Inverters

[TonyCooper]

I picked up a 350 Watt inverter for my tear. I'm also making provisions for using shore power, when available. I plan to install a GFCI.

I have some a questions.

1. Will a GFCI work while connected to the inverter?

2. Do I need to even worry about GFCI protection while running such as small (350 Watt) inverter?

1) Yes

2) Yes

GFCI protects people... Circuit Breakers protect wires... You need both.

[asianflava]

Ok here it is. Now keep in mind that this is not a schematic, it is a diagram so I know what goes where. The wiring is not compelete as the DC circuits don't show the ground.

[TonyCooper]

I'd run the charger directly to the battery, not thru the master switch and fuse. Of course you did say it was not a schematic. And I would think the master switch needs to be b4 the fuse block as well.

[asianflava]

Thanks, I didn't see that. Actually it wasn't complete, it was mainly a diagram for the AC side. I had to connect a few lines before I posted it. Heh heh what good is a master switch if it is after the fuse block?

[bdosborn]

I don't see any problem with wiring the battery charger to the fuse block. Keeps your fuses consolidated and keeps a wire off the battery. I guess it all depends on where your charger will be located. Mine is close to the fuse block so I took it there.
Bruce

[TonyCooper]

I don't see any problem with wiring the battery charger to the fuse block. Keeps your fuses consolidated and keeps a wire off the battery. I guess it all depends on where your charger will be located. Mine is close to the fuse block so I took it there.
Bruce

The fuse block isn't the issue, it was the master switch and master fuse that I was pointing out. I just stated it poorly.

I'd connect the charger between the battery and fuse. I'd also move the master switch before the fuse block. I'd want to be able to charge my battery without the master switch being on.

[Woody]

Tony,
That is the way I hooked my charger up. Directly to the battery and the master cutoff at the fuse panel. That way I can charge my battery and shut down the rest of the trailer 12 vdc side

[Guy]

I just do not get the inverter powering the charger?

It seems it would really gop like this???

[Woody]

It is not suppose to, normally. I didn't get it either.

[TonyCooper]

It doesn't... 110V inputs flow in through the outside pins of the DPDT switch and out through the center line of the switch. This creates a 110v shorepower OR inverter situation. Inverter should only be available when on battery and feeds only his 110v outlets & Nuker (microwave).

The 12V lines from the battery are inputs to the inverter.

The single line coming out of the top of the inverter represents his inverter 110v output lines, both hot and neutral.

I think he has the inverter wired correctly... for simplicity's sake, he's just not showing all his 110v output lines.

[Arne]

Does anyone know if solar panels are equiped with diodes to keep current from back flowing during cloudy periods, or can't this happen...?

[Arne]

My 500 watt inverter came with double 30 amp fuses. Since I'm running 12 guage wire from the battery, and only a single 30 amp fuse, I figure the most I can pull from the inverter is about 350 watts.... be aware of the wire limitations that you are using.... There is a lot of useful information on the placard that comes with the inverter...

[Woody]

Arnereil,
Some panels come with the blocking diodes. I have seen the sold separately in the West Marine catolog. If you purchase a good controller they have them built in as well. With out a controller, at night the power feeds back to the panel without blocking diodes installed

[Arne]

My inverter is installed... when I wire it up, the green power light comes on (the inverter switch is off). Does this mean it is drawing current, aside from the led? I'd rather not bother hooking of another off on switch just to shut it down completely.

[Arne]

Inverter installation..... lots of wide shevles, no cabinets...