First Post! Victron Multiplus-II Orientation Question

[mresseguie]

Hello. I'm relatively new to this, but I've been reading and watching videos as time allows.

[I searched for a similar post, but didn't find any relating to my question.]

I have a question concerning acceptable orientation for the Multiplus-II 12v/3000/120. Is it okay <acceptable/won't cause excessive heat> to orient the Multiplus-II horizontally? [Most of the photos/videos of Multiplus inverters show them placed vertically.]

My cabinet space is not tall enough to place a Multiplus-II vertically, but there is enough space to allow my placing it horizontally. If horizontal placement is not advised, the older Multiplus will fit vertically.

I'm upgrading the original system in my Escape 21C fiberglass trailer (2 x 100Ah Go Power LiFePo4/Go Power 1500W inverter). Earlier this month, I purchased two Epoch Essentials 12v 460Ah batteries earlier this month.

Thanks for any input!

Michael

 

[Drunkin Solar]

Vertical mounting orientation for the MPII or original MP is critical for proper cooling. That said if I remember correctly the Victron manual states it can be laid down horizontally but will have an adverse effect on the units lifespan.
Try to find a way to mount vertical if you can.

Welcome to the forum

 

[mresseguie]

Vertical mounting orientation for the MPII or original MP is critical for proper cooling. That said if I remember correctly the Victron manual states it can be laid down horizontally but will have an adverse effect on the units lifespan.
Try to find a way to mount vertical if you can.

Welcome to the forum

Thanks for replying! Someone who owns the same trailer added two 3" or 4" fans to the cabinet (one on either end) to encourage greater airflow within the cabinet. This would encourage greater airflow through the Multiplus-II if it's in the horizontal orientation (at least that's the idea). Thoughts?

 

[Drunkin Solar]

If you are going to mount it horizontal anything you can do to enhance cooling would be helpful.

Just me... but if I'm installing expensive equipment such as a MPII, I follow the manufactures recommendations. They have done the testing and know what works best for the design. If you want to chance a short life span it's your choice and your money.

 

[mresseguie]

If you are going to mount it horizontal anything you can do to enhance cooling would be helpful.

Just me... but if I'm installing expensive equipment such as a MPII, I follow the manufactures recommendations. They have done the testing and know what works best for the design. If you want to chance a short life span it's your choice and your money.

You make a compelling argument. I probably should stick with the older/simpler Multiplus if I go with Victron.

 

[Drunkin Solar]

I had to install a MPII into a trailer about three years ago for someone else. Sorry I don't have a picture to show you but the storage space was also not tall enough to make a vertical installation. The problem was solved by building a battery box (weight) and off the side of the box I hung a board that overhung the well on the side to provide enough height for proper installation.
I will try and get a pic for you to see if you could do similar.
Victron is a great choice and the original MP is not a downgrade from the MPII. I run one myself, it's a rock.

 

[mresseguie]

I had to install a MPII into a trailer about three years ago for someone else. Sorry I don't have a picture to show you but the storage space was also not tall enough to make a vertical installation. The problem was solved by building a battery box (weight) and off the side of the box I hung a board that overhung the well on the side to provide enough height for proper installation.
I will try and get a pic for you to see if you could do similar.

In my trailer, the battery/inverter space is located below the U-shaped dining seating. The max height is just under 15".

 

[S Davis]

Here is mine, works fine. Just using a fan with a four fan temperature controller, but I had fans set up for heating my two 280ah batteries already. If I remember correctly there is a set of contacts on the multiplus that will close when the internal fan comes on.

This is installed where the back seat was removed in my crew cab under the bed. Gets a 5” thick mattress over the top which helps with heating the batteries. No fan in this picture but you can see the round hole where it goes.

 

[S Davis]

And there is nothing in the manual about not mounting horizontally or shortened life span, just make sure the ventilation is adequate. Vertical is preferred but not required if you have enough ventilation.

“The MultiPlus is suitable for wall mounting. For mounting purposes, a hook and two holes are provided at the back of the casing (see
appendix G). The device can be fitted either horizontally or vertically. For optimal cooling, vertical fitting is preferred.”

 

[agtcovert]

Works fine. Plenty of space for ventilation and it's worked hard since I installed. Not a single issue.

 

[S Davis]

Using it right now for electric blanket to stay warm waiting for the ferry to Orcas Island, laying in bed looking at Mount Baker.

 

[bolhuijo]

Thanks for replying! Someone who owns the same trailer added two 3" or 4" fans to the cabinet (one on either end) to encourage greater airflow within the cabinet. This would encourage greater airflow through the Multiplus-II if it's in the horizontal orientation (at least that's the idea). Thoughts?

In vertical orientation, the hot bits will naturally form convection air currents that pull air in the bottom vents and exhaust out the top. That helps it to run quieter without the need to engage noisy fans. Forcing even a little airflow with fans in any orientation should do the trick nicely as others have shown. The downside to constant fan flow is noise and extra dust.

 

[mresseguie]

In vertical orientation, the hot bits will naturally form convection air currents that pull air in the bottom vents and exhaust out the top. That helps it to run quieter without the need to engage noisy fans. Forcing even a little airflow with fans in any orientation should do the trick nicely as others have shown. The downside to constant fan flow is noise and extra dust.

I may try a 30 to 35 degree angle to take advantage of the convection air currents. I'll need to measure for usable space. It'll be easier than cutting holes; attaching fans, and wiring them.

 

[HRTKD]

The Quattro 48/3000 is only 14.3" tall. I went with that due to the limited height in the compartment of my RV. Fits fine, but it's a bitch to wire when you don't have easy access to the bottom of the unit. You have to get creative.

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Quattro-3-10kVA-120V-EN.pdf