Adding an Inverter?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 772
Likes: 27
From: Brighton CO.
Adding an Inverter?
Looking for brand recommendations for adding an automatic pure sine wave inverter.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
No clue on the pure Sine Wave. I installed a cheapie Schumacher 2000w modified Sine Wave recently. The kids are watching TV and we have phones charging. I have run a small vacuum cleaner. A tire Inflator compressor. Ceiling fan. Air conditioner fan only not ac.
I just plugged in my 30 amp main cord to the inventor and turned off the circuit breaker for the stock 12v converter. Not the best way but it was simple and works for what I need. I also have a 1000w I am going to hook up to see if it is more efficient.
I was looking at pure Sine Wave first and decided to give this a try. Please post pictures of your install when complete as I am not thrilled with mine yet.
I just plugged in my 30 amp main cord to the inventor and turned off the circuit breaker for the stock 12v converter. Not the best way but it was simple and works for what I need. I also have a 1000w I am going to hook up to see if it is more efficient.
I was looking at pure Sine Wave first and decided to give this a try. Please post pictures of your install when complete as I am not thrilled with mine yet.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
no advice on Pure Sine wave.
I use a Harbor Fright 400 watt.. for 32 inch flat screen TV and a Directv satellite box.. a few chargers for phones....laptops.
wife reports the electric blanket will not work on it.
No problems.
I use a Harbor Fright 400 watt.. for 32 inch flat screen TV and a Directv satellite box.. a few chargers for phones....laptops.
wife reports the electric blanket will not work on it.
No problems.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 2,502
From: West Michigan
My cardinal came with a xantrex prowatt 2000w inverter wired with auto transfer switch to power the residential refrigerator. Works great, but it is dedicated to just the reefer, so can't really speak to the rest.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 772
Likes: 27
From: Brighton CO.
Thanks for the replies.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
Thanks for the replies.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
funny.. blanket will not work.. but a Smart TV and a satellite receiver will...
Enjoy your New project...
.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Thanks for the replies.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
After doing some more research I really leaning towards setting up a system with an automatic transfer switch and tying the converter into my sub panel. Reasons being, 1, I don't want it forgotten that the inverter is in service and the generator get started and cause an issue. 2, I will be the one have to go out side in the middle of the night flipping the switches.
Chuck, from what I have read, your wife's electric blanket will not work unless you use a pure sine wave inverter.
I worked on on some pretty scary do-it-yourself projects, so be careful! I also have solar on the roof.
Steve
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Port huron MI
Looking for brand recommendations for adding an automatic pure sine wave inverter.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
Tuned
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 376
Likes: 22
From: Ustoned
Looking for brand recommendations for adding an automatic pure sine wave inverter.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
I have not decided if I want to only set up a few outlets yet or all of them. I'm thinking price will determine what I eventually end up doing because I'm planning on adding solar also.
If anyone has found so good write ups on this subject and wouldn't mind sharing them I would appreciate it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can before buying anything.
As always thanks in advance.
Griz
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
All the major players have similar models that do the same things. Average lifespan according to the manufacturers is 9-10 years. However, most can be remaned when they go down. Normally they have to be sent to an authorized repair center. They will not simply sell you the parts.
Repair costs last time I sent one in was under $300 and turn around time was very fast, less than one week.
Here is a link to an industry standard http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inv...-01_rev-2).pdf. The wiring diagrams are at the end. I would suggest if the diagram does not make sense to you, do not attempt the install yourself.
And yes they are pricey.
Steve
Repair costs last time I sent one in was under $300 and turn around time was very fast, less than one week.
Here is a link to an industry standard http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inv...-01_rev-2).pdf. The wiring diagrams are at the end. I would suggest if the diagram does not make sense to you, do not attempt the install yourself.
And yes they are pricey.
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 31
From: Northern Illinois
All the major players have similar models that do the same things. Average lifespan according to the manufacturers is 9-10 years. However, most can be remaned when they go down. Normally they have to be sent to an authorized repair center. They will not simply sell you the parts.
Repair costs last time I sent one in was under $300 and turn around time was very fast, less than one week.
Here is a link to an industry standard http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inv...-01_rev-2).pdf. The wiring diagrams are at the end. I would suggest if the diagram does not make sense to you, do not attempt the install yourself.
And yes they are pricey.
Steve
Repair costs last time I sent one in was under $300 and turn around time was very fast, less than one week.
Here is a link to an industry standard http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inv...-01_rev-2).pdf. The wiring diagrams are at the end. I would suggest if the diagram does not make sense to you, do not attempt the install yourself.
And yes they are pricey.
Steve
looks like it installs between the shore power cord and the rv fuse panel if I read option #1 correctly?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Correct, but option #1 means you have to remember to shut off the AC and water heater when inverting. I never used Option #1 and have never actually seen anyone use that Option. It's simple, but problematic as the end user has to remember to do something. A sure ticket for trouble!
Steve
Steve