References:
Due to unpredicted high demand and a slow supply chain, we are currently out of stock and working on version 3.0. As of 12/18/2020, the SPS V3.0 is being bench-tested, with the firmware being perfected. We expect to be filling orders in the Summer of 2021, but are pushing hard to make it happen sooner. Feel free to contact us with questions or put your name on the waitlist.
The Smart Phase Selector (SPS) is designed to control power flows between a 50A main panel, a single input inverter with AC pass-through/PowerAssist, a shore power connection, and a generator. It allows both sides of the 50A main panel to receive power with a single inverter whether connected to a 50A shore source or not, within the output limitations of the inverter. The SPS greatly simplifies the installation of an inverter system and improves the functionality of an RV configured for a 50A service.
Dimensions: H 4.5" x W 6.8" x D 9.4"
The Smart Phase Selector is designed to work in conjunction with Victron Multiplus, Victron Quattro, or Magnum Energy MSH3012 inverter/charger kits. By installing our Smart Phase Selector box between the generator/shore transfer switch and the main AC panel, you no longer have to move AC loads in the main panel to accommodate the inverter’s limitation of only being able to handle one 120V 50A leg. The Smart Phase Selector will distribute inverter output to both sides of the main panel. Or, when plugged into a 50A service, the Smart Phase Selector will pass both legs from shore independently. When Inverting or plugged into 30A and smaller service, the Smart Selector will send power to both sides of the main panel, passing through the inverter. This allows power assist to function properly, preventing the shore breaker from blowing.
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The SPS does not add any power to the system. You are still limited by what shore power and the inverter can provide. In other words, if you aren’t plugged into a 50A service you will not get 50A on line 1 and 50A line 2 that you can draw from simultaneously.
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The SPS allows AC “PowerAssist” or “Hybrid” functionality on 50 amp RVs. This allows you to plug your RV into a 15A outlet and use power like you had 30 amps, allowing the inverter to supply the loads exceeding 15A from the batteries while preventing the breaker from popping. The same thing applies to 30A service allowing you to use up to 50 amps of power.
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The SPS allows a 50A coach to have inverted power supplied to all outlets and AC loads.
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The SPS simplifies the install removing the need for the AC panel to be completely rewired or having an AC subpanel installed.
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The Smart Phase Selector has two modes of operation. When on 50A power (2-phase), The SPS will pass power from both legs allowing L1 to supply the inverter, the inverter to supply power to L1 at the main panel while L2 supplies the main panel directly. On a 30A or less service (Single Phase), The SPS cuts off L2 at the input and supplies L1 power to the inverter which then supplies both legs of the AC panel. In this scenario, your whole coach is limited to 50A max. You can pull 30A from shore and the inverter can supply another 20A from the batteries. This is regulated using the inverter system’s current limiter.
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When used with a single-phase generator, the coach’s max AC output will be limited to 50A.
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Most 12KW generators produce dual-phase power which would allow the output to exceed 50A. In this scenario, the inverter can charge the batteries or drain them to assist L1 while L2 is supplied directly from the generator.
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The Multiplus inverter needs to be ON to allow passthrough of shore power. This is always true for 15amp and 30amp services that have a single leg of power. When you are on a full 50amp shore service that has two legs of incoming AC, you can turn off the Multiplus and still receive one leg of power to half of your panel. But, in order to receive the second leg you will need to turn ON the inverter
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The inverter system’s no load draw will be higher because of the installation of the SPS. To see what the true draw is, turn off all the breakers in your RV’s main panel and then check the AC draw using your system monitor.
What you get:
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|1x |Silent SPS Unit
|1x |5’ CABLE-6GA-4-GRY Stranded 6/4
1x |SPLICE-14-SWL 2-14 ga. Splice Wire Lug
4x |FSTSCW-1034Z Screw-#10x3/4" PHP SMS Z
3" |HS-BLK-DWALL-3/4 Heat Shrink 3/4" Black
4x |STRN-S-1 Strain Relief 1
Warranty - |Two years from the date of purchase
Testimonials
Just want to say the smart phase selector has worked great for us over the last 4 months since installing in our 2020 Northwood Arcticfox 29-5T 5th wheel along with a 3K Victron inverter, 680w of Zamp solar, Victron 100/50 mppt and (4) Battleborn lithium batteries.
I actually removed our Oem tranfser switch entirely as it served no purpose to us since we’d never install a front mounted generator. In fact I used the 6/4 oem cable from transfer switch to router the AC input to the inverter out of the Sps. Therefore I only had to run (1) new 6/4 cable from inverter back to the SPS which was nice.
I mentioned the SPS in any forum post I see where people are discussing sub panels, isolating inverter to one side of distribution panel, etc. I simply think it’s a great product that simplifies a common set of issues most people face when installing inverters in 50 amp RV’s.
-Jeff
Operation Tips:
Air Conditioners:
In order to run an Air Conditioner, you will need to install electronically controlled start capacitors. We recommend the Micro-Air Easy Start
For Victron Multiplus and Quattro inverters:
Dynamic Current Limiting must be disabled
Uninterrupted Power Supply mode (UPS) must be disabled
Troubleshooting:
SPS Clicking - The SPS will begin to click when either the AC load is overloading the inverter, or the AC source isn’t strong enough to supply the power you need. The SPS will cut out with a weak shore power source less than 103V AC. Dynamic Current Limiting and UPS mode will also cause this to happen. If you are using an air conditioner without an Easy Start this will also likely occur.
Most common causes for failures:
Inverter programming - UPS mode and/or Dynamic Current Limiter is turned on
Air Conditioner startup - No Easy Start is installed in the AC unit. You must have a Micro-Air Easy Start kit on your A/C. Other brands of soft starts may not work.
Long extension cords - If you are running a 100Ft extension cord the voltage drop will likely cause brownout voltage inside the RV shutting the system down
Poor AC power source - If you’re in an overloaded RV park and the voltage drops to around 103V the System will shut down to protect your RV electronics
Malfunctioning AC appliances like A/C units that need service can cause AC power failures
DVCC - If you have a Color Control connected to your inverter and DVCC has even been turned on just once it will cause strange surges and overloads within the inverter. You must follow a reset and redetect procedure to eliminate this issue
Inverter/Chargers Current Limiter - The input current limit has to be adjusted to match your AC Source power in amps. If it’s not set correctly you can either overload shore power or overload your inverter. This can express itself through the SPS clicking
220V, 240V Loads - The SPS does not give you the ability to run 220V or 240V loads from a single inverter or while on a 30A service. Loads like this can only be powered when plugged into a 50A service, or with a Victron Autotransformer when not plugged into a 50 service.
Note on the SPS with Load Shedding systems: ‘Load Shedding’ is a factory-installed system typically located at the AC Distribution panel with a remote monitor. The intention is to assess AC input vs. AC output and cutoff loads before a user exceeds the AC input rating.
The SPS requires a hybrid inverter. Currently, it is only compatible with the Victron and Magnum models. When installing an inverter with hybrid technology, ‘load-shedding’ needs to be disabled so the ‘load-assist’ feature of the hybrid inverters can be enabled when AC power needs to be supplemented from the batteries. We have seen half a dozen types of ‘load-shedding’ systems and they all require varying degrees of disabling. Please be aware of this when considering an SPS installation.