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sac-rv asked

MultiPlus-II not charging from generator

Here’s my system…all software up to date.

Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120V

Victron Digital Multi Control 200/200A

Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV

Victron Blue SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr

Victron Cerbo GX & Touch 50 monitor

5 - BattleBorn GC2 batteries (500 amps)

8 - ZS 170w solar panels (1,360 watts)

Have the system in an RV for a few years and everything has worked pretty well. However, a few months ago I started encountering an issue and can’t figure it out. For some reason my inverter isn’t charging the batteries when the generator is running. But if it’s sunny out it will charge from the solar panels.

In this picture the generator is running a load on Leg 2 but Leg 1 would normally show a load as is charging the batteries..it shows nothing. [picture failed to upload]

No changes to settings, only software updates as prompted. I’ve turned off/on the SolarSmart, MultiPlus and unplugged the Digital Multi Control, still persist.

I’d like to start with identifying what piece of equipment is causing this issue. Any suggestions?


MultiPlus Quattro Inverter ChargerMPPT SmartSolarDigital Multi Control
2 |3000
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1 Answer
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Kevin Windrem answered ·

What is your generator and how is it connected to the Multi? on the 120x2 models, leg 2 only passes through the Multi and is not connected to the inverter/charger core so power on leg 2 will never charge the batteries.

If your generator is a 120/240 split phase unit then only the leg 1 power will charge the batteries and leg 2 will pass through to the let 2 AC output. However, the AC input in this case must not be in phase. that is leg 1 and leg 2 must be 120 or 180 degrees apart (2 legs of three phase or true split phase power coming in).

If your generator has two 120 volt outputs but are in phase then leg 2 will be ignored at the Multi input. Only leg 1 will connect to the inverter/charger core and bolt leg 1 and leg 2 outputs will be fed from the inverter output/pass through from leg 1 input. Since the system has worked in the past, it is possible in this case that the breaker for the leg 1 output from your generator has tripped.


Just guesses

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