Can you plug the Lightning into an EcoFlow home backup system’s generator input?

[owl123]

I’m looking at getting an EcoFlow system with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra or the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and then a EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2.

EcoFlow advertises that inputs can be from grid, solar, or a generator.

So would it be possible to run a cord from the bed of the Lightning to the generator input for EcoFlow system?

I realize this would be a manual plug in process but I’m okay with that given the issues I’ve read about with Ford’s HIS and the instantaneous backup available through the EcoFlow battery.

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[Zprime29]

Following.

 

[TaxmanHog]

That is a DC connection, so no that would not work, the Ecoflow generator outputs DC energy to charge the Pro/extra batteries.

https://us.ecoflow.com/products/del...reciso&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_preciso

https://us.ecoflow.com/products/smart-generator-4000-dual-fuel

 

[TaxmanHog]

If your goal is to replenish the charge in any of the Ecoflow systems, you could take the AC 240vx30a PPOB output to AC charge the EF systems.

Then allow the EF systems to continue powering your critical circuits when the Lightning needs to be driven away for work or to visit a DCFC for replenishing the traction battery.

 

[owl123]

Thanks for the links!

I may be confused here, but I wasn't thinking about using their EcoFlow generator. I was thinking there could be two potential paths to get power from the Lightning to the EcoFlow system:

1. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow DPU. The manual states AC input as follows (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/delta-pro-ultra?lang=en_US):

2. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow SHP2. The manual states a compatible generator as "120V single phase / 240V split phase (3-12kW)." Not sure if the Lightning's PPOB output could be this "compatible generator"? Here are some additional details from the SHP2 manual (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/smart-home-panel-2?lang=en_US):

 

[Zprime29]

The smart home panel looks like a nice solution if we can easily just plug into it.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Thanks for the links!

I may be confused here, but I wasn't thinking about using their EcoFlow generator. I was thinking there could be two potential paths to get power from the Lightning to the EcoFlow system:

1. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow DPU. The manual states AC input as follows (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/delta-pro-ultra?lang=en_US):

2. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow SHP2. The manual states a compatible generator as "120V single phase / 240V split phase (3-12kW)." Not sure if the Lightning's PPOB output could be this "compatible generator"? Here are some additional details from the SHP2 manual (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/smart-home-panel-2?lang=en_US):

I have the original Pro's with extra batteries, SHP-1 and infinity cables that carry 120V ac and communications lines between the the battery inverters and smart home panel.

I'm not fully informed about the later generation capabilities, Might be possible, but I would be concerned about "compatible" meaning requires proprietary communications & power cables from the generating device to the SHP-2, EcoFlow enjoy's locking its customers in to their hardware and accessories, so substituting the Lightnings PPOB 120 or 240 vAC might not work.

More digging needed into the manuals & requirements for compatible AC generators.

 

[potato]

The Lightning has a bonded neutral which cannot be disconnected, officially. You would have to build a cable with no ground connection, which may have its own safety issues.

 

[chl]

Thanks for the links!

I may be confused here, but I wasn't thinking about using their EcoFlow generator. I was thinking there could be two potential paths to get power from the Lightning to the EcoFlow system:

1. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow DPU. The manual states AC input as follows (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/delta-pro-ultra?lang=en_US):

2. Plug the 240v PPOB output into the EcoFlow SHP2. The manual states a compatible generator as "120V single phase / 240V split phase (3-12kW)." Not sure if the Lightning's PPOB output could be this "compatible generator"? Here are some additional details from the SHP2 manual (https://manuals.ecoflow.com/us/product/smart-home-panel-2?lang=en_US):

You'll have the GFCI trip in the Lightning because it is a bonded source (the neutral is grounded at the truck) and you cannot unbond it.

So you'd need a transfer switch that will switch the neutrals and hots like the GENERAC 6853 for example.

 

[Zprime29]

At the risk of showing my ignorance, could one use that neutral transfer switch to feed the smart home panel? Is that over engineering the solution?

 

[Mustang11s]

I have the Delta pro ultra up and running on my house for about two weeks now. Waiting for the weather to improve before I install my solar. Per the instructions the a/c output must be turned off to charge the unit at 240 volt. The Lightning charges the unit fine via the 4 prong 30 amp generator cable though the in/out port adapter with zero problems. I have charged as high as 6,000 watts and as low as 1000. You can charge the unit though the 120v charge port on high at 1800 watts with it powering the house at 240v. However that is where I experience the ground fault on the Lightning. I did try removing the ground and the fault went away. Also I am using the Generac transfer switch panel with the floating neutral successfully with the Lightning plugged straight into it with no problems. With the ground intact.
so yes it works. Just not while the unit is outputting power. Unless you play the no ground game. And you are not able to charge with 240 while it is in operation unless you have the smart panel. I do not have the smart panel, but my guess is it would fault out while in operation.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I have the Delta pro ultra up and running on my house for about two weeks now. Waiting for the weather to improve before I install my solar. Per the instructions the a/c output must be turned off to charge the unit at 240 volt. The Lightning charges the unit fine via the 4 prong 30 amp generator cable though the in/out port adapter with zero problems. I have charged as high as 6,000 watts and as low as 1000. You can charge the unit though the 120v charge port on high at 1800 watts with it powering the house at 240v. However that is where I experience the ground fault on the Lightning. I did try removing the ground and the fault went away. Also I am using the Generac transfer switch panel with the floating neutral successfully with the Lightning plugged straight into it with no problems. With the ground intact.
so yes it works. Just not while the unit is outputting power. Unless you play the no ground game. And you are not able to charge with 240 while it is in operation unless you have the smart panel. I do not have the smart panel, but my guess is it would fault out while in operation.

Excellent feedback, the new Ultra is impressive!!!!

I had a recent failure of one of my Delta Pro's a few weeks ago, the AC/DC charge controlled puffed a few transistors, classic burnt carbon smell in my basement.

As kick starter foundation buyer of the Pro line, I have a very generous extended warranty, at this moment the unit has arrived in California at the city of Industry for evaluation, hoping to get a replacement shipped back in the coming week.

Be really careful about trying to charge and produce at the same time, IIRC seeing a video made by Will Prowse where he messed something up with wiring and toasted an EcoFlow Pro.

My plan is to charge one or the other unit while the second one is online in power production to the house, the depleted unit will take an expedited recharge from the Lightning.

I haven't needed to exercise that level of operation ..... yet!

 

[luebri]

Thanks for all the information. In my opinion, This is the most compelling of the potential Household battery solutions in the market to work with the House & the Lightning via replenishment.

Furthermore the scheduling ability of the Smart Home Panel 2 intrigues me. If I had to do it over again knowing what I know now, I would strongly have considered investing in a battery solution with TOU scheduling peak-shaving capabilities in lieu of the solar that I did install. The overall investment would have been dramatically less, with a similar ROI timeframe and more functionality having the Emergency backup function. Also to me Personally the solar panels are also a bit of an eyesore.

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