Victron Unreliable?

[ColdEH]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would try to get a little feedback on Victron equipment. I have read a few places in here that they are unreliable . HMMMM ,,, I hope not I am just about to install a Phoenix Inverter 12/2500. I did get a separate charger just so if I lose one I still have the other.

The Inverter will have a good size bank of LifePo4 batteries to draw from and is mounted in a cool place with plenty of ventilation. I do intend to leave it on 24/7 .

People's experiences / opinions ??

Regards

[CharlieJ]

I have been installing Victron products for several years and have found them to be outstanding. They, as all complex equipment, do have some issues that can be easily overcome by a knowledgeable individual. I have found them to be very easy to integrate with LFP batteries and their BMS using the Victron LFP Assistant.

[barnakiel]

I have had 3 units fail this far:

- 2 x a small combo,
- 1 big combo.

I would not buy one of these for my own boat.

b.

[ColdEH]

Now there's the ends of both spectrum's LOL

Regards

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by typhoon

Now there's the ends of both spectrum's LOL

Yes, but both the OP and the two answers are woefully lacking in specifics.

Not helpful, one way or the other, at all.

Models, equipment, use...

Could even be battery monitors...

[ColdEH]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Yes, but both the OP and the two answers are woefully lacking in specifics.

Not helpful, one way or the other, at all.

Models, equipment, use...

Could even be battery monitors...

I'm sure more people will chime in with specifics . I guess this was just the opening arguments.

Im hoping to get a few tips to avoid any pitfalls that could cause failure's

Regards

[CharlieJ]

Yup.
Read the manual, and install program and operate in accordance with it. Don't let your reach exceed your grasp; in other words ask for professional help if you really don't understand the specifics.

These are complex pieces of equipment that have many, many desirable features. They are NOT plug and play.

Oh, and as for specifics, did I mention how well they integrate with LFP batteries and their BMS? Oh yeah, I did.

[Scott Berg]

I was a Victron Dealer for a half dozen years and with the exception of their first effort at a 50amp pass through inverter their equipment has been excellent if expensive. The Multi Plus Inverters with 'Power Assist' are especially excellent. We have installed at least 50 of the 2500 and 3000 watt version and they are superb units. They can be installed in series or parallel (or both) and can support single, split, or three phase operation with multiple units... as noted, such configurations aren't for amateurs but once installed their operation is fairly straight forward

[Dockhead]

I have all Victron equipment on my boat, and every bit of it, large and small, has dead failed at one time or another, specifically:

1. Multiplus 3000/24/70 charger/inverter
2. 3600 watt isolation transformer
3. Digital Multi Control
4. Battery monitor


HOWEVER, it is so bloody good when it works, that I would probably not have anything else unless I find out that Mastervolt, for example, is not subject to similar problems. In particular, the charger/inverter is really the heart of the boat's electrical system and does a fantastic job of managing AC and DC power. It is really a fantastic piece of kit. When it works!

[skipmac]

I have a Victron Multiplus 12/2000/70 inverter/charger, their isolation transformer and battery monitor.

As Charlie says, they are complex and the initial installation and programming takes a bit of knowledge. I had a problem with setting the battery charging profile that I could not fix, even with multiple emails back and forth to the Victron engineer. Finally decided that I was not able to set the profile using the internal DIP switches (even though the manual says you can) so downloaded the free control software, bought the Victron interface module and an Ethernet cable and all is good.

All three units have been working without a glitch for over three years even running off a portable generator with fairly dirty power. I really love the power boost on the inverter. Would not get another inverter without it.

If you look inside their equipment it is beautifully laid out and put together.

[ColdEH]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I have a Victron Multiplus 12/2000/70 inverter/charger, their isolation transformer and battery monitor.

As Charlie says, they are complex and the initial installation and programming takes a bit of knowledge. I had a problem with setting the battery charging profile that I could not fix, even with multiple emails back and forth to the Victron engineer. Finally decided that I was not able to set the profile using the internal DIP switches (even though the manual says you can) so downloaded the free control software, bought the Victron interface module and an Ethernet cable and all is good.

All three units have been working without a glitch for over three years even running off a portable generator with fairly dirty power. I really love the power boost on the inverter. Would not get another inverter without it.

If you look inside their equipment it is beautifully laid out and put together.

Yes I have looked inside the units and they are beautifully built , very impressive.

My system is very simple , I will switch manually from shore power or my house bank , The Centaur charger will only be used to keep up the two start batteries (lead acid) which will support the 12v systems at the dock , the inverter will not be used . I will only charge the house batteries (lifePo4) from my dedicated alternator on my secondary engine .

Regards

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I have all Victron equipment on my boat, and every bit of it, large and small, has dead failed at one time or another, specifically:

1. Multiplus 3000/24/70 charger/inverter
2. 3600 watt isolation transformer
3. Digital Multi Control
4. Battery monitor


HOWEVER, it is so bloody good when it works, that I would probably not have anything else unless I find out that Mastervolt, for example, is not subject to similar problems. In particular, the charger/inverter is really the heart of the boat's electrical system and does a fantastic job of managing AC and DC power. It is really a fantastic piece of kit. When it works!

They all died??? Do you have a little black cloud that follows you around?

Maybe because you're using funny electricity. Get rid of the 24V DC and that weird European 50 Hz AC and your electrical system might work better.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by typhoon

the inverter will not be used .

Then why are you installing an inverter?

Mark

[ColdEH]

Originally Posted by colemj

Then why are you installing an inverter?

Mark

I meant to say the inverter will not be on when I am on shore power.

Regards

[Rick R]

Originally Posted by typhoon

I meant to say the inverter will not be on when I am on shore power.

Regards

Why not use it. With Victrons Power Assist feature, whenever elec load on the boat exceeds the capacity of the shore power, the inverter will make up the difference from the battery. Then when demand drops, the Victron will recharge the battery. This all happens automatically, and you can't even tell what is happening unless you look at the lights on the control panel.

We have a single 30A 120V shore power, and can run air conditioner, microwave, and the Admirals hair dryer all at the same time without overloading anything.