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wutduk asked

Losing AC Loads when Disabling AC-In via Virtual Switch or Programmable Relay

System:

  • Multiplus 12/3000/120

  • 3 SmartSolar MPPT 100/50

  • 800Ah Battle Born Battery Bank

  • 1625 W Solar Array



Background:

My system was installed by a third-party, but since then I've been unable to get a response from the company. I was given little insight into how the system works, so I'm learning from scratch. Any help is appreciated. I recently moved into an RV and some of the time I'm connected to Shore Power. When connected to Shore Power, I want to limit the AC-In and utilize batteries and solar as much as possible. Only when the battery SOC drops to a certain level, or when the AC Loads exceed a certain wattage do I want to use Shore Power.



Problem:

Whether I successfully disconnect AC-In using the Virtual Switch or via the Programmable Relay, once AC-In is cut, I also lose all AC-Loads (i.e., none of my AC appliances work), though DC Loads remain. Once I remove the Virtual Switch/Programmable Relay settings, all AC Loads return, along with AC-In. The only way I've managed to obtain (most) of the functionality that I'm after is by using an ESS Assistant, which is expressly forbidden for RVs*, so I'd prefer to use other options if possible.

Since I did not setup my system and since it's setup in a tight space, I can't get into my Multiplus to verify the wiring, but I believe my AC Loads are wired to AC1-Out (my understanding is that AC2-Out only works when AC-In is present).

*Note: I will disable the ESS Assistant prior to disconnecting from Shore Power to alleviate the concerns with disconnecting an RV while on ESS.



Does anyone have any ideas as to why this is happening and what I could do to resolve this?


ESSvirtual switchrelay assistant
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1 Answer
Matthias Lange - DE avatar image
Matthias Lange - DE answered ·

The only thing I can think of at the moment is that the load's are connected to AC OUT 2. This should be the first thing to check.

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wutduk avatar image wutduk commented ·

Thanks, @Matthias Lange - DE, for the quick response. It was my primary suspicion, but it's been hard to physically verify. I do plan on getting into the storage compartment and fully assessing the setup some day because I want to know how it all works. For now, that's just not practical.

When I look at the Multiplus via the CCGX, it does indicate AC-In L1 and AC-Out L1, but no AC-In or AC-Out for L2. Does this mean I have only AC-In/Out L1 only?

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Matthias Lange - DE avatar image Matthias Lange - DE ♦ wutduk commented ·

AC OUT 2 is not visible on the GX device.

You can overwrite the default behavior of AC OUT 2 by using the assistants.

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/assistants:start

You maybe have to update the firmware of the Multi to use the assistants.

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