The other important consideration is the load. That inverter spec shows it rated for 850W constant power with a peak of 2200W (which would be for a very short period), so if you turned on the kettle or microwave, or if the geyser turned on, while the inverter was supplying the DB you'd probably blow the inverter. My personal opinion, I would not connect that type of inverter to the DB, I'd just run an extension lead to the TV and have a small lamp (LED bulb) connected for light, thereby probably negating the overload issue and of course the dual feed possibility... Due to the low load if one has LED lights fitted and the members in the house only use the rooms occupied such a small inverter can be connected to the lights and a extension for the low power plugs. This could already add convenience.
February 3, 20233 yr Author thanks so much to all for the answers. I have ordered a 1.6KVA Victron Multiplus with built in auto changeover so as to avoid the pitfalls you alluded to. Hopefully that will work. I assume a little sub DB will have to be installed as well.
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