Poorsche

I'd like to add a 12V/120v inverter to electrical system and need some ways to install it so it's integreated into exisiting system.

Most of the inverter specs say insall within 5 feet of battery's so that limits options some.

Is there a way to run output from inverter to the SHorepower receptical and is some sort of isolator going to required there?

Could I run heavy duy cord(s) from inverter to AC panel in cabin and connect at ShorePower/Genset switch?

Would appreciate some insight from electrical guru's--

scottc

Yes, you can wire it just like you would for a gen. But remember to watch what you turn on. Also inverters need lots of cooling and most are not Coast Guard approved. They will be a source of sparks, therefor you have to think of that also. You can mount it away from the batteries, you just hace to use larger cables to it.

t500hps

This past summer I helped a buddy w/ a 28 ft cruiser do exactly that. We mounted an inverter in a storage compartment in the cockpit within 5 ft of the batteries. (Put a LARGE fuse in line) Since the boat came wired for a genset but didn't have one we fed the inverter power supply right into the panel box. He could switch to "genset" and pull from the inverter. Remember the inverter will not run everything so keep an eye on what is turned on.

Poorsche

Just to add to confusion--I've got a genset on boat. We installed a Genset/SHorpower switch in electrical panel in cabin.

Is there a way to put second switch in somehow to make sure that genset isn't onnected when Inverter is online in system?

I'm concerned that there might be some "feedback" to inverter if my Oldtimes disease kiciks in and I end up with both Genset and Inverter operating at same time.

Ted G

iTrader: (1)

You could use another inv/gen switch for the inverter and gen and then feed the gen/shore switch from that. I believe there also 3 way switches available but that would be very pricey.

Poorsche

Just an update--I let google do some walking and found a Blue Seas switch that had 3 positions--s way switch and they'd even do custom labels.

Links below in case anyone else has similar plans

http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?P...1=7459&l2=7996

http://www.bluesea.com/product.asp?P...1=7459&l2=7996

Steve H

I would just use a standard automatic transfer switch, using the inverter output as the control. Then only power up the breakers for the outlets and micro or any other low draw circuts with this transfer switch. This way you dont' have to worry about leaving a switch in the wrong position or accidently overloading the the inverter with the a/c. Also you can get away with longer D.C. cables if you twist them together, this will cancel most of the ripple voltage that is induced with long runs.

Steve Hixson