Inverter

Casey Freswick · 09-14-2017, 07:48 AM

I recently purchased an inverter. I drilled a hole in the storage compartment and shelf under the bed, next to the battery. It is all hooked up. Works great. However, we run extention cords from bed to front of camper. Can you hook the inverter into the 110 system so we can use the 110 plugs?

**Bill** · 09-14-2017, 08:05 AM

The short answer is yes, but it would require installation and wiring of something called a transfer switch. Because you would be working with the complexity of AC power, and because AC power is life-threateningly dangerous, this would most likely not be a handyman project. There are a number of requirements and codes that must legally be met, and the services of a licensed electrician would be a good investment. The job is not hard (so the electrician should not be expensive), but because the consequences of a failure are so dire, I would not recommend you take it on yourself.

The switch itself can be purchased for about $60 from online RV places such as pplmotorhomes. I don't know if they come with handyman-level installation instructions.

Bill

Casey Freswick · 09-14-2017, 09:11 AM

My father-in-law is a licensed electrician

.

**Bill** · 09-14-2017, 11:51 AM

Then you are good to go! Do it! Sounds like a very worthwhile project. And he might even suggest that you do the job (for the experience) and he will inspect it when done.

Bill

BrucePerens · 09-14-2017, 09:38 PM

The transfer switch can be set up so that the inverter only powers the outlets. The other things that use 120V are either too large for it, or do not need it and would waste power. They are:

The air conditioner, too many watts.
The 120V input of the 'fridge, redundant with the 12V input and at 120V you would just add a conversion loss.
The electric heating rod on the dual electric/propane water heater, too many watts.
The 120V input of the battery charger/voltage converter. Powering its 120V input from its 12V output through the inverter would be attempting perpetual motion.

You will need to separate the wires at the 120V branch breakers and figure out which is which.

It's really just a double-pole, double-throw switch. But I agree with Bill that having someone competent wire it is essential.

mustconv66 · 10-03-2017, 05:06 PM

Saw a 5000 watt inverter at harbor freight today. Any chance of it running the AC? I'm guessing , if it did it would drain alot of batteries. penny for your thoughts? Then i read the reviews.......POS.
https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-w...ter-63428.html

mustconv66 · 10-03-2017, 06:08 PM

apparently this issue has already been discussed. I love this quote from a member:
"Asking your battery(s) to power your A/C is like asking a Nissan Leaf to pull a Fifth Wheel."

bheisser · 10-03-2017, 06:57 PM

go for an inverter much quieter something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Powe...hampion+100264

Padgett · 10-03-2017, 09:01 PM

My $350 WH3250RVC runs a 15kbtu AC and a TV without noise. Rated at less than 5% THD. Naturally they do not make it any more.

Shane826 · 10-04-2017, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padgett

My $350 WH3250RVC runs a 15kbtu AC and a TV without noise. Rated at less than 5% THD. Naturally they do not make it any more.

Wow they discontinued that already?!?