gouldc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
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Joined: 10/13/2004
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Hey guys,
I know this topic has been hashed out many times but I have a scenario I can't seem to wrap my head around.
Typical OEM TH with generator and 75a IOTA 3 stage. The wife's become accustomed to watching a few minutes of tv before bed. No problem, the 5er's equipped with a 12v outlet in the bedroom. Well, they must have used horse hair for wiring because the 13" tv is cratering the 400w inverter I'm using.
So, I would like to start an inverter install. The plan is to sub panel the main distribution panel. Initially the only circuit on the sub will be the bedroom outlet. Run the dc side of the inverter to the batteries and the ac side to the sub panel. Right so far? I will be using the little 400w inverter for now with the plan being to move to a larger unit complete with internal transfer switch. If this will work my next question is what has me stumped. Is there any harm in having both the converter and inverter powered up at the same time? I suspect not as the inverter will not be powering the circuit that the converter is on. I understand that in this scenario the outlet will be powered by the inverter even when plugged into shore but this should be fine correct? Again, when the time comes to install a better inverter, it will have a transfer switch.
Your input is appreciated. Does this sound like it will work or should I be slapped upside the head?
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Mandalay Parr
Phoenix, AZ
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Sounds OK. If you search for inverters chargers, they will show wiring diagrams.
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2oldman
WA
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Since the converter is not on the inverter power, you'll be fine. If it was, you don't want it on. Having that outlet on inverter with shore will be fine.
I'm not a big fan of or expert on subpanels, so I'm sure others will be of further assistance.
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Don't see any problems with that.
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Javlin101
Alberta Canada
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Joined: 03/13/2004
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The only thing is your bedroom will always be on inverter power weather you’re plugged into shore power or not. This means your bedroom will always draw from the batteries.
I installed a Tripp Lite 2000w inverter / charger & eliminated the converter completely.
I have the inverter wired into the 120 vac main panel & inverter supplies power to the sub panel. I moved everything I wanted to run on the inverter from the main to the sub panel. Bedroom, minor kitchen, & front TV outlets. Batteries are hook to the Inverter & the Tripp Lite has an auto switch for when you use Shore or Gen power. I ran a fused cable from the batteries to the 12v panel. Everything works automatically. I have had this setup for 2 years & it works great.
Jim
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gouldc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
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That was quick, thanks guys. Glad to know I'm not way out in left field here. And, although she may not show it, I assure you the wife thanks you as well, which makes me thank you ... again ... nevermind.
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Mandalay Parr
Phoenix, AZ
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gouldc wrote:That was quick, thanks guys. Glad to know I'm not way out in left field here. And, although she may not show it, I assure you the wife thanks you as well, which makes me thank you ... again ... nevermind.
We understand.
Jerry
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smkettner
Southern CA
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Sounds good and you will have no trouble with other items because the power is isolated. Is the bedroom circuit all by itself? Usually there are several daisy chained outlets along the way. Sometimes something like the fridge might be jumped off the circuit in the middle. If the outlet or any in the string are needed for a high load item like an electric space heater or hair dryer you will be limited to the output of the inverter if you happen to camp with hookups. Just verify for certain what is on that circuit. If you added a dedicated circuit then there are no issues.
If the inverter is going in right there at the distribution panel you should be able to use the existing connection to the battery. With a 75 amp IOTA you may have #4 wire that would be plenty for the 400w inverter. Wait until you get a big inverter to run the new/big wire. And the bigger inverter may need to be closer to the battery.
With no transfer switch power will not be available directly from utility or generator. However you should have no trouble running the inverter and being plugged in or running the generator at the same time.
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gouldc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
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You are correct. I suspect that each of the bedroom outlets will be on this circuit. That isn't a huge deal as nothing is left plugged into them anyway. Aside from the t.v. there is only one other outlet that is used in the bedroom. It took a while but we now know the hair dryer and curling iron will NOT work unless the generator is on.
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JSGrewal
Simi Valley, CA
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Joined: 11/17/2004
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The Xantrex XM1000/ 1800 have built in transfer switches. I wired mine in just to the TV circuits. Sounds like what you want to do. No sub panel needed... Overkill @ 1000W. Yep. But the install was easy!
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