r/vandwellers • u/hcklo • 1d ago

Question Orion non insulated in t5 2012

Hello, is it an issue to install a non isolated victron orion 12/12-30 in a T5 2012 TDI 2.0?

Some people says that the non isolated makes the trigger hard for a smart alternator.

Would you have an advice concerning the choice between isolated and non isolated ? Thanks

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u/drossen 87 Vanagon Westfalia w/ EJ25 engine 1d ago

I have noticed that issue on some vans if you use chassis ground. I run a ground from the engine / alt to the Orion location and then to the aux battery. So while the system isn't isolated it's not using the chassis. 

2

u/hcklo 1d ago

So you go from the negative of the motor battery to the Orion and from the Orion negative to the leisure battery ? How do you fit 2x 16mm2 In the negative port of the Orion ?

Sorry I am missing something haha

1

u/drossen 87 Vanagon Westfalia w/ EJ25 engine 1d ago

I use a stud post from bluesea to join the cables below the Orion, then a third cable goes up into. Basically it's a one bolt bus bar. 

1

u/xgwrvewswe 1d ago

Isolated or not isolated only has to do with the DC negative. You can run a separate cable from the Orion to each battery. I recommend running a separate cable for any DC2DC charger. isolated or not.

But in DC circuits you could treat the negatives as common and connect them all together.

Isolated or non-isolated makes no never mind to the alternator. It will not even notice.

My advice is get the newest model Orion-XS. But you can save money with the discontinued Orion-TR. Isolated or non isolated get the one that cost less, if it is not going on a boat.

1

u/xgwrvewswe 22h ago

The Orion-TR only accommodates 6 awg (13mm2).

What I have done that works well. Start battery positive->125A MRBF-->4 awg(20 feet)-->60A MAXI fuse-->6 AWG(1 foot)->Orion-TR positive input. Orion positive output--->4 awg(2 feet)-->60 amp fuse.---->1awg (25 feet)---->200 amp fuse at LiFePo house bank.

Negatives; I have a non-isolated Orion, I use a power post. with/ One 6 awg to Orion-TR center negative, power post 1awg negative to house bank, Power post 4awg negative to start battery.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5006100/MAXI_Fuse_Block

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5191/MRBF_Terminal_Fuse_Block_-_30_to_300A

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5196/MRBF_Surface_Mount_Fuse_Block_-_Common_Source

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/28/3/PowerPost_Connectors/PowerPost