Replacing Converter with an Inverter/Charger - Freedom HF Installation Video

[@LetsRVtv]

The inverter has an in and out (Line and Load). Can you take the shore power out of the panel and into the inverter. Then run a new wire from the out to the panel where the original shore power was? If so would this make running the second romex back to the panel obsolete? I'm not splitting hairs but you may want to make a note that you ran 12 AWG romex to the panel. In the video you said 14 AWG.

[@davidandkatharinemajor825]

I did not see you upgrade the DC wiring cable. I am positive your instruction guide calls for a heavier gage wire for the size of that invertor. Another question, Could you have attached the output AC wire to the lug terminals to the right of the GFI on the invertor? Are those outputs?

[@nietcheeze]

Mediocre specifics for that specific installation, but very little that anyone can use for any other real installation. Suggest using basic schematic diagrams rather than video of someone fondling a circuit breaker and connections magically appearing.

[@TheMorganMonroeShow]

This unit looks absolutely amazing. We have one on our boat. It came with our boat. My wife and I can look at this thing all day long. It has the remote control panel installed properly and everything. Our biggest question is, when we’re not hooked to the shore power how do we inverted to run a small refrigerator and fan? Is that even possible for this model? Because at this point we’re thinking about picking one up and plugging it into the cigarette lighter. LOL you could have all the money in the world, but if you don’t have a manual you’re not looking well. #WeAreNotLookingWell lol. I’ll kidding aside, if you could point me into the right direction to figuring this out that would be amazing. We thank you so much for your time and we are looking forward to hearing from you.

[@XantrexTechnology]

You may view and download owner's guide at www.xantrex.com/documents/Inverter-Chargers/Freedom-HW/Freedom%20HF%20Owners%20Guide%20(975-0390-01-01_Rev-G)_ENG.pdf

[@stevetekrv5791]

Old video but current issue: I called Xantrex and was told the Inverter/Charger is NOT a Convertor. In other words, YES it will provide power by inverting 12vdc to 120vac, and YES it will charge the batteries in multiple stages, but NO it will NOT provide 12vdc power to the coach. I just called today and got this response. So, in the real world situation such as when the coach requires more amps to run a 12vdc motor, such as running out a slide, the Xantrex Invertor/Charger will NOT provide the 12vdc amperage to augment the battery bank. Correct? Case in point - I have a customer with an old Class A motorhome. His convertor has gone out. He has a Xantrex Freedom Pro XM1000 invertor. I called Xantrex directly to see if it's possible to replace the existing Invertor with an Invertor that could also be not only a charger but a Convertor and I was told NO, Xantrex does NOT have that capability in any of it's models. I was told it will charge the batteries but will NOT provide 12vdc power to the coach. So, which is it? Because this video clearly states that this Invertor/Charger is replacing a Convertor.

[@bhall430]

Thanks for the video - I'm sold! However I'm curious about the wiring. The AC panel supplies AC input to the inverter. No problem. The inverter then returns passthrough / inverter AC to the same panel. Doesn't the inverter then feed itself? If the inverter only feeds certain circuits and not the whole panel, how do you avoid a sub-panel?

[@XantrexTechnology]

Great Question! Around the 6:03-6:22 range you can see what we did, but it might not be completely obvious. The Freedom HF has a raw output on the opposite side, but it also has a receptacle on the front that is protected by a breaker mounted on the right side. This acts as a single circuit sub-panel. The ‘yellow Romex’ was routed from the inverter back to the panel to feed the load (in the video’s example it was receptacles). It has a male plug put on the inverter end which is plugged directly into the inverter’s receptacle. At 6:18, you can see the other end has a wire nut. Since the receptacle Romex wouldn’t stretch to the inverter location, the yellow Romex was wire nutted to the black (line) and white (neutral) wires of the receptacle circuits only. This way the inverter output only feeds the receptacles, and shore feeds the A/C, Microwave, TV, and Inverter’s input, which was the converter breaker position.

[@20cbwestiesden50]

Thanks for the explanation. But still not sure where is that "breaker mounted on the right side" protecting the inverter's receptacle?

[@brendanhall6679]

bhall430 thank you very much for the reply. That clarified it very well. Just wondering about grounding the romex. My questions; is supply to inverter grounded to distribution panel ground, AND romex return from inverter grounded to same bus in the distribution panel? In this case both supply and return grounds would be attached to the same bus in the rv distribution panel? I realize the inverter chassis is also grounded to frame at its install location.

[@XantrexTechnology]

Grounds all connect together no matter where they are attached. Neutral/ line to the load however must connect to the GFCI output.

[@ghengiscrayon]

little black button on the right of the inverter face. It pops out when the circuit is broken. Push back in to reset.

[@jimdavis8804]

The converter on my fifth wheel camper does more than charge the battery. My ac and my light work on my converter. So do my fridge and water heater. So don’t seem to know why you would install a inverter in that system. Wire it separately for 110 but not 12 Volt.

[@XantrexTechnology]

Sir, thanks for your comment. The air conditioner, lights, fridge and water heater in your coach are DC loads meaning they run off battery bank, the converter, or a charger, as either of these provide DC current. Should you decide to install a residential AC fridge or need AC power to charge your laptop or phone batteries, you will need an AC power source which is the inverter, but an inverter/Charger will power an AC/LP refrigerator as well. Most of the new electronics are AC powered so it is recommended to have an AC power source in a coach.

[@RandyClose69]

So I take out my entire distribution center and replace it with the Freedom? Or do I just take out my old converter and replace it with the inverter?

[@XantrexTechnology]

Dear Sir - Sorry for the late reply. Please consult our tech support at 18006700707 for details.

[@RandyClose69]

I figured out. Thanks

[@thesupportcrew1]

At 5:49, you have a 3 prong tool for connecting the Romex into the connection points. What is that tool, and how does it work?

[@thesupportcrew1]

Basically, I can not get the Romex to push into the inverter and not sure what to do to get it in there. Your tool looks like it would be quite helpful.

[@XantrexTechnology]

@@thesupportcrew1 The three prong tool is especially made for the OEMS. Wago has a special tool, that looks like a flat screwdriver, for opening the cage of their terminals. However, Wago only has single tools. You could use a small flat-head screwdriver and do one terminal at a time.

[@strive4impact]

@@XantrexTechnology thank you for your reply. so basically I just push the screwdriver in there to open it and it should just open up?

[@tumbleweedking5668]

When go back to shore power are you at full 120v potential on the circuit that you dedicated to the inverter?

[@XantrexTechnology]

+Scott Falkner - We think yes but strongly recommend you call 18006700707 to discuss your situation and confirm. Thanks

[@michaellourenco2475]

thanks for the video! my question is: does the vehicle alternator charge the battery via the xantrex using 12v?

[@XantrexTechnology]

No. The Freedom HF takes AC input to charge the batteries. In your scenario, you will likely need a battery combiner to utilize alternator's DC output to charge the batteries. For further clarification, please feel free to contact tech support at 1-800-670-0707. thanks

[@bexler531]

I need to replace my heart freedom 20 2000 watt converter charger. What model Xantrex Freedom inverter charger do you recommend?

[@XantrexTechnology]

Hello, We still make 2 models of Freedom 20 inverter/charger - Freedom 458-20 81-2010-12 12V Hardwire (Single in/ single out) AND Freedom 458-20 81-2022-12 12V Hardwire (Single in/ dual out). Our website has all the information. Hope this helps. Thank you.

[@jorgedacosta8957]

You never stated what the watts was from this inverter?

[@sunofabish]

Xantrex 1055 inverter/charger, 1000 watt inverter, 55 amp charger

[@jorgedacosta8957]

sunofabish Thanks for the information, had a 2000 watt Duralast and it was junk with no charger. Have a goodnight.

[@kd6844]

Would this one be adequate for fulltime RV use?

[@XantrexTechnology]

+K. D. Mann - yes it would generally speaking for a towable but it depends on a lot of factors including onboard loads, battery capacity etc

[@kd6844]

I will stick with my converter for now, if it breaks I will replace it with yours

[@lickalittle]

@@kd6844 these inverters are power hungry little children with no father lol They have a high draw Amp load with no load will drain a battery quick, My company uses these in our semi's Batteries are always dieing, My recommendation for an RV is always GO POWER...#1 CHOICE OF SEASONED CAMPERS

[@harmonicablues7892]

You spent a lot of time talking about placing the wires in the inverter that already has explicit instructions. Where most explanations are needed is the wires FROM the inverter INTO the breaker panel and Converter. I get it that your trying to sell Xantrax. But your leaving the MORE important information out.

[@XantrexTechnology]

We have produced another video on inverter/charger installation - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHrLkqiGZ6yYe9U which covers wiring into the breaker panel. Hope that helps. Thanks.

[@bruhow]

@@XantrexTechnology Yeah but no. The new video does not address the information lacking from the video as referenced by Harmonica Blues above. I appreciate you doing this very much, but I still find myself quizzical about how to do it. Best.

[@XantrexTechnology]

@@bruhow - Hello Mr. Howard, your feedback is noted. We will try our best to include in our next installation video. You may also call our tech support at 18006700707 for further assistance.