just installed a Xantrex RV2012 inverter with remote RC7 monitor. Trying to understand the readings I get on monitor. When under load using inverter what should I expect to see the battery voltage read? Looks like it drops down quite a bit from the non-loaded 12.5v. I have 6 6v. golf cart batteries that are less than 2 years old so should have a good reserve.

HI Bob: Want size wire are you using from the batteries to the inverter and how long are the wires.

My older golf cart batteries would drop from 12.6VDC to 12.2VDC or even lower if starting at 12.3VDC to 11.7VDC while running a coffee maker of about 1000 watts. interestingly, I could run both coffee maker and microwave at the same time and the voltage would not dip much further.

In the morning after a nights worth of furnace and brief water pump usage, the starting voltage would be 12.2VDC to 12.4VDC and then the voltage would drop to 11.6VDC if I used the coffee maker or the microwave for any length of time. The voltage would recover to 12.2VDC to 12.4VDC after the load was reduced from the inverter.

These are voltage measurements AT the batteries. The Xantrex monitor is WAY off!

I use 4/0 wire and less then 7 feet from the batteries to the inverter.

For a 3000 watt inverter, they recommend no more then 10 feet maximum.

HTH

Thanks for quick response...I have a run of less than 6' to batteries and used 2/0 (00) cable as recommended in manual. I was getting approx. 11.7v at monitor (starting at 12.4v)when running a 1000 watt microwave. When load shut off after 5 mins. bat volts went back up to 12.3v. I will check right at bat next time. I'll also leave inverter on ovenite and check morning readings.

I think your readings are in line with what I have seen. YES, I was surprised at what I thought was low voltage under load but after over 1 year of use, no change.

I think your installation and results are fine.