So, if anyone has any experience with the MPP LVX6048WP model inverter and general AC connections, I have a strange configuration I need to brainstorm to ensure what I'm doing is going to work as expected. I'm in the process of building a "detachable" emergency battery backup system to power the house as a secondary power source to my portable tri-fuel inverter generator. I'm planning on buying 4 SOK rack mount batteries to power the house when we're not using the portable generator. The LVX6048WP will not be permanently wired...I'm planning on hooking it up using 10AWG detachable generator cords so I can easily take the system with me when we sell the house. We don't have any PV solar panels or inputs at this time and likely won't install any until after we move and find a better location.
For short outages, the plan would be to use the LVX6048WP to feed my load center via an interior outlet using the L14-30R connection below (controlled by the existing two pole 30A interlock breaker). Consider this an interior power display & input box with a receptacle instead of a plug. I made it from an old unused mechanical timer box which used to control the pool pump before we got a programmable variable speed pump. The exterior generator wouldn't be connected to the standard input box at this time. For safety purposes, I may replace the receptacle on the display box with a recessed plug w/cover. I was originally going to use this as an inside 240V outlet since we don't have any of those, but I was able to make room in my load center to add another 240V 30A breaker, thus allowing me to add the L14-30R outlet shown on the bottom left.
For longer outages, we'd use the exterior input box from the portable generator, and connect the input of the LVX6048WP to a separate L14-30R basement outlet which is on a different 30A 240V breaker (bottom left of attached image). The output cord of the LVX6048WP inverter would be manually disconnected.
This would allow us to recharge the batteries while the generator is also powering the load center. The plan would be to use the portable generator during the day and use the inverter/battery system at night, putting the portable generator in the garage to prevent theft.
I haven't purchased the inverter or batteries yet and I suppose this would be considered an "off grid" system. When utility power is available, the interlock and input breaker would not be used, the batteries would charge via a normal 240V outlet and the inverter output would be off and physically disconnected.
Am I missing something to my plan? I was looking at the inverter manual and didn't even see an on/off switch. Manual is here:
The unit has a dedicated generator input, but I don't think I'd being using it due to my "detachable" setup. I've never owned an all-in-one inverter before, so I'm trying to learn how best to do this without a hard install (conduit, subpanel, transfer switch, etc). Any thoughts would be appreciated.
For short outages, the plan would be to use the LVX6048WP to feed my load center via an interior outlet using the L14-30R connection below (controlled by the existing two pole 30A interlock breaker). Consider this an interior power display & input box with a receptacle instead of a plug. I made it from an old unused mechanical timer box which used to control the pool pump before we got a programmable variable speed pump. The exterior generator wouldn't be connected to the standard input box at this time. For safety purposes, I may replace the receptacle on the display box with a recessed plug w/cover. I was originally going to use this as an inside 240V outlet since we don't have any of those, but I was able to make room in my load center to add another 240V 30A breaker, thus allowing me to add the L14-30R outlet shown on the bottom left.
For longer outages, we'd use the exterior input box from the portable generator, and connect the input of the LVX6048WP to a separate L14-30R basement outlet which is on a different 30A 240V breaker (bottom left of attached image). The output cord of the LVX6048WP inverter would be manually disconnected.
This would allow us to recharge the batteries while the generator is also powering the load center. The plan would be to use the portable generator during the day and use the inverter/battery system at night, putting the portable generator in the garage to prevent theft.
I haven't purchased the inverter or batteries yet and I suppose this would be considered an "off grid" system. When utility power is available, the interlock and input breaker would not be used, the batteries would charge via a normal 240V outlet and the inverter output would be off and physically disconnected.
Am I missing something to my plan? I was looking at the inverter manual and didn't even see an on/off switch. Manual is here:
The unit has a dedicated generator input, but I don't think I'd being using it due to my "detachable" setup. I've never owned an all-in-one inverter before, so I'm trying to learn how best to do this without a hard install (conduit, subpanel, transfer switch, etc). Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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