Disconnecting inverter

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BradChin

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So I have 2 X 100Ah batteries connected to Mecer inverter. 6 months without load shedding. Think of disconnecting it. What order would I follow(regarding disconnecting cables from battery and inveter) in detail
 
I'm assuming no DB wiring just the inverter?

In that case switch off everything.
Unplug it from the wall.
Disconnect the positive battery leads on the battery side.
Disconnect the positive leads on the inverter side.
Disconnect the ground leads.
 
B-1 said:
I'm assuming no DB wiring just the inverter?

In that case switch off everything.
Unplug it from the wall.
Disconnect the positive battery leads on the battery side.
Disconnect the positive leads on the inverter side.
Disconnect the ground leads.
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You are right, just the Mecer inverter and 2 batteries

Actually went a different route
Unplugged from wall.
Unscrewed smaller negative lead.
Unscrewed small positive lead.
Unscrewed negative long lead (connected directly to inverter)
Unscrewed positive long lead
(connected directly to inverter)
 
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Is this the consensus — that with zero loadshedding, it is better to disconnect one's batteries and inverter, since keeping it charged fully without being used is potentially worse for the system?
 
I left mine connected but with the inverter in standby mode. Battery float charge is 13.9v. I don't see any advantage of disconnecting. If load shedding suddenly returns, you will have to reconnect everything possibly in the dark.
 
Smugs said:
I left mine connected but with the inverter in standby mode. Battery float charge is 13.9v. I don't see any advantage of disconnecting. If load shedding suddenly returns, you will have to reconnect everything possibly in the dark.
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Looks like some people want to make a quick buck of the items while there are still sellable because there is truly no point.

Even besides loadshedding you can have an unexpected power cut any time when someone steals the cable or something.
 
Remember that batteries have self-discharge - don't expect to connect them up and be happy 3 years from now if you didn't charge them a few times in the meantime. Keeping the on float is best for the batteries, but will cost you the internal power consumption of the inverter. That should be minimal, though.

Another advantage of an inverter that is disconnected from the grid is that it is less likely to be damaged due to lightning / surges. I'd rather just switch off the breakers feeding the inverter, though (the ones within arm's reach of the inverter). That would make reconnecting when needed, as well as the occasional battery charging, quite easy.
 
TheChamp said:
Looks like some people want to make a quick buck of the items while there are still sellable because there is truly no point.

Even besides loadshedding you can have an unexpected power cut any time when someone steals the cable or something.
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Yeah, there's a lot of inverters for sale on marketplace for next to nothing. I'm actually tempted to get another one. Now is the time to buy.
 
Cassady said:
Is this the consensus — that with zero loadshedding, it is better to disconnect one's batteries and inverter, since keeping it charged fully without being used is potentially worse for the system?
Click to expand...

It would depend on the battery tech. Lead acid is best left charging with a slight discharge every now and then.

Lithium shouldn't be stored full but at their storage voltage.(the voltage is slightly different between chemistries)
 
Our Mecer 2400VA is still plugged in with the 2 batteries in series with a balancer
Sitting pretty at 27.2 volts
 
I have one of those lithium inverter trolleys connected to a 450w solar panel but its on mains priority, Considering disconnecting and leaving the solar connected and put the inverter off, is this possible or should i rather disconnect everything?
 
Terence1983 said:
I have one of those lithium inverter trolleys connected to a 450w solar panel but its on mains priority, Considering disconnecting and leaving the solar connected and put the inverter off, is this possible or should i rather disconnect everything?
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Why not just disconnect it from power and let the solar do it's thing? Why would you leave it off and forfeit free energy from the solar?
 
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