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I have a Quattro 48/10000 in an off grid solar system with BYD batteries It has a backup power supply via a Honda EG5500 CXS fitted with a 2 wire autostart. The generator can be started from the colour console but the inverter does not sync with the generator and disconnects. Generator supply is 240 50 Hz but apparently split phase. Do I need to change the generator or is there a serving on the Quattro to accommodate this?
I couldn’t see any special phase configuration when I googled the generator model?
Have you been through all the more common troubleshooting steps here: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/multiplus_faq
I think this deserves a special mention in your generator documentation, Guy.
By that I mean the difference between a portable generator and a standby generator.
For safety reasons portable generators are normally V-0-V configurations, 110V either side of earth.
Whereas a standby generator in a fixed installation has the neutral leg at 0V and the live leg at 220V.
What voltage is shown on the GX device when it is connected?
I haven’t seen it before in Australia, where are you? It sounds like it could be a USA thing, but then 50hz, so maybe not? It not even clear to me in the manual for the generator that this is the output, though I didn’t fully understand the wiring diagram.
How did you hear about it? Have you tested it, or is it just very common Knowledge?
http://hondampe.com.au/docs/owning_a_honda/owners_manuals/pe/EG_OwnersManual.pdf
Comments from electrician:
measured with a multimeter and found a measurement of 120V-AC from active to earth and 120V-AC from neutral to earth.
This indicates a centre tapped earth on the alternator of the generator (European standard). It is basically a ’spit-phase’ generator, but the system requires a single-phase generator.
Modifications to the generator sounds like what is needed then.
Victron gear doesn’t support split phase at this stage.
Thanks for the confirmation. System was installed six months ago and performing well and have not needed the generator. It has been running weekly generator tests with no indication of an issue but I guess never with low batteries.
Any likelihood of Victron supporting split phase and is that a software update?
Secondly anyone care to comment if the generator modification is technically viable?
For some generators makes it is physically possible to locate the earth connection and move it.
From what I've heard from another Honda model, the earth connection was "unfindable", and integrated into other circuitry, unfortunately.
Due to conventions like downstream RCD's being commonplace, I don't see how Victron can ever safely support a centre-tapped earth.
