DIY Off-Grid AC Power to Your Entire RV - Inverter Transfer Switch Install
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Want to power your RV's entire 30A electrical system from a POWER INVERTER without new wiring or electrical sub-panel. This transfer switch makes it easy. This is a simple off-grid setup for an RV with 30 amp service, portable generator and/or solar. Watch my DIY Installation. I'll also explain what an automatic transfer switch does.
This Go Power transfer switch is designed to work with a stand-alone power inverter and stand-alone battery charger. It will provide off-grid 120VAC power to your entire rig and seamlessly switch from inverter power back to shore power.
MORE ABOUT THIS TRANSFER SWITCH on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link)
GoPower GP-TS30 Pre-Wired Transfer Switch: amzn.to/37nDBF6
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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
I'm just now getting around to installing this transfer switch. My original transfer switch failed many months ago. Since we rarely connect to shore power, we've been able to go boondocking and occaisionally stay in RV parks without it.
Replacing my old transfer switch this this model allowed me to remove a previously installed relay I had installed to automatically disconnect my converter/charger while runing my Inverter.
Here's that previous auto charger disconnect video install: • How To AUTOMATICALLY D...
Having recently removed my onboard generator, there was no need to switch between generator and shore power. Instead I needed to switch between inverter and shore power, while also disabling the battery charger while on inverter power. This transfer switch does exactly that.
We mostly boondock (dry-camp) and power our RV from solar and 400 amp hours of lithium batteries. The 2000W pure sine inverter provides AC power to the entire RV, but will also run the battery charger unless it's automatically disabled.
See our full off-grid RV solar system: www.rvwithtito...
#rvwithtito #diy #rvsolar
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
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We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Thanks Brian! I started my upgrade yesterday with GoPower charger/converter, transfer switch, and 1500w inverter. I took out the integrated charger/converter, and then I started questioning my sanity. Your explanation made me realize I don’t have to put the new converter/charger in the old hole, I can use corded inputs. I bought the basic transfer switch, so I need to prep it. Thanks again!
Thanks Brian.
I have a 16 ft travel trailer and am installing solar power, Lipo battery, and inverter. Now I can run things boondocking. Main thing is to run fridge while driving on inverter instead of gas. I know not supposed run fridge on gas while driving but had no other way. With this transfer switch can be safer.
great video, I put the same one in my rv last summer, works great..
Thanks. Great to hear!
Safety - It is VERY important to tape those wire nuts for all connections, especially in an RV. Vibration may cause them to fall off, and short against the box, other wires, or ground. It shows you did it, but didn't mention it. Great instruction again, thanks for posting.
Thanks for noticing that. I always wrap them as you saw, but should have mentioned it.
@@RVwithTito next time.
Great content, absolutely what I needed for my DIY off-grid setup, and still have option to utilize shore power when necessary. Thank-you!
I had questions but you did so well that now I don't ... yet it is neat how you can work so "fast"... 😁
Movie magic :) Glad I got your questions answered.
I did what you originally did. I put my truecharge charger on its own breaker so i could turn it off. I then ran a 10/2 cord from the inverter to a disconnect next to the shore power connection on the outside of my toyhauler. From the inverter disconnect i just installed, i spliced in a pigtail to the shore power junction. If i am going to use the shore power cable, i simply turn off the disconnect to my inverter to isolate that circuit. I had small placards made to remind me to turn off the inverter in the event of using the shore power cord, and too turn the battery charger back on, and to turn the charger off if i am running on the inverter. By doing it this way, i didn't have to mess with the existing switches between shore power and generator. I put a placard on the gen off/on to remind about the batter charger also.
I did the manual switch over for a while too, but my wife was always scared to power up the inverter. Now it's all automated and we're both comfortable powering things up safely.
@@RVwithTito I boon-dock most of the time so i rarely use the actual shore power cord. The only thing that ever gets turned off is the charger breaker. As i was writing this out, i just realized a flaw in my setup. I need to add another disconnect between the shore power plug and the splice. Right now, in my current set up the plug prongs would be back-feeding and live to the touch. I need to fix that. I mainly run on the inverter and solar. I do a lot of snowmobiling in the winter too and the solar just cant keep up with the shorter, cloudier days. I am running 4 200 watt sunpower panels on the top of the rv. I have been thinking about running another 800 watts of panels but leaving them on portable mounts for when i am running in the winter. Just put them at the correct angle facing the best direction. The winter is the only time i need the extra solar. Until I add more panels, a generator is a must for me because of winter hobbies. My current system still operates like OEM equipment with the acceptation of turning off the charger manually. Maybe i should get rid of the splice and disconnects and just put a switch in its place. It would be a cleaner and safer install. Do you know of a 3 way switch with a charge controller feature? Basically, shore power, gen power, and inverter power switch.
Excellent. Another fine video of information for handy RV craftsmen or craftswomen.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for the explanation. This is the exact transfer switch I have and very happy with it. Had to replace it once and that was because cables got lose and had a little bit of a short circuit so just make sure cables are not getting lose.
Good to know Jorge. I'll double check.
Great example. Answered my questions.
Great👍
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks!
😎👍 I hope to see more new videos I was waiting for your videos
Working on it. I've been absorbed by other projects.
@@RVwithTito Brian, I am a Project Savant and would like to rent your RV.
Do you have a Rent to Buy program?
Or, would you or other viewers here please advise me on purchasing a used Class C setup for boon docking? Brand? Model? Solar & Batteries, Tank Sizes, Etc. Budget is
Great video Brian ! It really helped me out in my upcoming solar / inverter install. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Glad it helped
Great video, as usual! BUT... you made me think: I just replaced my batteries and 1000w psw inverter/charger with a 2000w Xantrex psw inverter/charger and 2 BattleBorn 100ahr batteries. Howevder, my OEM wiring did not include my microwave on the inverter circuit, so now I have to track down THAT modification... Keep the great videos coming!
You can do it. Thx.
@corey Babcock Thanks for the encouragement! My situation is complicated by the fact that the OEM inverter output only powered one circuit with several receptacles throughout the RV - not including the microwave. There is a separate transfer switch that handles sending power to the microwave circuit and the 120v power center when connected to shore power or the generator. I just need to study it and see where I would put an interconnect relay to sense the inverter output and switch in the microwave - I don't think I want to send the inverter output to ALL of the shore power-connected receptacles due to the potential for inverter overload.
The 20 second delay is to give time to the generator to run at normal rpm . I bypassed the circuit board so the transfer from low battery charge to short power is instantly. That will only happen if there's not sunlight for a long time and drain the battery below 30%. Otherwise, the solar controller is in charge to keep battery pack at 90% charged.
Great explanation and works great on shore power hookup for 30 amp rigs like me.
Yes it does!
Well explained Brian!. Just so happens a week ago I was looking up the switches and was wondering exactly what went where and how what did what you know. It’s crystal clear now so this may be a sweet addition to my RV down the road. Thanks again! 👍😁
Crystal clear is pretty good :) Glad to help.
Greetings from New Zealand. Well explained change out .Steve 🇳🇿👍
Thanks Steve! Greetings.
Looks great. My only negative comment would be to not use wire nuts. They can fall off from the vibration of going down the road. I use crimp wire nuts for loads above 20 amps and Wago lever nuts for 20 amps and below.
For RV and vehicle installs I always wrap them with electrical tape (one around the wires going in, and one around the connector). That's what I did here. So they're pretty secure.
OK...please ignore my post below. I finally figured out the key piece of info I was missing and now know how it works. I will be finishing wiring next trip to RV storage, so "Life is good". No more need for the straight jacket...LOL
I'm not sure. But I think you need a second transfer switch if you want to run a on board generator also on the system. My Motorhome has three sources of AC power: inverter, generator, shore power. So you'll need to keep the existing transfer switch to isolate the generator from shore power.
Love it , now I have find a place to put it I have a tt and my converter is in the island on the end and my inverteris in a box on the front of our trailer , this would solve me a bunch of little things I am doing now , more questions later .
Ok. Good luck. Mine is on the other end of the rig too.
@@RVwithTito hi brian , ok I have the progressive dynamics power
Converter with the built in charger for the battery will this switches box work with this unit I have
Just bought a new Go Power 30A transfer switch and they now look a little different. All the wire connections are fitted with WAGO connectors and the actual transfer switch is in a little clear plastic case so the wires cannot interfere with the operation of the switch. Apparently failures were occuring when the wires contacted the switch mechanism. That cannot happen now that the switch it protected. Its pretty slick and easy to wire.
Great information and well presented. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Good video Brian. I appreciate the detail. I want to ensure I've connected mine correctly because I'm not getting any power to the coach from my inverter.
The AC panel is connected to the top two, the shore on the middle two, and the inverter on the bottom (the two terminals that are closer together in comparison to the others). My inverter is a 2000watt renogy, and is hard wired to the ATS.
I also wired my converter/charger to the middle two via the 15 amp fuse with the 10 gauge wire from the panel to the fuse then to the middle two (with the shore). The shore power is working, but I need my inverter to work, or this install of solar has been a waste.
The original set up is through the converter as you discussed in the video, but I have a lithium battery, so I'm not using the lead acid that came with the original set up. I don't want the converter charging my lithium, so I need to dismantle the converter, but then I'm thinking I won't have any power. I would appreciate any thoughts / suggestions.
Kind regards,
Kel
Thought that is how they worked, nice $70,000 5th wheel we have has an auto transfer switch for shore & On board Generator, Has an awful Hum and im sure it uses power (when inverter is plugged into shore it line it hums like a son of a!) Even Disconnecting the Mains on the panel inside doesnt turn it off (With Inverter, fridge, hot water tank, microwave, AC), turned off.
Just doing a 3kw inverter, 600 watt solar setup for our one units 3 month site.
Been watching your videos for years. Started looking at stuff after upgrading to Lithium. When I saw you name on one after watching many others I instantly went to it and it's the most clear explanation of what a ATS is and how to apply it to a solar setup .I feel more confident tackling such a thing now. Thank you
P.S..... As an audio production geek I always appreciate the sound added in the time lapse stuff.😀
You're welcome! BTW there's no sound added on those. That's the actual audio...sped up with the clip.
Great video's, thank you. I have been looking into this and from what I can see, the difference between the GP-TS-30 & TS-30 is the added 110v pigtail for an extra $140.00 I may get the $79 version and 'convert' it to the GP style. We still have our generator so my plan is to use this transfer switch ahead of the stock switch, making shore power primary. The stock transfer switch will still see 110v hitting it unaware if either shore or inverter. It may be next year before my theory can be proved, still budgeting the $5K for this.
Your $140 also gets you a 15 amp fuse and holder. I wired TS 30 and it works great.
Nice, good information
Thanks Tim.
Thanks Brian I got a smoking deal on one off ebay going to install using output side of transfer switch for my shore/onboard genny so basically a three way hope it works haha
Awesome! Hope it works out.
Brain, again a great video. You do a great job covering the “details” needed to understand a subject
review. The only flaw I see is, .. the transfer switch should not be that expensive; over $200. It is a fairly simple device, even the smart ones. Keep up the fine work.. we all have a dream to get out and RV more in this great country of ours.
Thanks. And I totally agree. It's overpriced, but I wanted to keep it as simple as possible for others. Hope you can get out there soon!
That's what I'm doing. Have not checked the transfer switch to see what is installed. I could run a extension cord to the charger from shore power bypassing everything.
See what happens.
That's kind of what this is doing. It's powered from the shore power side of the switch. Good luck!
Better yet just unplug the OEM converter and istall an inverter/charger, eliminates the need for the transfer switch.
Not for everybody, but in the right circumstances the stand alone invefter/charger is great.
Just unplug the OEM converter is what I did. Should the new inverter-charger eventually fail just remove it and plug the OEM converter back in.
Yeah makes sense good advice, but I had already spent $ on a 3k watt inverter and isolator set up. I decided to add sure power AFTER I made my initial bulk of purchases 😭 so this video does help
I’m on 2 systems lol
I was going to get that exact same switch, but reading the reviews on Amazon, many said they were receiving old, discontinued stock that GoPower does not recommend. Make sure you don't have one of those.
The other reason is the plastic box. Not great should the wiring overheat. I suppose that's debatable point considering most all the electrical stuff and outlets in an RV are plastic.
Should be fine. It works as you can see. My other xfer switch died after 13 years. So this one definitely works better :) By the way the other switch was also in a plastic enclosure which was perfectly fine after all that time. If your wires are heating up, then you're plastic box is the least of your problems.
Unicorn situations like me bahahaha I like on-board light knowing what’s on. Dang rabbit hole 😊
Good morning, I just found your channel and it looks good. Nice editing. My wife Emily is from the Philippines, they call me Tito Don and she is Tita Emily. We just sold our Lakewood company and lived in Tacoma many years and are full time RVing (for now) in a class-A Pierce Arrow MH.
Well hello Tito and Tita. How are you enjoying full timing?
@@RVwithTito Yes very much, it's a holiday every day. :) Sige na, bakit hindi.
Kamusta kayo po kuya..... :) Would you be willing to subscribe to my channel, like we did for you, to help us out? It is so hard to get subs.
Blueprint please 🗽🇺🇸☮️✌️ picture worth a million words
Great video, well done !!
Glad you liked it!
I never knew I could use the negative bus bar for the chassis ground connection inside a transfer switch box. I thought transfer box had outside of box a special small screw for connecting it's chassis ground.
The prewired version is way overpriced. Also the charger connection is very easy to impliment it just wires into the shore power portion of the switch. Not worth paying 300 more for the prewired version lol. We Love the channel!!!
'When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace' Jimi Hendrix
Why would you need a relay @ 1:22 ? Just hook the power wire of the charger to the hot side of your shore power. It's that easy and no relay needed. Adding a 15 amp fuse in that wire is definitely recommended.
What adaptor did you use for the inverter and converter plugs? And do you leave your inverter in the ON position all the time now or do you manually turn on the inverter just before disconnecting the shore power?
Cool setup thanks for the info
You bet
Great Video !
Thanks!
I was looking for something like this!!
Hello thank you for all your video's. I find them very helpful. I'm actually in the process of hooking up a sungoldpower 3000w inverter/charger. I bought the gopower 30amp transfer switch after your video on the converter loop. I do not have an on board generator. So my question is can I still use that transfer switch or should I buy the one in this video with the cords ? Thanks
As long as you've got the converter loop bypass figured out, then you should be ok. This transfer switch just makes it easier.
Hi Brian, best video I’ve come across so far for this application. You mentioned that you no longer have a generator, so I need a little more help. I have an old existing transfer switch (Shore Power-Generator) connected to the power center. I am adding a 3000W pure sine inverter to the mix, so where would I put this new transfer switch (Shore Power-DC) in relation to the existing one? Before or after or does it matter? Do you have any wiring diagrams for how to keep the DC power out of the charger loop? Thank you so much for your help!
I was looking at the GP-TS unit for my boat, but the problem is it wasn't IP68 certified. I think I'm going to order it anyway since I can't find a comparable product that is. Oh, and I'll use your link to order it so you get the affiliate sugar, since it's all the same price anyway. We'll have to see how long the relay lasts in a damp environment.
Yeah. There's no weather seal on it, but you could add something on the lid if moisture is an issue. You'd also need to use weather proof glands on the entry points.
Shouldn’t you have ran your charger output from the transfer box through the 15 amp circuit breaker to the converter so that you could see that from the panel?
This "pre-wired" ATS charges a hefty premium for including a charging cable. This is where the "pre-wire" term is derived. My advice? Save $150 (or more) and DIY the charger wiring. It's really quite simple.
The time delay is for generator stabilization. When connecting power from a post, this is completely unnecessary.
For anyone desiring to build their own ATS (which is easily doable), there's really very little savings in doing so. Save yourself the effort and purchase a commercially available unit. Then concentrate on the wiring, including a separate panel with essential loads (not to be powered by inverter).
Two questions: if you are using an inverter and not a generator, can you omit the transfer delay timer, as inverters do not need any run up time? How can we wire up a transfer switch so the inverter does not power the AC or the electric hot water element, or fridge 120v? If power goes out at a campground while I am not there, I do not want the inverter to run the AC etc. I just want outlets and microwave, not fridge, HW or AC on the inverter. Thanks.
what about shore, generator, solar, sources, charging house batteries, running house. plus pin 7 from tow vehicle (I now that is a separate issue, just looking for conformation
Yea, I got a trailer with a solar panel, inverter (2000w), a Onan 4400 generator & 30A shore power. No outlets work from the inverter so I'm guessing that isn't tied to the ATS if there is one. Just the genny & shore because I can use outlets on either of those, none work from the battery load. So, can I get a better ATS to include the inverter & draw power from the batteries to inverter to main panel & get power to outlets from the DC batteries?
What about the generator input? Essentially, I need 3 inputs: Shore, Inverter and Generator. Thanks!
Please explain more clearly what you are transferring from. I want to use rv generator inverter to change 12v dc to 120ac?
So does this go upstream of the existing transfer switch in my rig? I have a 3,500 watt propane generator + shore power. I also have a 3,000 watt inverter. Right now I manually plug the inverter in and turn off the converter power via the breaker. Basically, what happens if you're using your inverter then fire up your generator? Or vice versa?
Yes. If you still have a generator then also keep the existing transfer switch and route its output to this transfer switch.
I have a 5th wheel with the generator install package wired to the front compartment where the generator would be. Can't I just connect both the transfer switch and inverter through that wiring to go into the main electrical panel?
Thank you for the explanation of the transfer switch. I will be adding solar to my 5th wheel. I will probably not be adding a transfer switch right away. Can you please tell me what I need to protect my solar system while using shore power. Thank you again.
Great video! I have a few questions. I want to power just 1 breaker/circuit with my inverter. Would I move the wire from that breaker to the ATS, then attach the output wires from the ATS to the breaker? I have 50 amp service in my RV. Could I use the 30 amp instead of the 50 amp ATS beings I'm only going to a 20 amp breaker?
This works great for 30 amps. Is there a 50-amp version that functions so that the inverter kicks off when you're connected to shore power? I see where Go Power has a 50-amp system, but I don't see the charging pigtail with it.
Tito, Thanks for your video. I have a question, can I use my solar system (Bluetti 200max) as a main source, and when my bluetti is off, transfer automatically to The RV park shore poweer ?? thanks
Sure. Just wire the Bluetti AC output cord to the generator input on the ATS. That should make the Bluetti take priority.
Would shore power charge your batteries as well if using this ATS?
I bought a inverter but it does not have charger functionality. Too late to return it, so im curious if this setup would also charge my lithium batteries while plugged in to shore power?
Hey Brian,
Love your videos. I have a 34 foot class a motorhome. No solar. Regular 6 6volt interstate batteries. I need to run a floor model AC. It's around 1250 watts. I really don't want to run the generator. What would be a really inexpensive way to do this. Also, I was looking to do this while I was running down the road. When we stop I don't mind turning on the generator. Yes we have 2 ceiling units but I know that would be a challenge. So the floor model will work for us. Thank you
Can I do this application for my party bus?
I did away with the original AC units because they don’t keep the bus cool in Texas. I installed 2 Coleman Rv rooftop units. I’ve already installed the generator and it run perfect but how do I power my AC’s while driving the bus because I can’t run a generator while running the bus. It’s a blue bird school bus
Love your videos Brian. Even being that this one is 2yr old I still learn a lot from your content. I need to get this setup in my travel trailer. I have a 3000w inverter and a portable generator. This transfer switch should work so when I run the generator, the converter is charging the batteries, but when I run the inverter, it won’t charge via the converter, correct? So the generator and shore power cable share the same connection in the transfer switch?
Don't connect both shore power and generator directly to the transfer switch. I would use the shore power cord to connect to the generator (when in use). That way you'll never have the possibility of running both generator and shower power at the same time. Is that what you meant?
Im buying a bluetti solar charger (BS500) with addon batteries (2 300S batteries) and i want to tie it directly to the RV system, and be able to charge the bluetti batteries from shore power when hooked up. this is exactly what i need right?
I have a 20A converter/charger. I connected it to the 30A shore power line inside the transfer switch. Do I need to run the charger through a 20A circuit breaker first, before the transfer switch?
hi Brian,quick question, I have a generator in my RV and the same model ATS as yours (PD5110010) and want to install an inverter. Can I connect the inverter and generator together (gen hot and gen neu) any problem? Please advise, thanks in advance
I have an inverter charger with the transfer switch Built-in I don't think I need one of those what do you think
I am wiring the TS 30 to my new cargo trailer/toyhauler. I will have an inverter or shore power for 110v AC. Hence the switch. The TS 30 is nice, as you show in the video, in that it will disconnect the 110V converter. Wire it to the NO contacts of the relay. I'll go you one further. I will basically have three systems to charge the batteries. Solar, shore power, and the trucks charging system when the trailer is plugged in. So could be travelling down the road and the truck and solar will be charging the batteries simultaneously unless I disconnect the solar panels. Think I could wire the solar leads to the NC contacts of the relay and eliminate the solar charging while on shore power and plugged to the truck?
So can you use this transfer in conjunction with my 50 amp shore power transfer switch and use inverter for 30 amp solar around it
Hi Brian...this may be exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I am concerned about is that I have both shorepower and a 4000w Onan generator. I have an existing transfer switch that changes between shore power and the generator. I am thinking of adding a watchdog surge protector after the original transfer switch and was wondering if I can connect the new 30A Go Power inverter transfer switch downstream of the surge protector. As you showed on your video, I would then connect the shorepower / generator wire to the primary input of the inverter transfer switch and the secondary input would connect to my inverter. The output wire would then continue to the battery charger (aka converter)...Please correct me if I am wrong. I want to make sure this would be possible to do. Also, I haven't added solar, but want to. The solar I install would most probably be portable for now (200w to 400w solar panels) and would not be installed on the roof...I would then run the charging wire to my battery bank (need to see how to connect it to my battery bank). Currently, I only have the two original Lead acid house batteries, since I just bought my Thor Vegas 24.1 motorhome less than 6 months ago, but I will eventually upgrade to lithium batteries...I would love to run my microwave, but I don't know if two lithium batteries would do the trick. I may have to upgrade to 4 lithium batteries just like you have. I apologize about the long reply, but I am new to RVing and just recently subscribed to your channel...I do love your channel and how you explain everything in detail and so well. Thank you again for allowing me to subscribe to your channel.
I'm in the same situation I put in 400 watt solar panels 2000 inverter Can I use this with my generator thank you I love your slept up
Excellent video. Really enjoy how you explain things at a level I can understand. It's it possible to run a similar transfer switch set up to a portable power station? Since I don't have a built in inverter system, I have an EcoFlow Delta Pro that I plan to use as my boondocking power system on my travel trailer. Thanks.
Yeah. It should work and switch to the EcoFlow when you power it on.
Interesting to see the transfer switch provides a fuse for the converter/charger. I was wondering if there was something to provide over current protection, since you’d have to take the existing breaker for the charger out of the circuit.
Using this method, do you have a way to auto shut off the inverter? Because even with no load they will be drawing power? I actually have purchased all the supplies to do your style with the older switch, but I found that the breaker's I wanted powered by the inverter, actually have other things like the microwave on the same circuit so I am trying to decide how I want to proceed.
We just turn the inverter off when not in use. We have a inverter remote panel just inside the door. Yeah. Each RV is a little different. You're correct to take a step back and think about it.
Nice piece of kit... But at $220 there is a huge premium you pay for that extra plug/fuse for the converter!... A simple rewiring and adding a plug & fuse to a basic $80 30amp transfer switch would be identical?...
Great video thanks so much! I'm set up about like you, but keeping my generator. Do I need to change those connection at all? Also my solar panels go to my controller then to same batteries. Will this create a problem?
Happy New Year!!
Brian, did this replace the electronic breaker set up in your 2017 video?
Yes. That relay is gone.
OK, everybody talks about the transfer switch. How do you connect an inverter when you were RV has a generator in it already and already has the front switch for power and generator
You'll leave the gen/shore transfer switch and add this one to the output of that one.
Will this work if your inverter had a 30amp connection?
Could I use this to trigger my inverter for an off grid system, so when it switches to grid power, it turns the inverter off so it won't drain my battery bank, then back on when they get up to voltage again?
If I have a Victron Inverter/Charger what do I do with the charger output?
Still confused about how to connect the my 12v appliances with the 12v solar AND the 12v converter from shore power. ie. If i'm on shore power, can I just run the 120ac/12vdc converter and use my 120v appliances and 12v appliances? and then when I"m boondocking use the 12v battery/inverter to do the same thing? can I just connect the 12v output from the converter into the 12v fuse block that's connected to the 12v solar batteries?
Your solar goes to solar charger then to batteries,
Your inverter is also connected to solar charger and running off the batteries that are hooked to it that it’s charging, your Rv is always going to run 12v off of the batteries solar or not. When on shore power your batteries will charge with converter and everything in Rv that’s 12v is still running off batteries and all your 120v is running off shore power. If you’re running off of solar and inverter you need to shut off converter so you don’t create a loop that’s what the transfer switch he’s showing does. You don’t need to wire anything to 12v fuse block it’s already wired that way. You can just plug shore power cord to inverter to use 120 and 12v but if you want it all to switch automatically when you plug into shore power that’s what this transfer switch does, plus it shuts off converter at the same time.
So recap solar to solar charger to batteries.
Solar charger to inverter, inverter to transfer switch. Shore power to transfer switch. Charger terminals in transfer switch to input side of converter.
Question: could you put in dc instead of ac on the transferswitch input you are using that isnt shore power. My rv brings in the dc from a truck and switches it off when ac is applied. Looking for something similiar
Another great video Brian - A great future install if I get to it. I did some checking on Amazon and found a Thor brand 30 amp transfer switch for only $80 but it's not prewired. It looks exactly like the one you just installed from Go Power or was it Progressive Dynamics? LOL
They are all pretty much the same I think with some tweaks added for the charger.
I have shore power and on-board gas generator already. I am adding 3000 watt inverter so I guess I need a transfer switch that take in THREE sources?
Sounds like too much thinking for that switch. You'll need two transfer switches or simply add a plug for the shore/gen input and move it manually.
Hey Brian, BIG fan...love your stuff. However, I needed more clarity on wiring the charger output female plug into the charger/converter. My problem is if I do like you suggest, how much juice will flow to my Lithium batteries? I put in a new PD converter/charger that has a special switch for Lithium batteries. This would be bypassed based on my understanding of your video. Please advise...may have not fully grasped what you did! Regards, Steve
Why does the battery charger have a plug? Wouldn't that need to be wired to the converter which charges the battery?
Hello, I have a question, does the automatic transfer have a delay? If I am using the inverter and the grid power returns, the transfer has a default delay
Brian I don’t know if you can answer this. I have a 50 amp shore power, 4000 watt single phase generator now. I am wanting to add a victron dual phase inverter charger. I have a transfer switch. How can I wire all three and make them work together? Thank you for all you do!
hey TITO, @4:45 what if my 1200 watts solar is going through charge controller then to inverter; can't the inverter go into PD4575 charger/converter also? not planning on shore power much at all. but i definitely want to use the 4-stage charger on the PD4575. you said not good for battery to charge battery but what about when they are getting solar charging like i explained? THX!
I'm sure this has been explained somewhere before, but what do you do if you have no inverter, and want to add one that will run through the current electrical system and cover all the AC outlets in your RV? Is there a 3 way transfer switch to use shore power/generator/inverter? I'm confused, but we want to install solar and an inverter that will allow us to use the existing wiring in our RV. I feel uneasy about getting rid of our generator. We have a 2017 Thor Chateau 28Z. We're looking to step up to another RV, but not right now. Thanks in advance.
What kind of charger do you use? I have been loving watching your videos, though my application is mobile art rather than an RV :)
I have a Progressive Dynamics converter/charger upgraded to charge my lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.
@@RVwithTito Would you have the model number of the charger? Thanks.
As always, awesome job Brian. I was thinking of simply using a manual transfer switch but when searching on YT, I see you're the "top of the pack." In my work career we used huge self-energized transfer switches (carrying 110KW) that operated under the same principle as your configuration. My only reluctance to do so is having a heavy load device running that our UPS/inverter/battery cannot handle for sustained periods - here's my concern...
You are using shore power from the pedestal on a cold night that is running your central heater. For whatever reason, during the night the shore power silently goes off but your inverter happily picks up the load as best it can. Of course, within a few hours (while you are sleeping) the batteries are depleted and the system shuts down. Do you foresee this scenario as a potential problem or have a mitigation strategy (such as a low power audio warning on your inverter/battery system? Many thanks and happy trails.
First of all, you certainly could go with a manual switch. Second, I don't leave my inverter running. I'll even shut it off at night. So if I were on shore power, my inverter would not be on.
@@RVwithTito Awesome - like Occam's Razor teaches us, always go with the simplest solution.
Brian, I'm trying to figure out if I need to turn the inverter off and on manually if the shore power is on, or if it's automatic. If both power sources are on (inverter and shore power), which will be prioritized? In other words, if the TS-30 is wired according to the diagram and both the inverter and shore power switches are on, will the RV's AC be automatically powered through the inverter or by the shore power? You help is appreciated.
I can't remember in this case. I'm guessing the inverter will take priority. It's easy to test with a multimeter.
Great video as usual, Brian. Thank you. I'm curious: Just what is the reason for the 20-40 sec delay built in to the transfer system? And why isn't the charger output line benefitting from it? If it's a power stability delay, then isn't there a chance "unstable" power is immediately being sent to the charging system before the "clunk"? Curious minds...
It probably is a stability delay. The charger is wired to the shore power input on the incoming side of the relay. If it were on the output side then it would also turn on when switched to the inverter which defeats the purpose. Hope that helps.
@@RVwithTito Thought so. Thanks, Brian. One more reason to have some power monitoring/protection on the input side of the RV's electronics. Dirty shore power would head straight to the charger.
Could you use the charger plug to also connect the AC so it only runs when on shore power? I don't want my AC to run when the transfer switch goes to the Inverter side.
yes but what do I do if the RV is designed to run the lights off the converter...ie if the converter is off theres no 12vin camper
When the converter is off your batteries should provide the 12v. Are you saying that when you're not connected to shore power your lights and other dc powered equipment don't work?
Hello Tito, one question and it may not has to do with your subject, but here we go. (50 amps) When I have my generator running with air conditioners on and I plug in my shore power at the campground, does my transfer switch should take over and switch to shore power? is 40 sec a standard on the transfer switch? I ask this, because when I plug in to shore power and I turn of the generators, by A/C's go off and I have to wait till the safety time turn them back on. I think i have to wait for the time to count down for the shore connection to take over. I think I am turning the Gen to soon. I hope I am making sense here. Great video as always!!!