2021 Update!! Can't find this panel in stock? Neither could we... so we took matters into our own hands and ordered a few pallets of an alternative solution so we could ensure that these stay in stock for you. Plus... our new panels have 18 spots for DC circuits, slots for 8 AC circuits per leg (16 total for the box) and they are in separate enclosures so you have a little more flexibility when it comes to mounting them. Check them out here: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/distribution-panels/
Cool, I see all the Solar installs and they have new Boxes and breakers and more.... CAN WE NOT JUST WIRE IT INTO HERE? Does it need to be bigger, or more powerful as in to handle more Amps???
Doug: I'm not really sure what you mean, but if you'll check out the wiring diagrams at explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams , that'll show you how it all needs to be wired together.
When running the wire from the lithium battery to the isolator to the alternator, did you run the wires inside the van or underneath? I have a 2018 Ford Transit.
@@timothykubota9711 why underneath? The isolator gets connected to your battery which is under the driver seat in a Transit. Nothing is connected directly to your alternator.
AC/DC That’s what I did for my 12x16 Man cave shed...installed a 30amp panel from my old RV also took the RV propane heater that will run from the 12v DC side for the heaters fan ....put in some good bright LED lights USB chargers / it also keeps my deep cycle battery charged .....the AC/ side is to run my window air conditioner and power tools ...many creative and versatile uses having this type of system... “important to note” build two separate cabinets outside of the shed interlined with sheet metal for the propane tanks and battery...thank you for the share 👍🏻
Love this, as an ex-navy mobile electrical power plant tech, I’ve wondered why no one has ever done a video about this... Great video, quick and to the point....
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will be building my van conversion in about 3 years when I retire. In the mean time I have made diagrams for my floor plan and watching video to learn everything I can. Yours are always informative and easy to understand and follow. See you on the road in 3 years. You will recognize me because I will be the one that is debt free, living and loving life. Pattie
Best explanation of RV/Camper/Skoolie power distribution I've seen. Seems like every other video talks about how to set up solar, or how to combine solar with shore power, and nothing on how to get 110/120 outlets wired from the inverter. Thanks so much for this!
I am a very familiar with RV electrical and a 43 year electrician but I must say that this is one of the best explanation of this type of power panel I have seen. Normally ac and dc are not allowed in the same panel but since it is not a house it is ok. People just need to realize NOT to mix the wires in each section. Great Job!
Is the wire from the inverter stranded or romex (solid). We have stranded wire (10AWG) from the inverter and want to know if I have to switch that over to romex?
Oh my gosh - this was so helpful! You just broke it all down so easily. I just started renovating a 1981 airstream and all the worsting has been cut or eaten by mice. This is exactly what I needed!!!! Thanks again.
When we started our van build, we studied your wiring diagrams in an effort to educate ourselves since we had zero experience with 12V DC power. What we built was sort of a hybrid. We combined 200 Ah Li batteries with a REDARC 40 amp DC/DC charger and a WFCO-8955 distribution panel which includes a 55 amp DC charger. We haven't burned anything down yet. The REDARC charger is also a MPPT solar charge controller. Instead of panels on the roof, our intention is to use briefcase panels since we always try to park in shade and we hope to have the flexibility to move the panels to follow the sun. Our build continues....
If possible, can you do a tutorial video or blog for this distribution panel using 50A breaker (power in)? I am using Victron Multiplus with 30AMP shore power based on your complete walkthrough airstream video. You mentioned the Powerassist and used 50A breaker in that video. But I am getting so confused because the 50A breaker has 2 poles but the 6/3 wire from Multiplus can only provide 1 positive/hot wire to 1 pole. Thank you so much for all the detailed videos!
I was going to use two separate boxes because I thought it would be easier but I don't think so anymore. This actually looks easier and will save some space. Thanks for all of the videos you post, they have all been so helpful. :)
Nate, thank you for your time and ability to simplify something for me. I was going to install the 12vdc fuse block, separate 110vac breaker box all linked to our inverter/charger but this video is a definite changer for our project to get the solar energy to our electrical systems in need. Be well!
You touched on cloudy days, but something you should touch on is "reserve battery capacity". Planning for extended in-climate weather (dependent on solar without access to a generator, shore power or some other grid-like power) is pretty crucial if you are out in the boonies and if you have a hard dependency on electricity, C-Pap or other vital electrical needs. Some of this is also dependent on your array capacity.
Thanks for the video! Some reviews of this box say its a bit flimsy and the door easily breaks off. Paneltronics make some nice looking and robust 30A AC distribution panels as well, but they are quite a bit more expensive, and I don't think they handle 50A, and don't have DC distribution as well.
We've swapped over to recommending these separate units we are now selling in our store: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/distribution-panels/ The doors are definitely not flimsy but still aren't as expensive as the paneltronics units.
Very good presentation, but you went a little fast for a new guy like me , I’m glad I can replay the video thanks for the tip it’s well done just a little fast but it’s all good :)
Is there a way to bridge the left and right side of the AC breaker rails? or is it necessary to split the 120 line in the breaker box between the two sides (maintaining 120 volts on each side)?
I am considering getting an EcoFlow Delta Pro for my current shuttle bus conversion. I would love to see a small tutorial on this as it seems fairly cost-efficient as compared to buying a large battery bank, inverter, charge controller and battery monitor. Seems like a great option for the weekend adventurer who may want their battery bank for tailgating, or just to take inside and charge before a trip!
Great video, thanks. Quick question....my new Victron Multiplus 3000w inverter has two AC Outs, one to supply inverted or bypassed AC power to the distribution board and one AC OUT (OUT2) that provides power to those devices that I do not want to Invert power to (eg a rooftop A/C or hot water element). Can I feed the Inverter OUT1 to the left side of that AC busbar and the OUT2 line to the right side of the AC busbar, or are they connected and thus I would need a separate sub-panel? Assuming that I can separate the two AC OUTs from the inverter, does it matter if they share the common Neutral and ground busbars?
it looks like there are 2 positive breaker rails. Would it be recommended that I could energize the 2nd rail from the main breaker on the 1st rail....acting like a bridge? Thanks for excellent video.
Been watching many of your videos. Great simple tester step instructions. Should I be running a ground wire from the AC ground negative terminal bar to chassis.?? I ask because my voltmeter shows continuity when I probe positive lead on 30amp main and black lead to ground bar. I am unable to connect to shore power with tripping the beaker on shore power post. When connected to generator , nothing trips!!
Nice and neat. Being a bit of a tech nerd, though, I wouldn't mind some solid state stuff on the 12 volt side. Fuses are so last decade. :) But digital power distribution modules do cost more as well.
Literally the best videos on the internet, question from the UK however, finding this distro board in the UK isn’t possible, and... we are 240 volt? Is this compatible for 12v DC and 240V AC? Would you be able to recommend an alternative? THANKS!
Thank you, this is very informative. I know you have a DIY busbar video, but are you planning on doing a tutorial for wiring victron distributor since it's on your updated wire diagram?
Great video Nate. Two questions. First. Can you install a second single pole 50 amp breaker on the AC right side buss bar? Second. What did you do with the black wire from the electrical plug that came with the box? Thanks for the help.
Got the same question on how to power the other side of the bus bar. That outlet black wire can be wired into one of your circuit breakers and will power the outlet on the back of the panel. I used it to test my system before wiring my 120 outlets.
Do you have a video on a split phase for a 50A connection. I am going to add a go power ic 2000 which is an inverter charger and automatic transfer switch all in one. It does 50a pass through as welll
Grounding Question: If I were to turn my "RV" into a permanent installation that required an electrical inspection, Do you know how the grounding requirements would change? I presume I would need solar panel grounding and a driven ground rod. Would I just connect to the ground rod instead of the chassis or are there a host of other equipment grounding changes as well?
Hey Nate! Loving this; and saving me so much time! I was wondering what the setup would be to power the right side positive breaker bar. Are they both energized by that first breaker setup, or would I need to splice the power from the inverter into a mirrored set up on the other side. Thanks!
Hello Nate, I have the same question, I am currently building a skoolie bus. I will have a 30amp system but need 2 additional breaker spaces. I was planning on running a jumper wire from the 30amp breaker over to a additional 30 amp breaker to power the other side. Is there a better way? Thanks in advance for your help
Thanks for the video Nate, my panel is all hooked up with no issues, but I have one question, how do you have your 12volt appliances work off the 115volt side if for instance your hooked up to shore power from a campground and want to shut off your 12volt solar input. Do I need a converter/charger ? And how would I connect that to my system? And if so, who makes a decent one ? I’m running all Renogy products except for a GoPower transfer switch and of coarse the Furrion breaker/ fuse panel. Your feed back would be greatly appreciated.
We've decided to go with a portable solar generator for our van electrics. Will we still need a DC panel to run our wiring through? Would the electrical panel you use in this video work for that?
That is exactly what I am here to find out. I've read through the comments/questions to here and it has not been answered. I bought the Bluetti 2,400 wh. It has a 9 amp (=110 watts) cigarette lighter plug for DC power. I did notice that the cigarette lighter splitter/adapter that I bought to hook up two of the light sets that I've installed so far is rated for 9 amps and using 13 gauge 12 volt wire. So, I am thinking that I can hook up as many lights and accessories to equal 9 amps max and plug the adapter from the Bluetti into this panel and use this as a DC distribution panel.
A little confused about the split busbar on the AC side. I would like to run more than 4 circuits out of the AC side, but I'm not sure the best way to energize the other busbar on the right. I am also curious what you use the AC plug on the back for. In the hypothetical scenario or this video, you seem to be wiring outlets and appliances to the duplex breakers - what would you use the plug for? Just some other appliance?
Sure! So the inverter is going to have a L, N, and PE output. The L is the Black "Hot" wire. N is the Wire "Neutral" wire. PE is the Green "Ground" wire. Check any of the wiring diagrams at www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams to see the other end of this connection.
can you wire the ac portion directly to a shore power hookup? I will have a seperate ac outlets with a small inverter but I want to have some full power ac outlets when I connect to shore power
I have a 30 amp set up already completed, the extra sure, power connection, and the breaker system inside the bus, everything works perfectly well, except if I plug into any outlet that has a GFI set up within that circuit. And I don’t know why it causes the GFI to trip every time. Do you have any suggestions? If I plug my 30 amp sure power bus outlet to an outlet at my house without the GFI it works perfectly well
My question is, I think I'm thinking too hard or over looking the obvious, but what type of wiring do I now put from the box to my outlets? Do I use the 10/3 I have from my shore or do I use the 12v because I'm doing solar power and will be doing lots of boondocking? Every video I've watched stops at installing the system but not power outlets for kitchen appliances. I only see 12v for lights or 12v refrigerator, I'm doing a mini dorm type refrigerator. 🤔
Brilliant!!! many thanks for this video and all others. Question... Any recommendations on the best souce to get a wiring diagram for those boxes? My trailer is a Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 19 FBS. I will be installing an Auto Switch (Shore + Solar) and need to know what is behind. Thanks
Quick question regarding Victron Multiplus 3000 overload. I only have 2 Square-- HOM Tandem 20amp breakers installed for my van. The first one has the distribution back outlet wired to a tandem while the other tandem is wired to 3 outlets on same circuit - all 3 outlets work great when tested. However, when I add the second tandem breaker and wire it to a dedicated outlet (which will. be for water heater) and then test, it trips the inverter into an overload. Any thoughts for troubleshooting? And as always Nate, your videos are absolutely astounding, thank you so much.
Howdy, Nate! Fantastic video. Thanks! Quick Question: How would you go about lighting up the second AC busbar? The goal is to make use of the additional space for circuits but using just a single MAIN input.
Basically, there is no approved method to power both sides of the AC Breaker box with one power wire incoming. That side is truly reserved for 50A 120V/240V shore power (but not 240V loads). Some thoughts, though: 1: In a camper... 6 circuits (using 3x tandem breakers) is PLENTY for 96% of builds: Driver Side Outlets circuit, Pass Side Outlets circuits, 1 high powered device outlet circuit, Air conditioner circuit, and a Hot Water Heater Circuit should be good to go for most people. This also leaves one extra circuit for whatever else you've got going on. It's truly not necessary to have one circuit per outlet (a common problem I see).
Once you set up that second breaker you put the negative wire from the unit itself into the breaker. What do you do then with your negative wire coming in from the other line?
How can you get power to the other bar? A double pole 30amp breaker? Or maybe double up the wires coming from internet and put the second on another 30amp home breaker on the other bar? Any options. I need the other bar to get power to add more breakers.
Grounding question? Do you have to bring back all of the DC negatives? Can you not go to a grounding point.....so long as you also take the box to a grounding point also?
great video. I have a couple of questions. 1. what is the ac outlet for on the back of the distribution box? 2. if i were to use a device like the Yeti 3000x, would it be worth it to connect its AC output to another Main breaker and then add other breakers to branch out for outlets, microwave etc, or should i just daisy chain them directly from the yeti? can i connect 30 amp shore power to the left side, and also connect my yeti 3000x inverter power to the right side?
Great how to! Question for ya, or anyone else in the know. So I've got a wfco 8735p and I'm doing a utility traler conversion. On my dc side I've ran all positives to the labeled circuts and for the negative I just tied them into a bus bar. Do I need to ground the negative bus bar to the chaise? I know I need to do that for the ac side but not sure if I'm good to go on the dc. Thanks all.
I’ve looked through a lot of the answers and questions this is a super informative video thank you for posting it. I’m curious on the breakers AC side how many amps am I able to put on this breaker box? When would be a 30 amp for sure and I’m looking to do 3 20 amp for outlets that I have stove, air conditioning things like that. And for DC side how many Aunt can I draw from this side? There’s 15 slots as an example can I put 15 20 amp fuses?
Nate. For the AC side. Do you hook up the shore power wires to this or the inverter wires. I have both shore power and an Inverter that will be instLled in the battery compartment next to the Solar Charge controller. Kind of confused.
Hey Nate. Thanks for all of your information. I bought many items for my setup through your links. However, I made some adjustments to fit my personal desires and budgets. Instead of the inverter charger, I got just an inverter. So I am running my shore power supply straight to a 30 amp breaker. My plan was to have a separate breaker for my solar system and switch them on/off accordingly. On my panel I currently have a 20 amp circuit breaker, a tandem 20 amp breaker, a tandem 15 amp breaker, and the 30 amp main breaker. Everything works great on shore power but my question to you is... Can I use a tandem 30 amp breaker for my main to switch on/off between shore and solar? Thanks
Could I use that same type panel for a off grid small shed ? I'm running solar into it but also want to add a few 120v plugs around the shed to charge tools etc ? I was going to use a standard sub panel and breakers but I have access to one of these, that the convertor is blown but the rest of the RV panel is fine. I would just use my power from the invertor to power my 120v side. Thanks. Love your videos..
This is good stuff. I have one of these in my small camper trailer. Seems to be connected to the battery but im replacing the battery to lithium, adding an inverter, solar charger and a battery monitor. Any idea on how to integrate all that with this converter?
HI Nate, First thanks for all the help 18 months ago. Your professional services were well worth it. My old Airstream has been parked for over a year, so I've forgotten more than I ever knew! Question: At your suggestion I am using this panel. My rig is 30a. I believe the way you show in this video, only the left bus bar is hot. What is the slick way to get power to the right hand busbar to add a couple of more circuits? Thanks again, Manning
Hi! Thanks for video. This might be dumb question, but could I use spade connectors or ferrules to make the connection or is it better to just screw in the exposed wire?
Hey Nate, I’m wondering why you use a 30 amp main breaker with this panel and in your newer wiring diagrams with the separated AC panel you use a 50 amp main breaker? I have the AC/DC panel shown in this video and am trying to figure out weather to use a 30 or 50 amp main breaker?
Thanks Nate! These electrical videos have been super helpful in getting started on our build. Something I've been struggling to find an answer to is where is the best place to run wires on a new build; behind walls and insulation or in front of walls and behind cabinets? Additionally, if you're running wires behind the walls how do you make changes in the future if you need to say add a new switch or a new AC plug? Thanks!
I did it behind with a removable panel with a velcro, so that if I needed to add anything I know where everything is. Some people do it behind walls, cause it's a finalized design.
Question, I have the Victon 2000 compact inverter/charger for my 5th wheel. My question is when wiring shore power currently shore power goes directly to the control panel, should I re-route it to go through the inverter?
2021 Update!! Can't find this panel in stock? Neither could we... so we took matters into our own hands and ordered a few pallets of an alternative solution so we could ensure that these stay in stock for you. Plus... our new panels have 18 spots for DC circuits, slots for 8 AC circuits per leg (16 total for the box) and they are in separate enclosures so you have a little more flexibility when it comes to mounting them. Check them out here: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/distribution-panels/
Cool, I see all the Solar installs and they have new Boxes and breakers and more....
CAN WE NOT JUST WIRE IT INTO HERE? Does it need to be bigger, or more powerful as in to handle more Amps???
Doug: I'm not really sure what you mean, but if you'll check out the wiring diagrams at explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams , that'll show you how it all needs to be wired together.
When running the wire from the lithium battery to the isolator to the alternator, did you run the wires inside the van or underneath? I have a 2018 Ford Transit.
@@timothykubota9711 why underneath? The isolator gets connected to your battery which is under the driver seat in a Transit. Nothing is connected directly to your alternator.
Does your system allow engine alt to charge RV batteries while driving ?
AC/DC That’s what I did for my 12x16 Man cave shed...installed a 30amp panel from my old RV also took the RV propane heater that will run from the 12v DC side for the heaters fan ....put in some good bright LED lights USB chargers / it also keeps my deep cycle battery charged .....the AC/ side is to run my window air conditioner and power tools ...many creative and versatile uses having this type of system... “important to note” build two separate cabinets outside of the shed interlined with sheet metal for the propane tanks and battery...thank you for the share 👍🏻
Nice! Sounds like an awesome project!
Love this, as an ex-navy mobile electrical power plant tech, I’ve wondered why no one has ever done a video about this... Great video, quick and to the point....
Awesome! Glad it was helpful! :)
Nate has taught me SO MUCH, can’t thank him enough.
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will be building my van conversion in about 3 years when I retire. In the mean time I have made diagrams for my floor plan and watching video to learn everything I can. Yours are always informative and easy to understand and follow. See you on the road in 3 years. You will recognize me because I will be the one that is debt free, living and loving life. Pattie
Finally, a video that shows where the wires go. THANK YOU!!!
Best explanation of RV/Camper/Skoolie power distribution I've seen. Seems like every other video talks about how to set up solar, or how to combine solar with shore power, and nothing on how to get 110/120 outlets wired from the inverter. Thanks so much for this!
I am a very familiar with RV electrical and a 43 year electrician but I must say that this is one of the best explanation of this type of power panel I have seen. Normally ac and dc are not allowed in the same panel but since it is not a house it is ok. People just need to realize NOT to mix the wires in each section. Great Job!
This must be why these are no longer available
This channel is heaven sent. Thank you so much. Subscribed.
Bro you’re a badass teacher and your videos are crystal clear. Thank you!
Thanks so much! Glad it's helped!
Is the wire from the inverter stranded or romex (solid). We have stranded wire (10AWG) from the inverter and want to know if I have to switch that over to romex?
@@joeboxter3635 All wires in a mobile application (RV/van) must be stranded wire.
I just have one loose wire to re-attach and this video has given me the confidence to attempt it. Here goes nothing LOL
Just what I needed! I found this box on Amazon a while back and snatched it up! Today is wiring day! Thank you!!!!
You’re a treasure, man. Thank you for everything. Not a second of fluff or confusion in your explanations.
Thanks so much! Cheers!!
Thanks for this. My old RV's fuse box is a mess. After watching this, everything makes sense.
Oh my gosh - this was so helpful! You just broke it all down so easily. I just started renovating a 1981 airstream and all the worsting has been cut or eaten by mice. This is exactly what I needed!!!! Thanks again.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Did you have to take all the walls/paneling down to rewire?
When we started our van build, we studied your wiring diagrams in an effort to educate ourselves since we had zero experience with 12V DC power. What we built was sort of a hybrid. We combined 200 Ah Li batteries with a REDARC 40 amp DC/DC charger and a WFCO-8955 distribution panel which includes a 55 amp DC charger. We haven't burned anything down yet. The REDARC charger is also a MPPT solar charge controller. Instead of panels on the roof, our intention is to use briefcase panels since we always try to park in shade and we hope to have the flexibility to move the panels to follow the sun. Our build continues....
Excellent way to put AC and DC in the same area. Thanks for the info
Hey Jeff P, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Great video super simple straight to the point. Clean install an accurate
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this simple and brief tutorial!!!!
You got it! Cheers!
This is exactly the video I have been needing!
Thank you!! Super helpful. It's midnight, but I'm thinking about sneaking outside to wire the panel :)
You make it look simple! It is now! Thank you.
Nate, this is the absolutely best product idea and explanatory video ever.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful. 👍😁
thanks for making your video very simple and to the point
If possible, can you do a tutorial video or blog for this distribution panel using 50A breaker (power in)? I am using Victron Multiplus with 30AMP shore power based on your complete walkthrough airstream video. You mentioned the Powerassist and used 50A breaker in that video. But I am getting so confused because the 50A breaker has 2 poles but the 6/3 wire from Multiplus can only provide 1 positive/hot wire to 1 pole.
Thank you so much for all the detailed videos!
It was remarkably helpful and it’s going to save me thousands of dollars on an electrician for my Bus! build
Thanks for a quick and concise video!!! Most people would have made that 20 mins long. Really helpful. Thanks!!
I was going to use two separate boxes because I thought it would be easier but I don't think so anymore. This actually looks easier and will save some space. Thanks for all of the videos you post, they have all been so helpful. :)
Hey Douglas Burgert, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
I just had to see it to believe it. Pretty simple. Thank u
Nate, thank you for your time and ability to simplify something for me. I was going to install the 12vdc fuse block, separate 110vac breaker box all linked to our inverter/charger but this video is a definite changer for our project to get the solar energy to our electrical systems in need.
Be well!
You touched on cloudy days, but something you should touch on is "reserve battery capacity". Planning for extended in-climate weather (dependent on solar without access to a generator, shore power or some other grid-like power) is pretty crucial if you are out in the boonies and if you have a hard dependency on electricity, C-Pap or other vital electrical needs. Some of this is also dependent on your array capacity.
Thks, I putting solar on the backyard shed and your camper van electrical distribution panel just might be a good way to organize the wiring.
That was incredibly informative and simple to follow! Thank you!
Thank you so much for creating this video! Adding a Victron Multiplus 3000 and needed to better understand the electrical panel.
You are a great teacher thank you for caring
No problem. Happy to help!
Thank god. I’ve been searching forever
Thanks for the video! Some reviews of this box say its a bit flimsy and the door easily breaks off. Paneltronics make some nice looking and robust 30A AC distribution panels as well, but they are quite a bit more expensive, and I don't think they handle 50A, and don't have DC distribution as well.
We've swapped over to recommending these separate units we are now selling in our store: shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/distribution-panels/ The doors are definitely not flimsy but still aren't as expensive as the paneltronics units.
Awesome work, simple and direct. Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Very good presentation, but you went a little fast for a new guy like me , I’m glad I can replay the video thanks for the tip it’s well done just a little fast but it’s all good :)
Replays are free, this week only!
Is there a way to bridge the left and right side of the AC breaker rails? or is it necessary to split the 120 line in the breaker box between the two sides (maintaining 120 volts on each side)?
A 2 pole breaker in the middle. Will need 240v incoming power
This is very attractive ingenuity. Direct, simple and VERY NEAT. Nice work.
Thanks so much! 😁👍
I am considering getting an EcoFlow Delta Pro for my current shuttle bus conversion. I would love to see a small tutorial on this as it seems fairly cost-efficient as compared to buying a large battery bank, inverter, charge controller and battery monitor. Seems like a great option for the weekend adventurer who may want their battery bank for tailgating, or just to take inside and charge before a trip!
Big sell for me on the delta pro is EV charging...
It was very helpful thank you so much you made it simple👍🏽
Glad it helped!
Nice work! Love this straightforward vid!
That is so clean. Thank you! Now to source all this stuff for Australian Standards :)
Hey Stephen Lane - HPTek, Thanks so much! Cheers!
@@kaeeyy1331 240v split phase like in the USA?
Thanks for doing this for us. Super helpful!
Clear and concise. But how is shore power wired into the box?
Amazing thank you, just the tutorial I was looking for. Love your channel.
Awesome! Glad it helped and thanks for watching.
Great video, thanks. Quick question....my new Victron Multiplus 3000w inverter has two AC Outs, one to supply inverted or bypassed AC power to the distribution board and one AC OUT (OUT2) that provides power to those devices that I do not want to Invert power to (eg a rooftop A/C or hot water element). Can I feed the Inverter OUT1 to the left side of that AC busbar and the OUT2 line to the right side of the AC busbar, or are they connected and thus I would need a separate sub-panel? Assuming that I can separate the two AC OUTs from the inverter, does it matter if they share the common Neutral and ground busbars?
it looks like there are 2 positive breaker rails. Would it be recommended that I could energize the 2nd rail from the main breaker on the 1st rail....acting like a bridge? Thanks for excellent video.
Im having the same issue aswell. I tried putting the 30amp tandem breaker in between both bars and got zip, zero energy
Hi Nate, can you touch on how to isolate 120v 3 way fridge as well as air conditioner from the inverter with this power distribution centre?
Been watching many of your videos. Great simple tester step instructions.
Should I be running a ground wire from the AC ground negative terminal bar to chassis.??
I ask because my voltmeter shows continuity when I probe positive lead on 30amp main and black lead to ground bar. I am unable to connect to shore power with tripping the beaker on shore power post.
When connected to generator , nothing trips!!
Nice and neat. Being a bit of a tech nerd, though, I wouldn't mind some solid state stuff on the 12 volt side. Fuses are so last decade. :) But digital power distribution modules do cost more as well.
Thanks! Yeah, you can add whatever you like at this point. This system is a nice and easy; effective and cost effective way to get the job done.
Very handy. Love your videos
Glad to hear it!
Another great video. Do you have a video of this PD being hooked up to a Switch Panel?
Literally the best videos on the internet, question from the UK however, finding this distro board in the UK isn’t possible, and... we are 240 volt? Is this compatible for 12v DC and 240V AC? Would you be able to recommend an alternative? THANKS!
did you ever find out? im building a solar system for a van based on these videos but trying to clarify if 240v needs a different set-up
Nice work and right to the point. Thanks!!
Thank you, this is very informative. I know you have a DIY busbar video, but are you planning on doing a tutorial for wiring victron distributor since it's on your updated wire diagram?
Great video Nate. Two questions. First. Can you install a second single pole 50 amp breaker on the AC right side buss bar? Second. What did you do with the black wire from the electrical plug that came with the box? Thanks for the help.
Got the same question on how to power the other side of the bus bar. That outlet black wire can be wired into one of your circuit breakers and will power the outlet on the back of the panel. I used it to test my system before wiring my 120 outlets.
@@waywardescapes4384 right side uses another main and the other hot from a 4wire 4-pin cable. Index card on door shows 2 MAIN input breakers.
Do you have a video on a split phase for a 50A connection. I am going to add a go power ic 2000 which is an inverter charger and automatic transfer switch all in one. It does 50a pass through as welll
Grounding Question: If I were to turn my "RV" into a permanent installation that required an electrical inspection, Do you know how the grounding requirements would change? I presume I would need solar panel grounding and a driven ground rod. Would I just connect to the ground rod instead of the chassis or are there a host of other equipment grounding changes as well?
Hey Nate! Loving this; and saving me so much time! I was wondering what the setup would be to power the right side positive breaker bar. Are they both energized by that first breaker setup, or would I need to splice the power from the inverter into a mirrored set up on the other side.
Thanks!
Hey Jeremy! Thanks! Glad it's helped. Are you talking for a 50A setup or to just have 6 more breaker spaces available (3 slots of tandem breakers)?
This is my question as well
Hello Nate,
I have the same question, I am currently building a skoolie bus. I will have a 30amp system but need 2 additional breaker spaces. I was planning on running a jumper wire from the 30amp breaker over to a additional 30 amp breaker to power the other side. Is there a better way? Thanks in advance for your help
Thanks for the video Nate, my panel is all hooked up with no issues, but I have one question, how do you have your 12volt appliances work off the 115volt side if for instance your hooked up to shore power from a campground and want to shut off your 12volt solar input. Do I need a converter/charger ? And how would I connect that to my system? And if so, who makes a decent one ? I’m running all Renogy products except for a GoPower transfer switch and of coarse the Furrion breaker/ fuse panel. Your feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Great Video/Info. What if my wiring of second breaker is grounded to neg buscar but top wire is aluminum, capped off; and is unused at pos busbar??
Awesome video!
We've decided to go with a portable solar generator for our van electrics. Will we still need a DC panel to run our wiring through? Would the electrical panel you use in this video work for that?
That is exactly what I am here to find out. I've read through the comments/questions to here and it has not been answered. I bought the Bluetti 2,400 wh. It has a 9 amp (=110 watts) cigarette lighter plug for DC power. I did notice that the cigarette lighter splitter/adapter that I bought to hook up two of the light sets that I've installed so far is rated for 9 amps and using 13 gauge 12 volt wire. So, I am thinking that I can hook up as many lights and accessories to equal 9 amps max and plug the adapter from the Bluetti into this panel and use this as a DC distribution panel.
A little confused about the split busbar on the AC side. I would like to run more than 4 circuits out of the AC side, but I'm not sure the best way to energize the other busbar on the right.
I am also curious what you use the AC plug on the back for. In the hypothetical scenario or this video, you seem to be wiring outlets and appliances to the duplex breakers - what would you use the plug for? Just some other appliance?
Nate, how do you connect the inverter to the 120V part of this distribution panel?
Sure! So the inverter is going to have a L, N, and PE output. The L is the Black "Hot" wire. N is the Wire "Neutral" wire. PE is the Green "Ground" wire. Check any of the wiring diagrams at www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams to see the other end of this connection.
Do I have to connect the black wire already connected to the distribution panel
can you wire the ac portion directly to a shore power hookup? I will have a seperate ac outlets with a small inverter but I want to have some full power ac outlets when I connect to shore power
I have a 30 amp set up already completed, the extra sure, power connection, and the breaker system inside the bus, everything works perfectly well, except if I plug into any outlet that has a GFI set up within that circuit. And I don’t know why it causes the GFI to trip every time. Do you have any suggestions? If I plug my 30 amp sure power bus outlet to an outlet at my house without the GFI it works perfectly well
My question is, I think I'm thinking too hard or over looking the obvious, but what type of wiring do I now put from the box to my outlets? Do I use the 10/3 I have from my shore or do I use the 12v because I'm doing solar power and will be doing lots of boondocking? Every video I've watched stops at installing the system but not power outlets for kitchen appliances. I only see 12v for lights or 12v refrigerator, I'm doing a mini dorm type refrigerator.
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Brilliant!!! many thanks for this video and all others. Question... Any recommendations on the best souce to get a wiring diagram for those boxes? My trailer is a Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 19 FBS. I will be installing an Auto Switch (Shore + Solar) and need to know what is behind. Thanks
Great video! Quick question: what size gauge wires did you use for the duplex and the triplex wires?
Quick question regarding Victron Multiplus 3000 overload. I only have 2 Square-- HOM Tandem 20amp breakers installed for my van. The first one has the distribution back outlet wired to a tandem while the other tandem is wired to 3 outlets on same circuit - all 3 outlets work great when tested. However, when I add the second tandem breaker and wire it to a dedicated outlet (which will. be for water heater) and then test, it trips the inverter into an overload. Any thoughts for troubleshooting? And as always Nate, your videos are absolutely astounding, thank you so much.
Howdy, Nate! Fantastic video. Thanks!
Quick Question: How would you go about lighting up the second AC busbar? The goal is to make use of the additional space for circuits but using just a single MAIN input.
Basically, there is no approved method to power both sides of the AC Breaker box with one power wire incoming. That side is truly reserved for 50A 120V/240V shore power (but not 240V loads). Some thoughts, though:
1: In a camper... 6 circuits (using 3x tandem breakers) is PLENTY for 96% of builds: Driver Side Outlets circuit, Pass Side Outlets circuits, 1 high powered device outlet circuit, Air conditioner circuit, and a Hot Water Heater Circuit should be good to go for most people. This also leaves one extra circuit for whatever else you've got going on. It's truly not necessary to have one circuit per outlet (a common problem I see).
Love it, thank you! Does the 20 amp receptacle on the back allow for 1 thing to plug in instead of be hardwired through a breaker?
Yes, you can indeed plug 1 thing into the outlet on the back. It still needs to be hooked to a breaker though.
Please advise the best way to integrate our Renogy 3000 watt Pure Sign Inverter/charger to the breaker box that you are recommending.
Once you set up that second breaker you put the negative wire from the unit itself into the breaker. What do you do then with your negative wire coming in from the other line?
How can you get power to the other bar? A double pole 30amp breaker? Or maybe double up the wires coming from internet and put the second on another 30amp home breaker on the other bar? Any options. I need the other bar to get power to add more breakers.
Grounding question? Do you have to bring back all of the DC negatives? Can you not go to a grounding point.....so long as you also take the box to a grounding point also?
great video. I have a couple of questions. 1. what is the ac outlet for on the back of the distribution box? 2. if i were to use a device like the Yeti 3000x, would it be worth it to connect its AC output to another Main breaker and then add other breakers to branch out for outlets, microwave etc, or should i just daisy chain them directly from the yeti? can i connect 30 amp shore power to the left side, and also connect my yeti 3000x inverter power to the right side?
Great how to! Question for ya, or anyone else in the know. So I've got a wfco 8735p and I'm doing a utility traler conversion. On my dc side I've ran all positives to the labeled circuts and for the negative I just tied them into a bus bar. Do I need to ground the negative bus bar to the chaise? I know I need to do that for the ac side but not sure if I'm good to go on the dc. Thanks all.
I’ve looked through a lot of the answers and questions this is a super informative video thank you for posting it. I’m curious on the breakers AC side how many amps am I able to put on this breaker box? When would be a 30 amp for sure and I’m looking to do 3 20 amp for outlets that I have stove, air conditioning things like that. And for DC side how many Aunt can I draw from this side? There’s 15 slots as an example can I put 15 20 amp fuses?
With 30 amp system can you do a second 30 amp breaker to power more ac breakers on the other side?
Nate. For the AC side. Do you hook up the shore power wires to this or the inverter wires. I have both shore power and an Inverter that will be instLled in the battery compartment next to the Solar Charge controller. Kind of confused.
Hey Nate, great video, one question. When wiring the 110 outlet, what color wires go to what color screws? Thanks
THIS IS AMAAAZING
Hey Nate. Thanks for all of your information. I bought many items for my setup through your links. However, I made some adjustments to fit my personal desires and budgets. Instead of the inverter charger, I got just an inverter. So I am running my shore power supply straight to a 30 amp breaker. My plan was to have a separate breaker for my solar system and switch them on/off accordingly. On my panel I currently have a 20 amp circuit breaker, a tandem 20 amp breaker, a tandem 15 amp breaker, and the 30 amp main breaker. Everything works great on shore power but my question to you is...
Can I use a tandem 30 amp breaker for my main to switch on/off between shore and solar?
Thanks
Could I use that same type panel for a off grid small shed ? I'm running solar into it but also want to add a few 120v plugs around the shed to charge tools etc ? I was going to use a standard sub panel and breakers but I have access to one of these, that the convertor is blown but the rest of the RV panel is fine. I would just use my power from the invertor to power my 120v side. Thanks. Love your videos..
I'm always going to recommend the 'standard' residential load center/breaker box for stationary applications.
@@EXPLORISTlife Oh ok. Thank you.
This is good stuff. I have one of these in my small camper trailer. Seems to be connected to the battery but im replacing the battery to lithium, adding an inverter, solar charger and a battery monitor. Any idea on how to integrate all that with this converter?
Sure! Check this out: www.explorist.life/30a-camper-inverter-with-solar-and-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/
Does you system allow engine alt to charge house RV batteries ?
Yep!
I see some breaker panels that have a built in charger and converter.
Will that interfere with my inverter
Good video! Do I need to ground the A/C side to a frame?
HI Nate,
First thanks for all the help 18 months ago. Your professional services were well worth it.
My old Airstream has been parked for over a year, so I've forgotten more than I ever knew!
Question: At your suggestion I am using this panel. My rig is 30a.
I believe the way you show in this video, only the left bus bar is hot.
What is the slick way to get power to the right hand busbar to add a couple of more circuits?
Thanks again, Manning
There's not really a 'clean' way to do that. Fortunately, 6 circuits (3 tandem breakers) is generally plenty for most campers.
Hi! Thanks for video. This might be dumb question, but could I use spade connectors or ferrules to make the connection or is it better to just screw in the exposed wire?
Could this distribution panel be used for a 24v system?
Hey Nate, I’m wondering why you use a 30 amp main breaker with this panel and in your newer wiring diagrams with the separated AC panel you use a 50 amp main breaker? I have the AC/DC panel shown in this video and am trying to figure out weather to use a 30 or 50 amp main breaker?
Thanks Nate! These electrical videos have been super helpful in getting started on our build. Something I've been struggling to find an answer to is where is the best place to run wires on a new build; behind walls and insulation or in front of walls and behind cabinets? Additionally, if you're running wires behind the walls how do you make changes in the future if you need to say add a new switch or a new AC plug? Thanks!
I did it behind with a removable panel with a velcro, so that if I needed to add anything I know where everything is. Some people do it behind walls, cause it's a finalized design.
Question, I have the Victon 2000 compact inverter/charger for my 5th wheel. My question is when wiring shore power currently shore power goes directly to the control panel, should I re-route it to go through the inverter?