![]() ![]() Additionally, the output on the inverter needs to be separated so that it goes into two separate sides on the sub-panel. That is, because it only has one AC input, that input must come from only one side of the 30 amp breaker. The input in this particular model of the 458 must be on only one leg of the main panel. The AC input side of the inverter needs to be on a 30 amp breaker coming out of the main panel. ![]() The first thing I did was install a wood backing on the concrete blocks directly below my main panel. As a side note, I used the same make sub panel as my main panel so the breakers are interchangeable. In order to achieve this on the sub panel I had to remove the jumper that was already installed on the sub panel when I purchased it from Home Depot. The outcome of this type of arrangement is less interference from unbalanced loads. I am somewhat familiar with this arrangement because I work in a laboratory and all of our precise instrumentation must be on individual circuits with an isolated ground. In order for a system like the 458 to operate correctly, the load side (the items that are being fed power by the inverter) of the inverter that has the two AC outputs must be feeding a panel or individual outlets that have the ground and the neutral separated. That is, if you look inside you will see that the ground and the neutral bars have a jumper that goes from one to the other and makes the connection. The new electrical code requires that in a main panel the neutral and the ground be permanently bound, or connected. The installation is a bit tricky and I am not an electrician but I’ll try to explain the best I can. The 458 also has a built in power switch that converts to battery power automatically as soon as power is lost from the main panel. This 458 model has a 3-stage 100 amp battery charger which has proven to be very efficient. Additionally, if the power fails, I can use a generator to charge the batteries without having to make an special connections as I could simple crank it up and connect it through my detached garage sub panel which has a 60 amp rating and will back feed into the house main panel. For example, as long as the power is on from the power company, or as long as the breaker is turned on, the inverter will charge and then float the batteries, as well as share power with the sub panel through the two AC outputs on the unit. ![]() It uses the AC input to charge the batteries while simultaneously sharing power with all the items that are connected to the battery bank. This means it has a 2000 watt capacity, has one AC input, one DC input, and two AC outputs. The Xantrex 458 comes in several different offerings, but the unit I have is model 20-12. I also installed a sub panel for the items in the house that would be powered by the battery bank. The Link 1000 controller was around $150, the 4 batteries are Everstart model 27DC-6 at $53 a piece and the other items needed were stranded number 10 wire, inline 2 amp fuses for the Link 1000 controller, a Cooper/Buss inline 150 amp breaker to go between the batteries and the inverter and 2 and 4 gauge battery cables. It had been installed but never used so I lucked out. However, at the advice of a Rubie, I found a new one on ebay for $475. The unit is very expensive in that new it cost about $1000. I felt like I was talking to an electrical engineer when I called to make sure I had the correct understanding of what this system could do. I can personally attest to the fact that the company has one of the best technical staffs I have ever encountered. The Xantrex 458 inverter/charger is a unit that I picked for my alternate power application because the general consensus among consumers who have used it was that it is a very durable unit and the company has a very solid technical support staff. *The Xantrex 458 Inverter/Charger and the Link 1000 Controller* The Xantrex 458 Inverter/Charger and the Link 1000 Controller ![]()
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