Electrical Adding a Inverter

[NoWorries]

Hi All.

On my sisters flash as megabucks van the inverter is wired in a way that all of the power points are active when it is switched on.
Is there anyone here that has a electrical background (or knows how) that can let me know what switched/safety etc that needs to be done to make this work.

I was originally just going to mount the inverter next to the battery and have one plug for when it is switched on but I would prefer to be able to use any plug.
I would think that you would need some type of automatic cut out so you could not switch the inverter on while connected to 240.
Also where would you wire the inverter in ??

ps also why do they have a double adaptor where the setec connects (i have noticed this on most Jayco's)

 

[Crusty181]

@NoWorries, @mfexpanda has set up a pretty simple yet impressive inverter fed power system throughout his van.

He's a bit like Beetlejuice ... if you mention his name, he pops up

 

[NoWorries]

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

 

[NoWorries]

@mfexpanda @mfexpanda @mfexpanda

 

[Crusty181]

@mfexpanda @mfexpanda @mfexpanda

That'll do it

 

[Middo]

Best advice I can give you is to get it done by a licensed electrical contractor who specialises in RV 240 volt wiring. Work out what you want to achieve(auto change over would be great) and depending upon the load you run off the inverter, you may need to look at the battery requirements for it all. Play it safe, 47 years ago, I had to be rescued from active conductors and I still remember what it was like. Still go my electrical license as well even though I retired 2 years ago.
This sort of wiring needs to be done in accordance with AS/NZS 3001. They will also be required to give a certificate of compliance. Keep this with all the other van documents.
Pete

 

[mfexpanda]

Here I am.
Ours has a external inverter PowerPoint that I then plug the van into and all the power points work .
Very simple and fool proof

 

[Crusty181]

View attachment 36987 Here I am.
Ours has a external inverter PowerPoint that I then plug the van into and all the power points work .
Very simple and fool proof

Thought you were going to let me down Beetlejuice

 

[McKenzie]

Great idea.....

 

[mfexpanda]

Thought you were going to let me down Beetlejuice

No chance my friend

 

[NoWorries]

OK
So you just have a very short cord that goes from the inverter outlet to the normal ac input ??

 

[mfexpanda]

OK
So you just have a very short cord that goes from the inverter outlet to the normal ac input ??

Yes

 

[NoWorries]

Perfect, thanks

 

[Drover]

I know it must be just me !!!!! but after all this time on the road the only need for an inverter I have found is to charge the stupid laptop which I have a 300w unit which just plugs into a socket I fitted direct from battery, everything else runs off 12v all the time even when on 240. What do you really need to run ?????

 

[NoWorries]

Coffee Machine

 

[iadizajy]

View attachment 36987 Here I am.
Ours has a external inverter PowerPoint that I then plug the van into and all the power points work .
Very simple and fool proof

mfexpanda
Did you set that up yourself or was it done at the factory? I take it the cable runs up from the inverter where the batteries are stored and feed out to the additional power point (male plug so you don't get it wrong in the dark??). If you did it yourself was it easy to run and how did you conceal the cables?
Cheers
Ian.

 

[NoWorries]

Inverter powerpoint will be just a normal point as the Main shore power is a Male plug

 

[iadizajy]

Did you do the connections yourself from the inverter to the additional point or a sparkie?. Would like to set up something similar for off grid and nervous about cutting holes in the side of the van.

 

[Drover]

Don't want to sound like I should be on another Van site but if you have to ask how to wire/connect up an inverter so it will power up all your 240 GP's then get a sparky to do it. It has to be done so that if it's forgotten then when you hook up 240 people don't think it's Xmas as your van puts on a light show.
You also have to be aware of what you can actually run while using the inverter.

 

[mfexpanda]

Don't want to sound like I should be on another Van site but if you have to ask how to wire/connect up an inverter so it will power up all your 240 GP's then get a sparky to do it. It has to be done so that if it's forgotten then when you hook up 240 people don't think it's Xmas as your van puts on a light show.
You also have to be aware of what you can actually run while using the inverter.

I have it plugged into the inverter ,one of the 2powerpoints , then it runs under the bed through the cub board and wired to the external point . The external point is female just like a normal 15amp one .
I have a short 15amp lead that I use between the inverter point and the van power inlet .
We don't use it very often as just about everything except the AC ,micro wave and washing machine is 12v ,but it's good to know it's there .
And yes it brought tears to my eyes cutting a hole in the van wall.