Going to wire the inverter in the next few weeks. Very basic system. As for the ATS. When I run the generator I plug it into the shore power socket. What do you folks think?
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Do I really need an ATS? Automatic transfer switch
Collapse
X
-
You can certainly plug your inverter into your shore power inlet. However, make sure you disable the converter when you do so. Typically, you can turn off the converter by turning off its circuit breaker. You never want the inverter and the converter on at the same time. It will drain your batteries very quickly.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
Comment
-
Originally posted by Jkwilson View PostNo, but you’ll want a neutral bonding plug in many cases to keep your EMS from complaining and to make your rig safe.Grand Design Imagine 2450RL 2020 born 7/2019
TV - 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 4X4 Limited w/Towing PKG under 30K miles, hanger queen until now
Comment
-
Originally posted by TucsonJim View PostYou can certainly plug your inverter into your shore power inlet. However, make sure you disable the converter when you do so. Typically, you can turn off the converter by turning off its circuit breaker. You never want the inverter and the converter on at the same time. It will drain your batteries very quickly.
JimGrand Design Imagine 2450RL 2020 born 7/2019
TV - 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 4X4 Limited w/Towing PKG under 30K miles, hanger queen until now
Comment
-
Originally posted by BobinICT View Post
Yes, I know about turning off the converter and yes, I have IDed the breaker for that. I plan to direct wire in the inverter to the main panel. Still need to get my head wrapped around that task.
The simplest non-transfer switch system is to plug shore power into the inverter, remembering to shut off the converter when you do.Ottertail, Minnesota
2022 Imagine 2500RL VIN 573TE3029N6637046
2022 Ford F-150 Lariat, SuperCrew, long box, max tow
Comment
-
Originally posted by AlexPeterson View Post
BobinICT This direct wiring without a transfer switch to the panel is problematic. What happens if the inverter is on when you plug in shore power or a generator? It will happen. Also, how will an inverter tolerate 120v being applied to its output leads? Smoke might get out of the wires, dunno.
The simplest non-transfer switch system is to plug shore power into the inverter, remembering to shut off the converter when you do.Grand Design Imagine 2450RL 2020 born 7/2019
TV - 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 4X4 Limited w/Towing PKG under 30K miles, hanger queen until now
Comment
-
Originally posted by BobinICT View Post
I am leaning on doing just that and forgo doing a hard wire. Just want to make some coffee in the morning without firing up the generator and perhaps a quick microwave run no more than a couple of minutes from time to time.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
Comment
-
If one plugs the inverter into the shore power port on the side of the RV there should be no way to have shore power and inverter power at the same time, yes? I think this is what the OP is after, which may be an option for me in the future as we would use an inverter very little.
The only other conflicting option is if the generator is powered on when the inverter is plug into the shore power input.
Brian
On edit if using a generator it will also have to be plugged in to the shore power port so the inverter cord would have to be removed.Brian & Michelle
2018 Reflection 29RS
2022 Chevy 3500HD
Comment
-
Country Campers you are correct. Having only one connection point for power would not require an ATS. Simply swap one power source for another.Ted
2021 Reflection 310RLS
2020 F350 PS,CC,LB,SRW
- Likes 1
Comment
-
BobinICT I did a similar install for my in laws trailer. I wired up a switch in the compartment with the inverter that turns off the converter and 110V power to the fridge (which forces it into propane). Then we mounted a power outlet for the inverter in a weatherproof box on the side of the camper. He just runs the shore cord up to the outlet and plugs it in after flipping the switch. Only downside is the inverter won't run while driving (I like to cook dinner in the crock pot on drive days).Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Neil Citro
2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab
Comment
-
Quick update. I started this thread because the WFCO ATS, a T-30, shipped from Amazon that was on back order. Once in hand I do like the fact it will mount directly behind on the WFCO power center. I called their tech support and I've decided to run the inverter line into the generator port of the ATS. That way I only have to run one 10/2 romax wire to get the install done. As for the inverter, I have no problem just switching the breaker off when in inverter power and, perhaps placing the fridge on propane. The fridge I'll wait on to see just how much 120 volt power it draws. I've got a pretty hefty AGM battery bank. Two 6 volt 235 AMP which so far in 7 months of living in the rig has served us well.Grand Design Imagine 2450RL 2020 born 7/2019
TV - 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 4X4 Limited w/Towing PKG under 30K miles, hanger queen until now
Comment
Comment