Xantrex DR2412 inverter/charger?

 I need to upgrade my system, especially the charging function. This Xantrex
model has the features I want, but how do they hold up under use? Any known
problems? Failures?

brian

 
Old & in the way.... wrote:

It's actually a pretty rugged rig, probably the most reputable of the
mod-square inverters. I've heard of alot of Magnums failing, but no
DRs. They have, unfortunately, of late discontinuted their UL rating
for cottage/residential applications, which means they'd fail an
inspection by an electrical inspector if your installation required it.
I'd say the other negative issue was the non-digital interface for
setting charging rate and whatnot.

Truly, though, if I were you, I'd try to roll enough pennies to get
yourself an OutBack FX instead. True sinewave power, and rugged as hell
;-).

One thing to bear in mind as well. Most folks that get a DR have also
scrimped on the rest of the system, and have installed a fuse rather
than a DC disconnect (legal for 12v systems, gray-area in 24s) and even
while in "off" (not search) mode, have a slight draw, which over the
winter, has been known to kill small battery banks.

DJ

 

Thanks for the information guys.

The DR's cost is about as high as I can go on this part of the system. Given
that my Tripp Lite now runs everything that I use (comp, TV, Sat Microwave)
and the DR would be even better and has a good rating here I will go ahead
and pull the trigger on this purchase. This application is only used a few
months a year so I can't justify spending more and UL or not is not a
problem.

A question: This disconnect that you talk about, is it something like the
old knife switch? Or is it automatic, relay based? What brand/kind should I
be looking at? Costs?

Thanks, brian

 
Old & in the way.... wrote:


Oh, absolutely it's a step up from the Tripp. It doesn't have any plugs
on it yet, though, as it's designed to be wired into a conventional AC
distribution panel.


It's an issue of the modified square wave coming off it, I am led to
understand. It will damage some stuff, and since it can, I understand
that kills the UL. It *used* to have UL a while back.


Basically, it's anything that can disconnect the positive line from the
batteries to the inverter. So any DC-rated knife, sure would be ok,
especially in series with a normal 250a fuse which should be there
anyway to protect the inverter. Usually, we use, as I said, DC
Disconnects, either from Xantrex or OutBack, a piece of kit about 300$
(check eBay), with a breaker rated for, in your situation, about 250a.

DJ

 The DR series is probably one of the most reliable mod sine wave inverters
on the market.

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