bennetimo
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2021
- Messages
- 7
Hi,
I have a Renogy 1000W inverter, the UK model. It's listed here: https://uk.renogy.com/1000w-12v-to-230v-pure-sine-wave-inverter-with-ups-function/.
The instructions for it are very sparse, and make no mention of grounding at all other than to show the grounding pin in the diagram. It does not say whether it is N-E bonded, center tapped, whether it has a built in RCD (in UK so not GFCI) or anything. It has one single AC outlet, and no AC terminals for doing a hardwire install. I've contacted Renogy support to ask for a bit more info on the grounding side but have not heard anything back, and in the UK there isn't even a phone number, just a support ticket system. So I'm hoping that someone might be able to shine some wisdom on a few points for me!
For context, I am installing it into a van conversion that has:
- 3x175W Renogy Solar panels
- Victron Orion DC charger (the isolated version, so not using a common ground)
- 200AH LifePO4 batteries
- The Renogy 1000W inverter
- I'm not using chassis ground for any DC negative return (duplex wires to all loads), but am planning to connect at one point to the chassis ground for static charge dissipation etc.
- There is no sure power connection
I'm trying to figure out a few things:
1. Does it look like my inverter has any kind of RCD/GFCI built in? It doesn't say in the manual (link here) anything specific about this (I've seen that the US version does mention it, but the UK one does not sadly). All it says is this listed under the features:
2. Should I connect up the ground pin on the inverter case to my DC ground? I am using the Lynx distributor and am planning to run a single ground wire from the lynx to the van chassis. It is a tiny ground terminal as well, in comparison to the DC terminals. On the victron inverters I've seen they recommend the ground wire being only a little smaller than the current carrying conductors, so a little confusing for me here that the ground pin on this inverter is so small?
3. There are no hardwire outlets on my inverter. I was thinking of wiring a plug to a hardwired outlet in the van. Is there any issue with that?
Thanks in advance! I've tried to read up as much as I can about this but still a little confused, not helped by the Renogy manual being so terrible. Thanks for the resources on this site as well, the "Grounding Made Simpler" by FilterGuy has been especially useful, as well as the Victron "Wiring Unlimited" pdf.
I noticed in Will Prowse's video here (
), he mentions he often doesn't bother with the ground pin. But then with the bigger units with GFCI built in does. If my understanding a GFCI/RCD can only trip properly if there is a Neutral-Earth bond inside the inverter, and I'm not sure how that applies in my case, especially as I don't know whether my inverter has that built or not (!).
If anyone has any clues to help me figure this out I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
Tim
I have a Renogy 1000W inverter, the UK model. It's listed here: https://uk.renogy.com/1000w-12v-to-230v-pure-sine-wave-inverter-with-ups-function/.
The instructions for it are very sparse, and make no mention of grounding at all other than to show the grounding pin in the diagram. It does not say whether it is N-E bonded, center tapped, whether it has a built in RCD (in UK so not GFCI) or anything. It has one single AC outlet, and no AC terminals for doing a hardwire install. I've contacted Renogy support to ask for a bit more info on the grounding side but have not heard anything back, and in the UK there isn't even a phone number, just a support ticket system. So I'm hoping that someone might be able to shine some wisdom on a few points for me!
For context, I am installing it into a van conversion that has:
- 3x175W Renogy Solar panels
- Victron Orion DC charger (the isolated version, so not using a common ground)
- 200AH LifePO4 batteries
- The Renogy 1000W inverter
- I'm not using chassis ground for any DC negative return (duplex wires to all loads), but am planning to connect at one point to the chassis ground for static charge dissipation etc.
- There is no sure power connection
I'm trying to figure out a few things:
1. Does it look like my inverter has any kind of RCD/GFCI built in? It doesn't say in the manual (link here) anything specific about this (I've seen that the US version does mention it, but the UK one does not sadly). All it says is this listed under the features:
- Electronic overload protection with automatic shutdown.
- Built-in internal backup DC fuse provides added safety.
- Low battery voltage protection with automatic shutdown.
- Over temperature protection with automatic shutdown.
- Output short circuit protection.
2. Should I connect up the ground pin on the inverter case to my DC ground? I am using the Lynx distributor and am planning to run a single ground wire from the lynx to the van chassis. It is a tiny ground terminal as well, in comparison to the DC terminals. On the victron inverters I've seen they recommend the ground wire being only a little smaller than the current carrying conductors, so a little confusing for me here that the ground pin on this inverter is so small?
3. There are no hardwire outlets on my inverter. I was thinking of wiring a plug to a hardwired outlet in the van. Is there any issue with that?
Thanks in advance! I've tried to read up as much as I can about this but still a little confused, not helped by the Renogy manual being so terrible. Thanks for the resources on this site as well, the "Grounding Made Simpler" by FilterGuy has been especially useful, as well as the Victron "Wiring Unlimited" pdf.
I noticed in Will Prowse's video here (
If anyone has any clues to help me figure this out I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
Tim