Installing lithium batteries

[Green Machine]

download/file.php?mode=view&id=1147

[wolfe10]

I believe this will require a second ATS.

First (OE one) is input from either shore power/generator.

Second (new one) would be output from above and inverter out.

Many Foretravels were set up this way from the factory.

[TDJohn]

Your inverter is designed to handle 50amp pass through power, from shore power or generator power, so wiring the inverter in is \fairly simple.
That transfer switch box has two inputs (line), and one output (load). One is Shore power input/line, and the other is generator power input/line. The third is load/output that goes to the coach 50amp main breaker panel. You will need to find which of the three power cables that is the shore power input/line, disconnect it from the transfer switch and connect it to the input/line side of the inverter. Then run a SOO 6 gauge 4 wire cable from the inverter output/load to the transfer switch. If the shore power cable is too short to reach the inverter, you will need to install a junction box and add the extra wire needed. Be aware that unfortunately, when the Victron inverter is in invert mode, only one leg (line 1) will receive power, this means that when you will be unplugged from shore or generator power, only half of your main panel will be working. For me personally, that would be a deal breaker, as I want power available to ALL of my circuits when I need it. If you chose the Magnum MSH3012 inverter, you would not have that issue. To bad that Victron does not give a choice/option to pick either or, according to the customer's needs. If this will be an issue for you, there might be a work around with an automatic or manual transfer switch, but I would need to look into it.
Now the two circuits that the old inverter use to power directly will need to be powered by the 10/2 wire, that is is fed from the main panel, via the 30 amp single pole breaker, using a small sub panel that will contain two 15 or 20 amp breakers, depending on the wire gauge size that feeds those two inverter circuits. The smallest box (Square D brand), that I have found, that woks really will for this purpose, and is reasonably priced, is linked below, and can be purchased from Lowes. Also, another option you could add for your convenience, if you need it, is an outlet, right in the inverter compartment, tapped off of the small sub panel that you will install. Obviously follow all code, and instructions in your Victron manual, and especially pay attention to the grounding requirements. Make sure the small sub panel that you will install, will have the neutral and ground separated/unbonded in that sub panel.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-30-Am ... er/3457972

All the best,

[Green Machine]

Safari did this to save power. I can see Victron upgrading its firmware to give you a choice L1 or L2 or both. Until then I will think about your suggestions John. I’m going to chart the circuits charged by L1 while inverting and then decide if I will move circuits.
My disconnect switch has a load hum noise. I believe it is on its last leg, so I will be changing that out.

[Green Machine]

Your suggestion of moving the shore to the inverter and then adding the 6-4 cable from the output in the inverter(output line 2) to the disconnect switch in place of where the shore power was? I am left with one 12-2 out line 2 and one 10-2 in line from the original setup.
I’m beginning to think I am possibly stuck with this configuration..based on my choice of inverter. I missed that one line about AC line 2 disconnect when not on shore or gen.

[TDJohn]

Your suggestion of moving the shore to the inverter and then adding the 6-4 cable from the output in the inverter(output line 2) to the disconnect switch in place of where the shore power was? I am left with one 12-2 out line 2 and one 10-2 in line from the original setup.
I’m beginning to think I am possibly stuck with this configuration..based on my choice of inverter. I missed that one line about AC line 2 disconnect when not on shore or gen.

You missed the part I wrote about the small Square D sub panel. That panel will take care and power those two circuits that the inverter originally powered, via the 10-2 that supplied the power to the original inverter. So running the shore power into and through the inverter and back into the transfer switch will power your main 50amp panel, and the small sub panel will power the two circuits that were power by the original inverter, since they are not directly connected to the man panel. That way, everything works as is it always has. The only thing to remember when you are off grid, using power from the inverter, is to switch your refrigerator to propane, as leaving it on electric will suck a lot of power out of the batteries, over time. If you happened to switch to a residential refrigerator, then this obviously does not apply. Do to the way may brain functions, and a lot of other things going on, it would be a lot easier for me to explain and discuss possible options and/or solutions over the phone instead of sporadically answering questions spread out over days. So don't be shy, give me a call, my number is in the last PM I sent you.
As far as the inverter providing power to only line one when not on shore/gen power, you can connect line 1 to which ever side of the main panel that suits you needs, which will hopefully minimize you needing to switch around a lot of circuits. As for software changes, who knows, maybe send Victron an email to see if they would be willing or be able to change the function via software changes, to suit your needs.

As for your noisy transfer switch, some are just noisy, but that doesn't mean that it is ready to fail. Cleaning the contacts might help. In any case, plan to dispose of it, I would not mind having it for a spare. The trick to having those transfer switches live long is to make sure that heavy loads are disconnected/turned off before plugging and unplugging shore power.

[Green Machine]

Thanks very much for the help. I will probably be giving you a ring after drawing up a plan for the cable changes.
Thanks again TB.