timelinex
AZ
New Member
Joined: 04/22/2022
View Profile
|
I have a 2021 Grand Design 381m. I just put in 2 Lifepo4 batteries and am installing a Pure Sine Wave Inverter tomorrow. I am looking for the easiest way to do it before my trip next week.
I have a 5500 Onan generator, which is wired to a junction box in my battery compartment. From that junction box, the generator wires are wire-nut'd to wires that go to my transfer switch.
I know the "best" way of doing this is separating my panel into 2, adding another transfer switch so only one of them is energized, and running separate wires from the inverter to this setup..... But considering how often I will use the inverter and preferring an easy/fast install so I can have it for next weeks long trip...I've got a different idea.
Is there any reason I shouldn't put the inverter in the battery compartment, connect one end to my batteries, and add the inverter 120v wires into the wire nuts in that generator junction box?
I won't ever be running the generator at the same time. I also recognize that I have to flip my converter breaker off when using the inverter and be mindful of my use since the inverter is powering everything (a.k.a no AC...) I'm happy with all that. I'm just making sure there are no safety issues.
Thanks!
|
Cptnvideo
Arizona - most of the time
Senior Member
Joined: 11/05/2006
View Profile
 Offline
|
Where is your transfer switch located? In my Solitude which is pre-wired for a generator but does not have one, the wires to my inverter/charger come from the transfer switch which is located just to the rear of the pass thru compartment. Then the output of the inverter is wired to the AC distribution panel. The OEM converter is unplugged.
With this configuration, shore power is passed thru the inverter and I am able to use the load share feature on the inverter.
I also have a lot of solar.
With your proposal, you would want to make DANG sure inverter is turned off before running the generator.
Bill & Linda
Arizona
2019 Dodge Ram Laramie 3500 dually 4x4 diesel
Hensley Trailer Saver BD5 hitch
2022 Grand Design Solitude 378MBS
1600 watts solar, Victron 150/100 MPPT controller, GoPower 3kw inverter/charger, 5 SOK 206AH LiFePo4 batteries for 1030 ah
|
timelinex
AZ
New Member
Joined: 04/22/2022
View Profile
|
Cptnvideo wrote:Where is your transfer switch located? In my Solitude which is pre-wired for a generator but does not have one, the wires to my inverter/charger come from the transfer switch which is located just to the rear of the pass thru compartment. Then the output of the inverter is wired to the AC distribution panel. The OEM converter is unplugged.
With this configuration, shore power is passed thru the inverter and I am able to use the load share feature on the inverter.
I also have a lot of solar.
With your proposal, you would want to make DANG sure inverter is turned off before running the generator.
Its' located in the false wall behind the storage space before it. It's not too hard to get to and if I had to I wouldn't mind running wire there. But I'm also not sure what the benefit this way would be since I'm guessing there isn't an empty input.
It's a Southwire Surge Guard Automatic Transfer Switch Model 40140. Currently it is managing between shore and generator power I think.
Someone mentioned that my proposed setup won't work as it will fry the inverter when I run the generator and 120v is fed back into the inverter. Not sure if that's true or not?
|
Cptnvideo
Arizona - most of the time
Senior Member
Joined: 11/05/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
If the inverter you are installing has a 20 amp outlet on it, you could simply pick up a 20 amp dog bone adapter and plug your shore cord directly into it.
I did that on a previous Class C with a 1500 watt inverter I added.
And I forgot, you absolutely want the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.
Where in AZ are you?
|
timelinex
AZ
New Member
Joined: 04/22/2022
View Profile
|
Cptnvideo wrote:If the inverter you are installing has a 20 amp outlet on it, you could simply pick up a 20 amp dog bone adapter and plug your shore cord directly into it.
I did that on a previous Class C with a 1500 watt inverter I added.
And I forgot, you absolutely want the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.
Where in AZ are you?
I recognize that is an option , but its a hassle lugging the big cord. Also I believe the inverter is limited in output in the plugs vs hardwire (may be 15amp plugs)
I'll do this temporarily if I can't find an otherwise easy solution
I'm in Cave Creek
|
|
|
Cptnvideo
Arizona - most of the time
Senior Member
Joined: 11/05/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Frying the inverter is very possible as generator output would go into inverter output.
The output of the transfer switch goes to the AC breaker panel. I'm assuming the inverter you're buying has pass thru. If not, forget about the transfer switch.
PM me your phone number if you want to discuss.
|
wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
Senior Member
Joined: 07/04/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
If you are talking about wiring the Inverter in PARALLEL with the generator then yes there are several reasons not to do it... One of them is the Inverter may "Flame on" if you start the genny.
Now a betterway... Some inverters have power pass through (Built in transfer switch) wire the Generator to the IN and the out to the RV but that's still not a great idea.> WHY.
on your ATS the Generator rules.. If there is power on the Generator leds. then that's the selected power source.. and also the converter is live.
Putting the iverter there (The source of last resort) is goign to make it the preferred source plus it will be looping That is the converter is charging as the inverter is discharging and the result is swiftly dead batteries >
Best is to do it right.. Either a 2nd tansfer switch or even a manual transfer switch (you can get 30 ap DPDT or 3PDT center off transfer switches) or a small Generator transfer (manual) panel. (This is the best low cost option)
The inverter goes to the Generator leads on the transfer panel
You put only selected circuits on the transfer panel.. Like Bedroom Outlets.> kitchen outlets.. Microwave if the inverter is big enough. Entainerment circuits (TV/Radio/Sat receiver) Then you simply flip over to inverter as needed.
The linked panel is an example Just 4 14 amp circuits
Link for illistration only not recomme........ing for or against this specific product
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
|
Cptnvideo
Arizona - most of the time
Senior Member
Joined: 11/05/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
I'm in NW Surprise. Drove here yesterday from Payson. We went across Dynamite from Rio Verde to avoid Shea.
If you don't want the hassle with the 50 amp cord, you could pick up a 50 to 20 dog bone that plugs into the side of the RV, then hook up an ordinary extension cord to the inverter.
|
wnjj
Cornelius, Oregon
Senior Member
Joined: 01/11/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
How about a manual selector switch to choose between generator and inverter power like this one: https://www.amazon.com/VictorsHome-Chang........739CS/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1K078X1TF5BD5
Since each selection has different inputs and outputs, you would have to jump the outputs together when you connect them to downstream line.
|
timelinex
AZ
New Member
Joined: 04/22/2022
View Profile
|
Ordered a 63amp one that comes in a box. It will be here tomorrow.
Thanks!
|
|
|
