We own a 2023 Imagine 2670MK. I'm in the process of converting over to Lithium batteries and I'd like your opinions on if I should relocate with the WFCO 55 amp converter closer to the new batteries. I'm told that the closer it is, the better it works.
I'm installing two 12V LiTime 100AH Lithium batteries into the front storage area (there is room for growth) and I'm also thinking about relocating the WFCO 55 amp converter from the bedroom to much closer to the batteries. I'm considering moving the converter for two reasons. First, it is currently installed just under the dresser in the bedroom and the fan can get quite noisy. Second, the wire that GD installed to battery (it also powers the jack) is only 8 ga and I estimate it to be about 10 to 15 ft long. According to the charts that I've seen an 8 ga wire (assuming 10% voltage drop) that is less than 20 ft long can only carry 40 amps and our converter can put out 55 amps. If I assume only 3% drop the allowable the allowable current drops to between 30 and 40 amps (depending upon the actual distance).
I'm using busbars to collect the positive and negative leads from the batteries. I'm also installing a 250A master switch, Victron fuse unit and Victron shunt as part of battery upgrade. I'm thinking about relocating the converter from the bedroom and installing it right next to the batteries. I'd connect the DC power leads using at least 6 ga (maybe even 4 ga) wire. I'd also remove the short red and black wires that currently go between the converter the DC power panel. I'd also run a 14 ga Romex wire from the new converter location back to the AC panel and wire it to the same AC breaker that it's wired to now. While I'm doing that I'd also pull in a second Romex wire for a future inverter install. Then I am planning to reuse the 8 ga wires that currently feed the lead acid battery. I'd connect them into the new busbars so that they can used to feed 12V DC power into the DC power panel.
Has anyone relocated their converter? If so, how did it go?
Thanks!
Bob
I'm installing two 12V LiTime 100AH Lithium batteries into the front storage area (there is room for growth) and I'm also thinking about relocating the WFCO 55 amp converter from the bedroom to much closer to the batteries. I'm considering moving the converter for two reasons. First, it is currently installed just under the dresser in the bedroom and the fan can get quite noisy. Second, the wire that GD installed to battery (it also powers the jack) is only 8 ga and I estimate it to be about 10 to 15 ft long. According to the charts that I've seen an 8 ga wire (assuming 10% voltage drop) that is less than 20 ft long can only carry 40 amps and our converter can put out 55 amps. If I assume only 3% drop the allowable the allowable current drops to between 30 and 40 amps (depending upon the actual distance).
I'm using busbars to collect the positive and negative leads from the batteries. I'm also installing a 250A master switch, Victron fuse unit and Victron shunt as part of battery upgrade. I'm thinking about relocating the converter from the bedroom and installing it right next to the batteries. I'd connect the DC power leads using at least 6 ga (maybe even 4 ga) wire. I'd also remove the short red and black wires that currently go between the converter the DC power panel. I'd also run a 14 ga Romex wire from the new converter location back to the AC panel and wire it to the same AC breaker that it's wired to now. While I'm doing that I'd also pull in a second Romex wire for a future inverter install. Then I am planning to reuse the 8 ga wires that currently feed the lead acid battery. I'd connect them into the new busbars so that they can used to feed 12V DC power into the DC power panel.
Has anyone relocated their converter? If so, how did it go?
Thanks!
Bob