Our Electrical System
Every off grid system is unique. Electric is a major component of a van build and off grid living. Below, we’ll share images of our system and of the products we used in our electrical system.
The Main Components of Our Electrical System
Renogy Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with bluetooth and self heating function to allow battery to function when below 32 degrees F
Victron Energy Lynx Distributor - connects house battery, inverter, busbar, SmartSolar charge controller, Orion Tr Smart, etc
Orion-Tr Smart non-isolated DC/DC charger - converts car battery to house battery, we recommend Victron for this product (other brands may have issues)
Victron SmartSolar charge controller - converts solar energy into 12v battery bank storage
Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC
Victron SmartShunt - bluetooth monitoring of battery percentage, can replace a display monitor
Blue Sea Systems Fuse Box - 12 circuit displayed in image
Blue Sea Systems Battery Fuse Block Terminal
Blue Sea Fuse Block - adds a fuse between solar panels and solar charge controller, and between car battery and Orion tr smart dc/dc
Renogy Solar Panel 200 Watt 12V
Overview of Electrical System
12V DC Fuse Panel Labeled
12V DC Fuse Panel Displaying Fuses
MPPT and Orion Tr Smart
MIDI Fuse Holders, On/Off Valve (optional), 12V DC Fuse Block, Solar Charge Controller, Orion Tr Smart, 2000W Renogy Invertor
Battery, 2000W Inverter, Lynx Distributor, SmartShunt, and On/Off Switch
Lynx Distributor Panel Removed
Lynx Distributor - connections from left to right: Battery (2/0), Orion Tr Smart (4 AWG), MPPT Solar Charge Controller (6 AWG), Negative Ground (2/0), Inverter (Use Wire from Packaging), 12V DC Fuse Block (6 AWG), SmartShunt (Thin Red Wire)
Our 12V Appliances
Norcol Universal Voltage Marine Refrigerator, Stainless Steel, 2.7cu.ft.d
MaxxFan - delux fan with remote and white lid
Shurflo Water Pump - 3.0 GPM
Motorized Ball Valve 1/2 Inch - connected to a switch to activate dumping of our gray water tank
Vevor Diesel Heater - 2KW
Sirocco Fan
12V USB and USB C Port Charger Socket
12 Volt LED Puck Lights
Warm White led Strip Lights
12V DC Dimmer Switch for LED Lights
Touch Dimmer Switch - compatible with LED, incandescent, or halogen bulbs
Reading Light
Toggle Switch - used for our water pump
ON/OFF/ON Rocker Toggle Switch - compatible with ball valve system for draining our gray water tank
Wires, Fuses, Connectors, Tools, and Miscallaneous
14 Gauge AWG Marine Wire - extra insulation helps prevent frayed wires as the van travels, we used 14 awg for lights, reading lights, usb, and fan
12 Gauge AWG Marine Wire - extra insulation helps prevent frayed wires as the van travels, we used 12 awg for the fridge, gray water tank ball valve, water pump and heater
8 AWG Solar Extension Cable
4 AWG Wire - we used to our alternator charge system (the car battery to DC/DC to house battery) and for our 2000K inverter connection
2/0 AWG Pure Copper Cable - used to connect battery to ON/OFF switch, to SmartShunt, and to Lynx Distributor
12/3 Romex Electrical with SJOOW Heavy-Duty Jacket - connects inverter to 120AC outlets
3 in 1 Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper for 8-30 AWG
Wire Shear Cutter and Crimping Tool - for small gauge wires
Split Wire Loom Tubing - helps protect wires from damage, best used for corners and around sharp edges
Weatherproof Solar Double Cable Entry Gland
15A GFCI Outlet with LED indicator and self test ground fault circuit interrupter
Blue Sea Systems Terminal Fuse - we used 125A on our battery, please calculate the correct fuse you'd need on your project
Blue Sea Systems 5251 MIDI Fuse 40A - we used 40A on both our MPPT Solar Charge Controller and Orion Tr Smart DC/DC, calculate fuse need for your build
Power Grommet with USB and USB-C
Plastic Ties with Screw Holes - used to bundle wires and attach to side panel