Victron Multiplus 2 or Quattro

[Bjorkinman]

Hey all, I’m about to pull the trigger on the electrical components for my build and trying to decide between a Multiplus 2 24/5000 or a Quattro 24/5000. I already have the wiring installed for two solar arrays totaling 2800 watts, rails mounted etc. plus the 7 panels are in the garage. Q cell 400 watt each.

I need the 5000 VA capacity that the Quattro offers, other wise I would get a Multiplus 3000. I stumbled on the Multiplus 2 24/5000 yesterday that offers the same output capability for about 800$ cheaper than the Quattro. The main difference I see is the Quattro accepts two 120 inputs, say a generator and a shore inlet and the multi 2 only accepts a single input. The “2” in Multiplus refers to its ability to accept 50 amp shore connection enabling a 240 supply via leg 2 to power 240 devices (I don’t have any 240 devices). For cost savings it seems like a better fit to buy the multi 2 and just use the single 30 amp connection and leave the leg 2 output empty and run all loads from the output of leg 1. I will have a Honda 2200 generator on board for backup and 600 amp hours of 24v batteries. The devices I have are: two mini splits front/rear, propane/electric 12gallon water heater( switch to electric when we have extra solar), washer/dryer (propane dryer) air fryer, occasional hair dryer for the wife, espresso machine. We could probably get by with the 3000 but I don’t wanna have to jockey appliances and turn things off to make dinner
Does it sound like the multi 2 5000 would work as I intend it to?

Thanks all.

 

[AlphaHare]

The quattro has 2 AC inputs it will switch to automatically - eg grid and automatic generator. If you use a manual switch to select shore or generator then the Multiplus will work. Most Victron example schematics show this.

 

[Jono14]

Victron naming is a little convoluted, so be careful.
- The original Multiplus 120V is still sold and maxes at 3000VA.
- The Multiplus-II (roman numerals) was an update that allowed some models to be UL certified. But mostly the same features and higher power up to 5000VA
- The "Multiplus-II 2x120v" is the one that has L1 and L2 inputs and can pass through 240V split phase from a plug. However when it is inverting, it only provides 120V in single phase (on both legs). That maxes at 3000VA - but of course you can put 2 (or more) in parallel for 6000VA (or more).
- The Quattros are a much bigger format and can get up to 15000VA for the 48V models and 5000VA for the 24V - It has an internal transfer switch to select between 2 AC inputs, which you could also replicate with an external ATS for about $150. The Quattro only has 1 power leg, but you can connect 2 and program for split phase to use 240V.
- Finally, a Quattro-II 2x120 exits but only at 3000VA.

For decisions, I would only get the 2x120V versions if your build is going to be designed around 50A shore power (kind of 100A because its 50A x 2 legs).
If you are just planning 1 leg of power, then the MP-II or Quattro should work.
If you are not going to hardwire the generator, saving $ on the MP-II makes sense - and you can always add an ATS later if you get more dependent on a generator function.

 

[Bjorkinman]

I’ve decided on the single output 24/5000/120
Thanks for the reply

 

[heimlich]

When I was deciding between the two the only difference I was told about were the two AC inputs on the Quattro. I was told the Multiplus was newer as well. These things are expensive as is so I went with one AC input and I can make my own switch to flip between shore power and generator.

 

[Slapdash]

I just finished a big build with the MultiPlus II and it's phantabulous. I took a MasterClass to learn how to connect it all together with shore power, solar, and alternator. I don't think I can drop the link here per the rules, but if you need more info, feel free to pm. The class was killer and really inexpensive for what you get, but the system itself was not cheap. But to us, well worth it. The MultiPlus II is a bit noisy, like fan noise, in bulk charging mode, but it simmers down after a while. I believe you can wire it to your generator as well. We don't have one, so I didn't really pay attention to that part of the class. At any rate, good luck!

 

[heimlich]

That setup looks real nice.


I originally bought an all in one and it was noisy as ****. I went to Victron and was told there would be no noise. I connected everything together and turned on my minisplit which draws less than 1k watts and the fan on the multiplus went on. I was a bit upset about it as I bought it based on what I was told. In the end I decided to keep it as the noise from the fan and the AC are about the same. If you want noiseless you need to go with something such as morningstar.

 

[Slapdash]

That setup looks real nice.


I originally bought an all in one and it was noisy as ****. I went to Victron and was told there would be no noise. I connected everything together and turned on my minisplit which draws less than 1k watts and the fan on the multiplus went on. I was a bit upset about it as I bought it based on what I was told. In the end I decided to keep it as the noise from the fan and the AC are about the same. If you want noiseless you need to go with something such as morningstar.

Thanks, I appreciate that. It was like a giant Radio Shack project for me. Built my own cables and all that good stuff.

The fan noise in our case, for the most part, is OK, as it serves as a white noise machine for our anxious pup too. So the more noise inside, the less he can hear outside, and the less barking we hear outside! We picked up a DC-powered AC as well, and for us, cool air is well worth the sound it makes!