Gen/Inverter Wiring

[Tom Y]

I have read a bunch of old posts on this. Just wanted to make sure I have this right. I have 2 panels, 1 for gen/pole power and 1 for inverter. Neither panel has a ground / neutral bond. The gen/pole panel has the neutral coming in and it will run to my inverter along with the inverter supply (Hot). The inverter has pass through so both will go to the inverter panel (#2) when panel 1 is energized. So each panel has its own neutral bar and they are seperate. Can I run a single ground bar for both panels? It would tie to the invereter case and also the gen case and the pole ground. Or do the grounds need to be seperate also? Thanks for any input.  Tom Y

[pvcces]

Tom Y, grounds always remain connected to each other; the neutrals are separated along with their hot leads when they are not a source of power.

Only one source at a time should have the neutral bonded to the ground; this must be the current source of power.

All panels shound be connected to chassis ground.

That's what I think the rules are.

Tom Caffrey

[Sean]

Tom.

We need to know what make and model of inverter you have in order to give a proper answer.

Some inverters will required external relays to implement bonding in your proposed configuration.

Also, I don't understand the "separate ground bus" comment -- every individual panel needs its own ground bus, of course.  Each circuit's ground wire must terminate on a bus in the same panel as the hot and neutral wires.  However, all ground buses must ultimately be connected to each other and to the frame of the coach.

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[Tom Y]

Sean, I have a Xantrex 458 inverter/charger. The seperate gounds question, I wanted to be sure it was ok to have all the grounds connected (both panels). My other concern is, Is the inverter smart enough and fast enough  to protect itself ? If the inverter is on and I power up the Gen, or Shore power ? Thanks Tom and Sean

[Sean]

Tom,

The Freedom 458 comes in several models -- 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30, and then some of these have an S/D or D/D option.  There is also a "combi" model.  I need to know which of these you have to help.

Most likely, you will hook your system up per the diagram on page 43 of the manual.  However, the presence or absence of a bonding relay depends on which model you have.

If you hook the unit up correctly, there are no issues with applying external power while the unit is running.  Remember, there are separate input and output connections -- never, ever connect an external power source to the inverter output.

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[Tom Y]

Sean, It is a 20SD. I am using page 43 to wire and connecting the dual outputs together per the tech at Xantrex. I think there is a bonding relay but may call again with the serial to be sure.  Thanks Tom

[Sean]

The wiring diagram for the 20SD is on page 49.

I did not think the two outputs could be ganged, since there are separate 20-amp breakers for them.  I'd be interested to know how Xantrex recommended you do this.

As long as you follow the diagram, your ground and neutral should be fine.

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com