ELECTRICITY⚡ In The Van!! How To Wire 12v DC & 120v AC with Solar / Batteries / Inverter -

[@towmater2276]

Just wanted to make a suggestion. You may want to put your shutoff switch where it can be reached. Should anything happen you will have to reach through the entire electrical compartment to get to the switch. A hinged vent grill may do the trick. It would at the very least mean only your hand would have to be in danger rather than your entire upper body.

[@TrustNotMyHeart]

Thank you for your honest commentary at the beginning. This confirms my feeling that i need to outsource this portion of my build.

[@giannizamora7247]

Just watching this again as we got to the point of our electrical. Super excited, thanks for this tutorial

[@TerrydeAlaska]

I don't know what your background and training is but you've done an amazing job. I did notice that the 120 volt A/C electrical breaker panel in mounted to a home made wooden box. That is a huge NO-NO. You should have your panel mounted to either a UL listed metal or fiber/plastic box. If there is ever a spark from one of those breakers the wood is right there to catch on fire. Just saying. I'm a journey man Electrician.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Terry, that is great advice. I agree it would be much safer to build a small metal or plastic box. Putting this on the todos :)

[@raymonddriggers]

Traveling Terry with all the fuses and breakers that’s highly unlikely that could ever spark a fire as in 99.9% unlikely and being that the metal box would be a conductor it would be far more dangerous to be on metal then wood which is a non-conductor,

[@TerrydeAlaska]

@@raymonddriggers The National Electric Code doesn't agree with you. The breakers sometimes fail and cause a large ball of fire. Most house fires are caused by faulty electrical and I don't want others to follow this unsafe example in their home.

[@raymonddriggers]

Traveling Terry Highly unlikely that a breaker would fail that is not on a recall list, in the likelihood if that should happen him being electrocuted would be much greater with a metal box then a wooden box catching on fire

[@TerrydeAlaska]

@@raymonddriggers Ok, I have tried to be nice, but you obviously don't know what you're talking about. I'm both a Journeyman electrician and Journeyman Lineman, I'm a certified ABYC marine electrician, and a RV tech. I've been working with electricity most of my life and I worked installing electrical systems at Discount Solar in Quartzsite Arizona last fall and I've installed many many systems in High end RV's. This is not to code and not safe and should not be done by anyone else. You never ever put 120 volts AC in a wooden box period. I hope you do a bit more research before you respond with comments that sound good to you but could lead someone to follow this bad example of safe electrical work.

[@lacsa727]

OMG!! I WAS SOOOOO CLOSE!!! To See.... How a Max Fan Wirering If Done!! 😭😭😭 Very Nice Power Set Up...and Thank-Gauuud you came thru it with no mishaps 👏👏👏😁😁😉 TFS

[@missscarlett7422]

lacsa727 This was a great video but I was really hoping to see how MaxxAir loose wires are connected. Guess I need to keep looking!

[@JohnBaker3000]

Damn! You Aced this so much! I have a BSEE and have been installing AC and DC and A/V nearly since time began (for my life)! I'm currently installing a 9.6kW ground mount solar system with QCells panels and SolarEdge 10000 inverter. That said, I need to bow to you. Your knowledge and explanations and diagrams are awesome. We are starting the build on a used 2019 Promaster 159, after an insane amount of research, and your design is top notch. So well thought out. Ping me if you ever plan a trip to Maine.

[@fibsniper786]

definitely want to see a detailed description of the wiring diagram!

[@sailingvesselsolmates8159]

The electrical looks great. I agree with Terry about the metal box for 110V AC. Also when I lived on my sailboat everything that ran off my Inverter was a huge power drain, Id recommend these breakers be easily accessed. You don't want to open the cabinet each time you cut the water heater on, and each time you want to cut on the 110outlets. I learned the hard way my 110V AC outlets drain a small amount of powered just being powered on. Just a hint for the future.

[@ryanmfahey1]

The van is coming together quite nicely. Please keep posting great content. I'm planning on following your bench seat build here in a few weeks and was wondering how I'm going to mount everything in it, so was happy to see you post this video to add accompany the bench.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks so much Ryan! One of the best benefits of building it yourself is making custom shaped compartments just big enough for your needs. Feel free to DM me on insta if you have any questions!

[@NorthFork]

You gave me a couple good ideas for my off grid cabin project. Nice job!

[@Ohsage1111]

Your vids are invaluable. Thanks for that and all the links to products used. Amazing contribution! You rock!!!

[@michael-xe7rz]

thank you so much for the video and wiring diagram. It will serve as motivation to get things rolling! Very clean work. Nice Job!

[@morrowr08]

Very clean looking, great job! I can't wait to get my van and start my build. Your videos are great learning tool.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Ryan, I appreciate the kind words! Van builds are awesome projects.

[@purelovepaintings5075]

You had me at " I do not recommend anyone do this, it is very dangerous..."...OK Good advice. Calling an electrician for sure. love your vids!

[@CaribbeanZapatta]

i have watched and enjoyed ALL your videos. NOW ..electric ...I am a retired Airline Capatin. Very comfortable with electrical theory. BUT ....I am doing my 170 XT with a total open plan ( I have 4 dogs)...so I have decided to go with "solar generators" ...large battery banks ! Check out the Blujetti EB2400 and the AC200. less $ than two Battleborn. includes MPPT and 2000 watt inverters with more info (individual lipo temps !!! ). makes life SO EASY . One AC200 gives you more putlets than you will ever need !!

[@seven_o_savage]

That’s awesome thanks! And that sounds like a great solution!

[@exploringrvdude7817]

Oh, and so the BMV-700 does connect to a the positive as a way of receiving power, but its primary function is through the negative battery terminal. Its shunt is the ONLY thing that should connect to the negative terminal, with all negative loads being attached the the 700's shunt load terminal. I just say that in case anyone wants to install one of these, it detects incoming and outflowing energy from the batteries via its shunt sitting between all the negative 'loads' and the negative terminal on your battery bank.

[@keyvinco2379]

Loving the Anvil crimper 💡 Great Chanel 🤘🏼👍

[@TheYankmchain]

Wow. Love this detail! A materials list of everything would be great to see too...I know I'm pressing my luck. : )

[@seven_o_savage]

I don’t have a materials list but all of my components are in the electrical diagram (you can drag those images into google to find the products)

[@paul1der]

You pronounce words so clearly it's a pleasure to listen to you speak lol

[@deant007]

Great job, SOS! We appreciate you 😀

[@markbirchall2060]

12 volts is totally safe to handle. When you bump it up to 110 volts it can be deadly especially if you are near any moisture.

[@flybyairplane3528]

mark birchall not necceraryly so, the 12v amps can melt metal, I had a partial melt down of my wedding ring& burned finger, I NEVER WORE THAT RING AGAIN , on an A&P supermarket in NJ, instead of a generator, they had, 2 levels of 12v batteries,

[@flybyairplane3528]

mark birchall speaking about moisture,at FARMLAND DAIRY, IN WALLINGTON, NJ, there was a 50hp, 4160v QUINCEY air compressor in a basement in ANYTHING NEAR DRY, BUT better than that , there were 3 4160 cables from a pa engine, running on the ground to another area, I had no idea what they were, or why, until I checked it , the licensed electrician did it , , THATS AS HIGH AS I had to service over the years, , the amperage is usually low with, so you needed an ammeter with WIDE JAWS for those heavy cables, ,,, Cheers From....NJ🇺🇸

[@2sherrymoore]

Thank you for making such great videos!

[@spagroen]

Well done! I enjoyed it! Glad everything worked out, it's dangerous indeed!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Daefera! Yea man, it’s no joke

[@leemurf337]

Great videos ....when I drill through steel panels I put magnets either side to catch the swarf, just an idea might save you some time and tape

[@thomasstaples4385]

Really enjoyed your video.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Thomas!

[@charles9glenn]

Nice job

[@Dualex_Builds]

I wouldn’t say “don’t do it yourself” just do your research first and make sure you know what you’re doing

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Why record the video in 60 FPS? Use 24 FPS, it looks better. Recording in 60 FPS is mainly for slow motion in post, so you can slow the 60 down to 24 FPS. The 60 FPS makes the video look awkward. Always 24 for talking head videos or non slow mo tracks! Sorry, just wanted to point that out haha. I see things like this haha Good video still!

[@mikehoffinger8097]

You said you were going to a video on dc/dc hookup... ever happen? So curious on where you landed the charge cable...

[@fibsniper786]

"i really don't recommend anyone do this. -- ok so before you get started wiring your van.."

[@ryangignac3251]

Content baby!

[@ASH-cn2ht]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeunum]

When you do it right and learn a bit before you start, everybody can do it. For that short circuit you MUST have fuses. It is nothing to be scared of. Learn and do it. Dont forget some ait holes to transport the heat out of the wooden box because the SOLAR load controller and/or the batteries can get warm. Also think about styropor isolation when you think about the cold in the winter. If the DC-AC converter also in that box you have to use a fan temperature controlled. It can be very how, SO be SAFE.

[@johnchae]

you the man!!

[@black12212]

I'm going for a 1000ah battery system for my 2017 Dodge Ram Promaster 159" 😁

[@perpetualfeast]

please present a video of your tools used during various van projects. also what do you carry toolwise when traveling? thx. great vids, slow down your crazy choreography just a little please! cheers

[@seven_o_savage]

I am planning on doing a "top 10 tools" guide once I finish the build! I don't travel full time yet, but I do carry quite a few tools :) wrenches, drill/impact, drill bits, dremel, tons of electrical stuff, some plumbing stuff, some tapes/glues. Planning on starting w/a lot and slimming down as things go unused

[@douglasharley2440]

0:24 lol, electricity got you running scared, witness protection incognito-style! O_O

[@teedub68]

Video is awesome and also very detailed. Thanks for all the info. May I ask how much the electrical system cost? I want to get an idea what to expect to pay for something similar.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you! Assuming just the solar + batteries + wires + breakers + inverter + fuse blocks, a system like this costs about $3000.

[@teedub68]

@@seven_o_savage thanks for info

[@mperdue12]

Metal boxes contain electrical failures. Wood is fuel. If you are sleeping in it make sure its safe. Tiny spaces burn fast.

[@exploringrvdude7817]

I have 4 AGM batteries that are connected with 1/0 cables, 2/0 is probably overkill and harder to work with.

[@jess3836]

Hiya! Would you be able to elaborate on the wires gauges you used between all your components? It would be super helpful to add to your diagram. Thanks so much!

[@jess3836]

I think you might actually have them on there already, but they are a bit too small to read.

[@dylanbuyskes4037]

Thank you for sharing all this info. How did you create the wiring diagram.

[@simonomis514]

Also wondering what program was used

[@grupel4031]

Nice job! Can you link the black puck lights you used.

[@misspuppa]

Good vid 👍🏼

[@thetayinthelife]

hi! how did you wire the dimmer switch to the puck lights? struggling with how to set mine up and have the same switch and similar lights to yours. thanks!!

[@STFUandRTFM]

8:21 It was also your first lesson in welding!

[@MrPacoislas]

How did you conetc the dc -dc charger, I would love to see how you connect the D+ ignition cable to the fuse ... and which cable to use and where to buy it ... thanks that would help a lot because I just bought the same dc charger and can’t find a way to install it

[@NigelBallard]

Would love to have a downloadable version of your vans wiring diagram

[@seven_o_savage]

Good call, just added a link

[@NigelBallard]

@@seven_o_savage Thanks Seven, you're rocking that build and I'm learning much! Cheers Nigel

[@cristinakim2479]

Could you please, please make the electrical diagram? Although I will not install it myself, I would like to ask my handyman doing it exactly like yours.

[@seven_o_savage]

Yep, electrical diagram is in the video description

[@Steveski70]

Could you please provide downloadable schematics, love your system with components list Thanks! Slawek

[@seven_o_savage]

Great suggestion, just added it

[@yourpcmd]

@@seven_o_savage added it to where?

[@jackjumper2]

Good job on the build. Can you send me the diagram of all these connection? Thanks.

[@kurtalexander20]

How did you secure the batteries? Screw to the floor or bolt through the van floor?

[@brandongoesphotoxvideo]

Dude! Straight up killer and informative video, you really covered a lot of the bases that most people need to see before trying this themselves, high five! Also what are the songs you have playing in the background? A few of them sound like an artist called Fakear but I couldn't really tell

[@tkdblackbelt1234]

So you grounded the DC, and AC "breaker boxes" along with the batteries to the chassi of the van? You showed connecting the battery to the van but not the other two

[@sylvainmassicotte5877]

Normaly you should put on all connection a dielectric greas ,prevent moist ,rust and increase the courrant traveling ,loose noting,

[@artest7]

Why did you choose "200 amps" for your positive battery connection please?

[@RebeccaWilliamsOfficial]

Did you add shore power options? If so, is there a video detail?

[@showspotter]

where did you learn how to do all that? i am really comfortable with AC, but i dont know if i could do a van build and do DC and how different it is with all of the converters, controllers etc, just no idea what all goes in to that

[@rinarinabean6841]

Do you install electrical systems on vans as a business? Might be looking soon 😁

[@kurtalexander20]

Hi. Great vid! Quick question, the bus bar your link sends to is only rated at 150a... yet you have 200-250a fuses aswell as 2200w inverter etc, are those definatkey the right bus bars? I imagine you would need bus bars rated at more like 200-300a? Cheers

[@lunatune3714]

Could you post the products you use and or where you purchased them?

[@PjSmith]

I have a separate charger converter (not integrated with my inverter) How do I wire the converter to the system?

[@dieselchopperinbound]

I notice in the diagram there are more wires than there are stud points on the positive bus bar. Is it okay to double up wires on the bus bar or should I try and find a bus bar with more than just 4 studs as I have a similar system I am working on with both solar and DCtoDC charger. I couldn't really tell in the video how many wires you ended up actually putting on each bus bar. Thanks for any help!

[@seven_o_savage]

Yes it is

[@hahnduchamp1244]

I think there’s a mistake with the Victron shunt wire in your diagram. The red(positive) wire should be black going into the negative bus bar. Please confirm. Thanks!!!

[@happylight7881]

Check this website about shunt connect diagram www.rv-project.com/projects/bmv700.php

[@miscaccount4760]

If you would have attached something to the vans alternator (to recharge batteries) would you have still needed to attach an inverter? In other words could you have just omitted the converter/charger all together & just used the generator? Just curious if that would have been an easier route

[@coffeepl2157]

I was wondering if you plan on hooking up a AC unit?

[@num1champ]

Is there a reason you are using a breaker right after the batteries, then the 300A switch, before the positive bus bar? since you are using a breaker, couldn't you just flip the breaker to cut power and avoid needing the 300A switch?

[@seven_o_savage]

Yes you can use the breaker as a switch. The reason I did it is because I like to have clear intent whenever I open that compartment.

[@num1champ]

@@seven_o_savage Thanks for confirming.

[@brookeheaton7978]

How many max amps are you drawing on the 12v load side? 4AWG is pretty beefy.

[@SouthwestIndustrialElectric]

Niceeeee!

[@gilpul71]

I know this video is old, same as my setup. But I can’t figured out what’s my problem I have 2 100 Ah 12 battle born batteries + 2AWG cables that goes to my energizer 2000wtts inverter, my microwave is a B&D 700w. Small enough for my inverter But I have to use it of turns of 30 seconds and wait for a bit, if not the 200A breaker will poop. What’s de deal over here. Can’t figured out if is the breaker, the inverter or the microwave. Thanks in advance Alexander Love the channel by the way. Love your last video of the 4x4 sprinter conversion, what a Rig!

[@Zinnett]

Did you happen to figure this out? I'm having the same problem with my water heart....Actually all of the appliances.

[@UgaBuga-mr7zr]

@@Zinnett I think my problem was the inverter, I bought a regular inverter, I think for lithium batteries like that ones I had, I should get the “Pure Sine Wave inverter”. And I think that was the trick, check yours if is “regular” or the other one

[@youngjuggler]

Can I buy a double terminal fuse and attach in parallel if i only have two batteries? Put each positive on each fuse?

[@joshsjams1]

Can you wire a 120V fan to the 12v DC battery? I need to put a fan into my wheelchair van to move air to the back area.

[@Zinnett]

I've based my set off of this but im having problems. I have 500 watts of Solar Renogy 60a charge controller 3 x 200ah batteries. Dc to Dc charger I cant for the life if me figure out why I can't use my water heater for longer than a minute before it nearly drains my batteries. Please help with problem solving this.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@DaDavidVids]

How did you get the components (like the inverter) to fit so perfectly in the storage compartment? Did you measure the equipment first, the build, or just get lucky? Because that's what impresses me.

[@seven_o_savage]

It’s very strange how many times I’ve gotten lucky where things just “worked out”, but this was planned :). I build the bench seat around the constraints, which were the battery, inverter, and toilet

[@thepandaknows]

Thanks for this video! How are you liking those batteries? Do you feel that going with lithium would have been worth the cost, or are these sufficient? Your energy needs are similar to what I'll need.

[@theshepard22]

Does your inverter need to be turned on to keep your DC items working? Or are they separate.

[@sollywilliams4569]

hey brother! I'm working on my own electrical system in my van with a super similar setup to yours, wondering if it'd be possible to go Into more detail about your diagram. Would help us out massively. cheers heaps!

[@seven_o_savage]

In the future I want to make a better video about electronics in the van. Very simple but so intimidating.

[@sollywilliams4569]

@@seven_o_savage sweet as, would be awesome. thanks heaps

[@Zinnett]

Did you end up using his diagram?

[@chadmckillop3880]

I noticed on your Renogy DC-DC battery charger there is no negative wire coming from the charger to your battery bank? Was this not needed?

[@prouddangle]

UMMM, I didnt see anyone say, THAT IS A BAD GROUNDING SPOT, in the comments...

[@francescolemma5582]

Can you kindly explain why?

[@TheYankmchain]

What is make and model of the AC switch panel you used?

[@seven_o_savage]

I used the Paneltronics AC panel (part no. 2305). Any of their 120v AC panels would work!

[@TheYankmchain]

@@seven_o_savage nice! Beats the fugliness of a giant gray panel and your breaker labels are lit up.

[@deathseek9994]

How long does ur power last at full us and how long does it recharge at full us

[@scottschissel5692]

What did you still holes with?

[@m4rku53]

Are there any videos you recommend on installing a camper electrical system to a complete noob?

[@seven_o_savage]

I’m working on one right now, it will be out in the next week or two!

[@m4rku53]

@@seven_o_savage Cheers! Keep up the great work

[@chadwolfeschledgelsteinhau9697]

I have a 120 ac grid tie i cant get approved by power company anyway i can still use my ac inverter?

[@Steveski70]

What size of wire did you used for your 12 v and 110 v ? is 14G for 12 v and 12G for 110V good enough? Thx

[@seven_o_savage]

I used 14ga for the 12v and 12g for the 110v. This happened to fit my requirements but the best way to do it is by checking a wire gauge chart

[@Favianification]

Thanks for the very informative vids. Looking to do a similar build. How does your power hold up when you use your microwave? Trying to decide between propane stove/oven or powering a microwave and induction cooktop with electric system...

[@seven_o_savage]

Batteries hold up great, the microwave actually doesn’t draw much power relative to the water heater (700w vs 1500w)

[@leaporteous1312]

where did you put your renogy battery to battery charger?

[@miqueas1992]

Thanks for this! It at least set me on the right path as far as what to research (like what the fuck is a shunt? Lol). Quick question for you or anyone who is knowledgeable: does that box get hot? I would imagine having a bunch of seriously beefy electrical equipment would need to be ventilated as much as possible...but this is coming from my IT and audio engineering experience so i'm not sure if it applies to this or not.

[@seven_o_savage]

I did end up cutting some vent holes at the back, but the only thing that really gets hot is the inverter.

[@ASH-cn2ht]

Are the bus bars 100% necessary?

[@seven_o_savage]

No

[@nasiruddinaminuddinab1111]

Why did u hv background music??

[@ponyboy256]

Do you play Rust, builder?

[@VinnyHotsauce]

I was wondering the same lol

[@rabadooda]

If you don’t mind me asking, why did you buy such an expensive inverter? I’m currently doing my own build.

[@seven_o_savage]

It’s an inverter charger & it has a lot of safety mechanisms in place that help me sleep better at night. That being said, definitely not 100% necessary.

[@rabadooda]

Seven O'Savage I meant the actual inverter on your electric diagram that you included in the description. It’s over $1000! I’m just curious to know what benefits it has over a cheaper inverters from different brands.

[@rabadooda]

Seven O'Savage Also, would you be interested in helping out with the electrics on my van? I would pay you for your time and effort. I figure it’s gotta be cheaper to pay someone to do it privately than taking the van to a conversion specialist.

[@rabadooda]

Seven O'Savage Or if you know anyone who would be up to the challenge please let me know. Lovin the vids btw! Really useful information

[@markkertz8223]

This is an example of why clueless kids should not play with electricity.

[@seven_o_savage]

Agreed, those rascals...

[@tomsweeney8433]

Can you email me this diagram?

[@christin1095]

naw dude. YOU. shouldn't be doing your own electrical system

[@maclynmonroe1263]

Looked at your shunt. It won't work as shown.

[@shawnlund]

It’s 12v and DC power to boot for the most part. The inverter is the only thing that has any real potential if you are negligent. Stop scaring people

[@mariadelcarmengonzalez9949]

797