Off grid 230V power

[thesquirrelpatrol]

So just ordered an Ecoflow delta 2 for the 600. Had considered getting the AGM batteries replaced and an inverter fitted but v expensive and questions over warranty being compromised.

Like some others I intend to fit a manual changeover switch beside the consumer unit in the cupboard, intercept the incoming wago plug to the CU from the EHU and wire from one of the 13A sockets on the delta 2 to the changeover switch taking both into the changeover switch and then refeeding the CU. In theory this should enable me to (safely) inject 230v from the delta 2 to feed the CU without back feeding the EHU inlet and, if I am correct will not only charge the leisure battery but make the internal sockets live off grid.
To charge the delta 2 I can either take it into the house off mains or plug into the 20A 12V outlet under the bed at the rear.

Anyone already done this/have any advice?

 

[Corradobrit]

Subscribed. I would also like to see if this is possible with an EF Delta 2 in a Cali.

 

[j_ritchie]

Not sure if this is any use, it’s an auto transfer switch, it gives priority to EHU but switches automatically to battery/ supply 2 if no EHU power is present. I used one in our setup.

Switching station for mains priority circuit us-16 230v 16a 3600w | 8-01-010711

Versatile all-rounder Offgridtec Switching stations allow you to operate 230v consumers from two different voltage sources without interference. Typ…

www.offgridtec.com

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

Not sure if this is any use, it’s an auto transfer switch, it gives priority to EHU but switches automatically to battery/ supply 2 if no EHU power is present. I used one in our setup.

Switching station for mains priority circuit us-16 230v 16a 3600w | 8-01-010711

Versatile all-rounder Offgridtec Switching stations allow you to operate 230v consumers from two different voltage sources without interference. Typ…

www.offgridtec.com

Only concern I would have is the safety of driving with 230V from the delta 2 being live around the van sockets?? I would have to physically disconnect the plug at the delta to make the system dead whilst travelling

 

[Corradobrit]

Only concern I would have is the safety of driving with 230V from the delta 2 being live around the van sockets?? I would have to physically disconnect the plug at the delta to make the system dead whilst travelling

The Ecoflow Delta 2 allows you to put a timer on the power outputs incl the 230V sockets or they can be switched off remotely via the nifty App.

 

[Grand Cali Pete]

I have a Ef Delta and have been looking at this changeover switch.

Sterling Power 230V Manual 3-Way Crossover Switch 32A

Manual, 3 position AC changeover switch used to select between multiple AC sources inc. shore power, inverters & generators in campervans, motorhomes & boats.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Seems simple enough. Although I will get a qualified sparky to test out that the rcd still functions whilst on delta power.

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

The Ecoflow Delta 2 allows you to put a timer on the power outputs incl the 230V sockets or they can be switched off remotely via the nifty App.

If I was going to use the app to control power from the delta I see no point in an electronic relay. U would just leave the manual changeover switch set to delta unless on a hook up

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

I have a Ef Delta and have been looking at this changeover switch.

Sterling Power 230V Manual 3-Way Crossover Switch 32A

Manual, 3 position AC changeover switch used to select between multiple AC sources inc. shore power, inverters & generators in campervans, motorhomes & boats.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Seems simple enough. Although I will get a qualified sparky to test out that the rcd still functions whilst on delta power.

Testing is prudent but the RCD isn’t going to distinguish between 230v from EHU or delta and as long as it disconnects for either it’s safe for both

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

I

Testing is prudent but the RCD isn’t going to distinguish between 230v from EHU or delta and as long as it disconnects for either it’s safe for both

I dare say the power regulation from the delta will be better than any campsite mains hook up tbh

 

[AndrewCook680]

Anyone got any experience of the Clayton units ? They seem to cost more than Eco flow - depending on specs, and not as easily removable because all connections are hardwired (quick disconnect plugs could be used I suppose)

 

[Grand Cali Pete]

Anyone got any experience of the Clayton units ? They seem to cost more than Eco flow - depending on specs, and not as easily removable because all connections are hardwired (quick disconnect plugs could be used I suppose)

Chris Sloanes has one in his Grand Cali.

 

[AndrewCook680]

Chris Sloanes has one in his Grand Cali.

I’m cautious when YouTubers etc review them, sometimes they get them free or big discounts so may influence the reviews

 

[soulstyledevon]

I’m interested in a Delta too for my Hymer.
My only reservation, if the vans broken into. It’s easy to get away with one, vs hard wired in, Lithium set-up…

 

[Calfe600]

Hi, we have gone through the steps of buying a small Briggs & Stratton petrol genny (naive), then borrowed Jackery and Ecoflow units to try and then decided on buying an Anker 757. The Anker was (is) great, only gripe was no app control and I broke the mains connector cover. Anker replaced the latter with no question and the unit is great. We wanted a little more resilience so then bought the Anker 767 as soon as it came out, it is excellent. We secure it using sections of the foam packaging it came with. On hook up it recharges in no time, the app control is excellent, and the capacity hasn’t been exhausted as yet.only downside is price! We manually connect it / control functions with the app. The LiP04 batteries have a longer lifespan and Anker give a 5 year guarantee. The 757 is now my office UPS, in reserve for long trips! We watched endless YouTube reviews to help us make our choice. Hope that is of use.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

I used a Jackery 1000 and loved it, then upgraded to a larger (and heavier!) Bluetti AC200 Max which I charge from the 12V when driving and switch to solar when stationary. It's a great solution and it means I now use a microwave and camping kettle on my travels. I can also while away those rainy days watching TV / Netflix or playing games on a gaming laptop without any power concerns.

 

[NorfolkJohn01]

I am looking at buying either a EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station or an Anker 767 - any pros and cons of the two to help me decide? Thanks in anticipation

 

[Corradobrit]

I am looking at buying either a EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station or an Anker 767 - any pros and cons of the two to help me decide? Thanks in anticipation

Not familiar with with the Ankar brand but have owned two Ecoflow units, the River Pro and now the Delta 2. The Ecoflow App is great. Allows you to turn on/off outputs remotely which is great if stored in the boot. Monitors charge state and allows selection of charge speed. I tested the Delta 2 last night with a small 700W (1250W draw) 20L Microwave and no issues. Making a mug of hot chocolate consumed 3% of the capacity.

 

[Eber123]

Hello,

Shortly before Christmas we got the EcoFlow Delta 2. So far we have used it for the following:

In the house
Since we got the EcoFlow we had 3x power outages ( ). Each time it was for several hours. I powered my computer (Dell desktop, 2x monitors, printer, wireless access point and speakers) with it. Worked very well. Another time I powered the wireless access point and the TV to watch a Netflix film, that worked well too.

In the camper
So far we used the Delta twice in the camper. I read an awful lot about the best way to connect a powerbank to the camper, but all of the options seems to difficult for me. So I just connect the Delta 2 to the campers EHU outside through the little window in the back door. All that worked well. In general it will double our free standing time.
There is a lot of information about the danger of using a powerbank (IT-Net) in a camper. But I decided for myself that the szenario to get an electrical shock is minimal. Have I said that, so far we have not used the 230V power sockets in the campe.

Why chose the EcoFlow Delta 2
I am honest, I chose the EcoFlow Delta 2, because it was easy to get them locally. I thought to myself if there are any issues I have a person to talk to. Also I liked that the time to recharge the powerbank is very quick. But so far we have not recharged the Delta in the camper yet.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Calfe600]

I am looking at buying either a EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station or an Anker 767 - any pros and cons of the two to help me decide? Thanks in anticipation

We have bought 2 Anker units after trying a Jackery and a friends Ecoflow. Big selling point for me was the LiP04 batteries with longer cycle life and the 5 year guarantee. We bought the 757 first, really flexible and charges on no time, the threat of home power cuts spurred to look at another one for the home, in the end we bought the 767 as soon as it came out - really impressed with it and the app control. There are so many demos on YouTube, hard to get an unbiased view as most are affiliated to specific manufacturers. We looked at the options, researched, tried a few and eventually chosen Anker, no regrets. we now use the 767 in the Hymer and keep the 757 in the home.

 

[Corradobrit]

I am looking at buying either a EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station or an Anker 767 - any pros and cons of the two to help me decide? Thanks in anticipation

The Anker 767 is 2x the cost of the Delta 2 so not really comparable.

 

[Calfe600]

The Anker 767 is 2x the cost of the Delta 2 so not really comparable.

We put cost largely to one side, given that Anker have longer battery cycles and a comprehensive 5 year guarantee we will get a good return on our investment. What’s the saying - “buy cheap buy twice”?

 

[Calfe600]

The Anker 767 is 2x the cost of the Delta 2 so not really comparable.

If you track 767 price on Camelcamelcamel it regularly drops to circa £2k.

 

[Corradobrit]

We put cost largely to one side, given that Anker have longer battery cycles and a comprehensive 5 year guarantee we will get a good return on our investment. What’s the saying - “buy cheap buy twice”?

You must be thinking about the old tech Li Ion EF Delta. The Delta 2 also has the LiFePO4 batteries rated for the same 3000 charge cycles as the Anker and carries a 5 year warranty.

The main downside of the 767 is the weight. At over 30kg its not so portable at the Delta 2 which is about 11kg. Maybe the OP is thinking of the 757 model.

 

[Calfe600]

i agree the 767 is heavier, but the wheels and extending handle are very good. The weight actually helps where we carry it - -combination of the original foam packaging and a small wooden frame, v secure. 757 is a more awkward shape.

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

Hello,

Shortly before Christmas we got the EcoFlow Delta 2. So far we have used it for the following:

In the house
Since we got the EcoFlow we had 3x power outages ( ). Each time it was for several hours. I powered my computer (Dell desktop, 2x monitors, printer, wireless access point and speakers) with it. Worked very well. Another time I powered the wireless access point and the TV to watch a Netflix film, that worked well too.

In the camper
So far we used the Delta twice in the camper. I read an awful lot about the best way to connect a powerbank to the camper, but all of the options seems to difficult for me. So I just connect the Delta 2 to the campers EHU outside through the little window in the back door. All that worked well. In general it will double our free standing time.
There is a lot of information about the danger of using a powerbank (IT-Net) in a camper. But I decided for myself that the szenario to get an electrical shock is minimal. Have I said that, so far we have not used the 230V power sockets in the campe.

Why chose the EcoFlow Delta 2
I am honest, I chose the EcoFlow Delta 2, because it was easy to get them locally. I thought to myself if there are any issues I have a person to talk to. Also I liked that the time to recharge the powerbank is very quick. But so far we have not recharged the Delta in the camper yet.

Regards,
Eberhard

This is where connecting the output of the delta 2 would be safer using it to feed the onboard consumer unit. This CU contains RCD protection for the internal sockets. When using the EHU on a campsite the external fault protection is there to protect the cable from the point of connection to the inlet on the side of the van. The sockets within the van are protected by the on board RCDs. I have sent EcoFlow a message to confirm if it has any internal fault protection, which I imagine it does. Any portable power generator would either require its own earthing rod TT/IT system or RCD protection for outgoing circuits.