Skip the Automatic Transfer Switch?

[HRTKD]

My last install used a Victron Multiplus which had a single AC input, so I had no choice but to use the existing Automatic Transfer Switch for shore power and the on-board generator. My new install uses a Victron Quattro which has two AC inputs with an internal Automatic Transfer Switch.

Is there any advantage to bypassing the OEM Automatic Transfer Switch?

It seems to me that using the Automatic Transfer Switch saves me about 10' of 10/3 cable since I would need only one run to the inverter.

One reason to wire shore power and the generator both directly to the Quattro on AC Input 1 and AC Input 2 is that I can set the Max Input Amps for each source and not ever have to change it for the generator.

 

[rodrick]

The ability of the victron to make a more advanced setup is worth the extra cable imo

 

[dcg9381]

I'm looking at this issue and think I'm going to wire in straight to the Victron.
The advantage (perhaps) of the transfer switch is that with the Victron, you're setting a charge rate... If Victron isn't "smart" (And I think the multi-plus II is) then you can lose a lot of your available AC power to the Victron's charging circuit... With a transfer switch, you can divert from powering the inverter completely.

Course, you could just turn down the charging amps on the Victron.

 

[time2roll]

Will the inverter delay connecting the generator 30 seconds to allow it to get up to speed and stabilize the voltage and rpm etc.?

 

[HRTKD]

Will the inverter delay connecting the generator 30 seconds to allow it to get up to speed and stabilize the voltage and rpm etc.?

That's a good question. I've wondered why my ATS waits so long to switch on the generator power, especially in the winter. Now I know why.

Here's a thread on the (old) Victron Community forum that addresses how to deal with the delay. There is a built in 15 second delay, which for my situation may be good enough. I usually don't have a load on the system until after the generator has been on for a bit.

 

[jberger]

I like the external ATS for managing and protecting against shore power problems at overloaded or poorly maintained RV parks. Depending on your travels, you might not have had that issue yet, but it's a nice belt and suspenders style of protection.