Mod to get all outlets to work with inverter

[openroad118]

I heard mention that the new AS are able to activate all the outlets when on inverter power. How are they doing this and could this be retro-fitted in earlier models?

[KelloggKid]

Yes it can be done but the cost will depend on your current wiring configuration. Basically, a new inverter (with what is similar to a transfer switch) sits between your incoming shore power and your AC breaker panel. When shore power is present it simply passes it through to the panel. When there is no shore power it then takes power from your battery bank, converts it to AC and passes it to the AC panel. We had a 2500 watt unit installed on our boat a few years back and it was fairly straight forward. That said, the AC breaker panel was close to the battery bank and there was a fair amount of room around the panel to install the new inverter and get at the existing wiring.

[KJRitchie]

I had this done on my renovation. The company that did the work put in a new AC panel that is split for two panels. The microwave, A/C, water heater and the fridge 110v and converter go to one side and the remaining circuits which should just be the 110v receptacles go to the other. The technician had to run a new 110v for the fridge since it shared a receptacle circuit. I replaced my Atwood water heater with a Truma which is LP only. The A/C, microwave are separate circuits so they move easily. When you turn on the inverter it only powers up the one side of the A/C panel which is only receptacles and nothing else.

Kelvin

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I had this done on my renovation. The company that did the work put in a new AC panel that is split for two panels. The microwave, A/C, water heater and the fridge 110v and converter go to one side and the remaining circuits which should just be the 110v receptacles go to the other. The technician had to run a new 110v for the fridge since it shared a receptacle circuit. I replaced my Atwood water heater with a Truma which is LP only. The A/C, microwave are separate circuits so they move easily. When you turn on the inverter it only powers up the one side of the A/C panel which is only receptacles and nothing else.

Kelvin

I have the same setup in my trailer - works well. My electrician managed to use the same panel. Essentially the inverter powers all the gfi outlets off a dedicated 20amp gfi breaker. Inverter is also wired into an automatic transfer switch so gfi receptacles are powered through shore power if available.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by openroad118

I heard mention that the new AS are able to activate all the outlets when on inverter power. How are they doing this and could this be retro-fitted in earlier models?

Keep in mind that you don't want ALL of your outlets to be powered by the inverter. You would exclude the inverter circuit, and the fridge and water heater circuits, if they are electric as well as propane.