How To AUTOMATICALLY Disconnect a Converter Charger When Using an Inverter
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- In this video I'll explain why and show you how I installed a switch to automatically disconnect my RV's converter charger when switching my inverter on. Unlike some RVs my Converter/Charger and Inverter are separate units. My system can now switch automatically like those fancy rigs. Are you wondering "what is a converter charger?" or "what does a converter charger do?" I'll explain that too.
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What Does the Converter/Charger Do? Why Disable it?
The purpose of the converter/charger unit in an RV is to generate 12 volt DC power from 120 volt AC power. The converter/charger is intended to be used only when the RV is connected to a steady 120 volt AC power source.
The converted DC power from the converter/charger is fed into the 12 volt distribution panel to power the 12 volt components in our RV. The charger component also monitors the state of charge of our RV battery bank and sends DC power to recharg them. This all comes from the converter/charger. And there is the problem. Did you figure it out?
THE PROBLEM
If the converter/charger is running while the inverter providing power to it, it will attempt to charge the batteries that are powering the inverter. You may want to read that again slowly if you’re scratching your head. The bottom line is that this condition cannot be allowed to happen. The converter/charger needs to be shut off when the inverter is running.
THE SOLUTION
As I suggested early on, my goal was to automatically switch off my converter/charger when my inverter is powered on. Here’s why.
With the converter/charger switched off, my inverter will provide AC power to all outlets and AC equipment that I choose to turn on. The battery bank will then provide DC power to both the inverter and all DC powered equipment. I simply want to take the converter/charger out of the loop, therefore, removing that dangerous loop.
Now to accomplish this, I needed an electronically controlled switch that could control power to the converter/charger. Under normal operating mode (when the inverter is not running) power to the converter/charger would be enabled (if connected to shore power or running my generator). When I turn the inverter on, 120 volt AC power from the inverter would activate the switch to disconnect power from converter/charger.
What If Your RV Doesn't Have a Stand Alone Converter/Charger?
Not all RVs have a separate converter/charger unit. In larger class-A RVs the converter/charger function may be embedded into a larger piece of equipment that might also include an inverter, transfer switch. Those units usually include automatic switching between components eliminating the need for my type of setup.
This video also address these topics:
What does a rv converter charger do?
What is a rv converter charger?
How to bypass rv converter charger with inverter charger?
How to install rv inverter?
How does my rv inverter work?
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Update: Here's a minor correction to my installation diagram/drawing. The contactor switch location should be on the converter charger side of the circuit breaker. I just noticed this error after publishing the video. Oops...late night drawing.
You recommended a Samlex 2000w pure sine wave inverter. They make 2 models, the cheaper one comes with a remote switch but the reviews say the fan is very loud. The better model (pro) cost twice as much but is much quieter and the remote switch is extra. Which one do you recommend?
just curious, what difference does it make if the contacter is before. It would cancel the power to the breaker wich is the samething as closing the breaker manuallye, before or after is the same result. What am I missing?
I'm not too slow, but I will have to watch this 2-3 more times to get it down... THANKS for doing this! :)
Do you have a new diagram ?
Y this was 5th grade😂 Now I bought it n don’t know what to do with it bahahha
A great idea and very nice installation. However, there is an improvement you could make. When on inverter power you want to conserve as much power as possible. Currently your inverter energizes the contactor coil, which draws itself draws a fair amount of current (you will notice a contactor is warm when energized due to the coil producing heat). Instead, reverse the operation. Have shore power energize the contactor, which in turn would energize the converter. When not on shore power, the contactor would then open. In other words reverse what powers the contactor coil, and use the opposite NO/NC contacts that you are using now.
This is the better method, otherwise as you stated, the inverter has to power the relay thereby using battery power. Conserve your DC voltage.
The only problem with that setup is when you're running the generator, the converter wouldn't charge your batteries.
This is a great suggestion. What I am planning to do is use shore power to power the coil like you suggest and then use the three main contacts to disable the converter and both air conditioners so the air conditioners don't come on when the inverter is running and overload it.
@@georgetownfun3588 great idea!
Shouldn't the Converter Charger work as normal in the current configuration or did you mean if wired opposite?
Cannot tell you how many times we said "Brilliant" out loud while watching this. Really, really awesome project, Brian! It's videos like this that help so many RVers improve their lives, and we can't tell you how pleased we are to tell people about the quality of your channel. To answer your final question.... we were there right to the end for laughs like that final moment provided! But our favorite part was when you inhaled the helium before reading the disclaimers. ;-)
I usually keep a little bit of helium in the garage for moments like those :) Thanks for the great support, feedback and for letting me pick your brain about your inverter/charger a while back. That definitely helped me explain how my system is different from an inverter/charger setup like yours.
4*Sure~Again ...
More Great Editing!
Hi Brian, Wonderful videos, thanks for all of these! I have a very similar setup except - I ELIMINATED that second relay by simply hooking up the charger to the Generator/Shore terminal of the transfer switch. In other words, the battery charger only works when there is generator/shore power present. It will be off at all other times (when inverter running and no shore/generator power present). Keep those vids coming!
Glad I found your comment. I recently left my converter/charger on while my inverter was on and completely drained my battery bank. I hope I didn't damage anything. Now I can rewire my transfer switch so this won't happen again.
😊
Yea, I think I will do it this way because I plan to install a transfer switch soon. I am going to add 400 watts of solar, which is coltrolled by my current DC-DC charge controller with two lithium batteries, which will then power the inverter I want. But the back feed of the inverter power into the converter had me concerend. I'm glad the solution is so simple. I was originally thinking of just shutting the breaker off, but that could lead to mistakes if the wife, kids, or future owners are not aware.
One of the best videos I have seen. I didn't realize the inverter circuit breaker just disabled the charger part of the unit. So simple
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Thanks for this video. I did the same exact thing and it works perfect. No more worry about turning the converter on or off!
I knew there had to be a better way than having to switch between the converter and inverter. The distribution panel in my 2021 Grand Design does not even have a separate breaker for the converter! I'm installing 800 watts of solar and a 3000watt Renogy Invertor, and was planning on having to feed the Inverter A/C into the 50 amp drop cord, from the front cargo bay (where my system will be, all the way to the rear of the camper where the 50amp connector is at. WoW ! This is like the Best Video that I've seen in all my research so far. And the amount of time and effort that you put into creating the visual aids... Thank you!
Haven't thought it out completely but I think I would use the other set of contacts the NO set basically set it up backward to how you do it. With shore power connected the relay is pulled and the converter is powered. You have added the load of that contactor/relay that must be powered by the batteries when you could have it powered by the shore power which you have plenty of.
Another winner! Tito, my solution was just a bit different. I never went through the process of powering my load center directly with the inverter as you did for that exact reason. I figured I might not be the one that's turning it on and didn't want to risk a misunderstood label from that most helpful (still don't have and using masking tape) label maker. The inverter has a 2 plug GFCI. I could send 120 volt power for 2 circuits easily to the rear of the trailer near the load center. All the AC outlets for me are on 2 circuit breakers, 15 amp. I installed a Xantrex 15 amp transfer switch for each at the load center area. They're automatic like yours but the process for me switches the the load from one line to another for each, different from yours where you cut the line from a load. The ac and converter are out and the microwave and refrigerator are in, so I still need to switch the refrigerator to the gas only setting. Beyond that, I'm good to go. When I was doing the set up I really thought that I should be doing a vid but just couldn't bring myself to do it. After, I was so happy with the setup I wish I had. I offered this just because it was a different take on the same problem not because it was better so I hope you and your viewers are okay with it. Thanks for the good vids Tito.
Yeah. I looked into that Xantrex transfer switch, but determined that it wouldn't work for me and went with the contactor approach. Glad to hear that your setup is working great for you. Nice job.
I am a HVAC technician. We always use the normally Close side to power, a blower in heating mode. We use the inactive state of a relay to close critical circuits when the heating element is energize. The blower and the heating element needs to be energized at the same time to prevent a fire. We use the inactive side of the relay to ensure that the blower is energize during heating mode. you would use the inactive side of the relay normally open when the inverter is operating this would deactivate the charger without using battery power. You would close the relay using generator or shore power because you have unlimited power.
I use the 100W 12V flexible PV panels, much cheaper.
I store them in the basement and only use them when not on shore power.
I installed an external cable gland with MC4 connectors. Works great.
I hardly use the 120VAC from the inverter, but the charge controller keeps the batteries topped off nicely.
Since you have extra contacts on your contactor, you could use one of the contacts to turn off battery power to the inverter when on shore power.
You can even use another relay to switch to a redundant backup inverter if the first one craps out.
I would use a 3000W inverter because they are only good for half-load when used long term.
We are still here because we don't want to miss anything☺! Thanks for sharing youda man
Haha. Thanks for sticking around.
Great vid Brian. Just installed a 3000w inverter and worried about remembering to trip the conv. Breaker each time. Just happen to have a 30A relay and will install itvnext. Thanks so much☺
Glad it helped
This was a very good video.
The additional thing I did was added the Airconditioning so that if it was accidentally left on when the Inverter was started it would turn it off. I all so found a better and much smaller 30 AMP connector with 2 NO or NC .
Schindler's electric part number
92S11A22D-120
Thanks for the recommendation!
My 3000 watt inverter is setup with a automatic switch also and works great when I forget to turn off the invert when I plug in
Cool. That's pretty handy.
My chosen setup is much like yours but my converter will never create a loop because I will be using a separate battery bank, solar panel and charge controller for DC loads. (430Ah for Inverter and 224Ah for DC). So in my case the first battery bank and inverter powers the AC to the coach and the converter which would then normally charge the second battery bank. I don't want the converter charging the second battery bank (it has it own solar) and I still want to shut off the converter to avoid inefficiency even though it can never loop back. This is a great visual representation of the rough idea in my head as to how I thought I could shut the converter off and you saved me a lot of planning. Thanks for the timely video and detailed process, this is the path I will take.
Glad it helped you out. Good luck with your project.
RVwithTito thanks so much!
I love the video and have watched it several times but can't seem to get the specific details I'm looking for. How did you wire each post of the relay? Inputs? Outputs? I would love to make this upgrade happen soon but not until I am comfortable with my understanding of it.
Here's more info and other options that may help: www.rvwithtito.com/articles/how-to-bypass-converter-charger-automatically
Great video! We've been slowly learning about all the systems these RV's have, but the electrical system and how each part works together has remained a mystery. We have a sizable solar array to install later this summer (if we can find enough roof space) but knowing how the inverter and battery charger will play together is critical. Thanks for shedding some light!
Glad to be the source of a little light.
Great video Brian! This really help me understand a few things that were not quite clear. When I had someone installed my solar it came with a gopower transfer switch that has been working great. Now I understand what they did on the wiring with it. Thank you again for another great educational video.
Hey there Jorge. Hope you guys are doing well.
Man this is exactly what I need to setup in my Camper. I need to save this video for later reference!
Thanks for the info. I'll have to think about this for a while. My bookmobile had a massive generator, 50 amp shore power and a leak from the emergency hatch over the power panel and manual transfer switch. Replaced the panel and breakers, now looking for a switch solution and something to add solar later.
You do a wonderful job showing & explaining things. Thank you. With that said, I am probably the most ignorant person when it comes to that type of wiring. So...I would probably have to get someone to do that install.
Yeah. I realized while making the video that most folks won't do this kind of thing. But I figured it might still be interesting for most. It was actually a hard thing to explain without knowing who's watching. I'm glad you got something out of it. Thanks for the feedback.
Excellent the way of you explain all. For dummies. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Just posted a new video on this topic today. check it out.
Great project! I have a few ideas for you -
1) the extension cords you used are not 'shielded', just jacketed. Shielding is done with a metallic liner, either foil or braided.
2) 16 gauge wire should never be protected with a 15A breaker. It is only good for 8A continuous and should be on a 10A breaker. Remember the breaker is only there to prevent the wire from catching on fire.
3) Hopefully you powered the coil of the contactor with AC from shore or generator. If you used the inverter generated AC, it is another continuous load on your batteries that could be eliminated.
Thanks for the feedback. You're right...cords are jacketed, not shielded. Also, the 16 gauge wire is not connected to the 15A breaker. Those cords are only used to trigger the switch and provide a tiny bit of AC power back to the indicator LED light. Only the converter power circuit (wired with romex) goes through the breaker. Finally, the contactor is powered by the inverter AC. The whole point of this mod is to have the inverter switch off the converter when NOT on generator or shore power. I'll have to measure exactly what the load is, if any on my batteries. I have a battery monitor that tracks amps drawn from the batteries. My inverter draws roughly 2 amps @ 12v with nothing else running. I haven't noticed any additional draw now that it's switching the contactor as well. I'll keep an eye on it though. Thanks.
I was also wondering about whether the contactor draws power and if so, how much. I'd be interested in if you have any updates now that it's been about a year.
Hey Tito, I added a 3000w inverter to my 5thwheel. It has a 30 amp plug on it. I plug my rv 30 amp service cord into the inverter. I have a kill switch for my battery bank so when I turn the switch off the juice does not go into the battery bank from the inverter supplying power throughout the 5thwheel. The inverter is direct wired only to the battery bank. So I can by- pass charging the battery bank through inverter. I use solar for my charging source. I dont us a generator but your system is a great idea. thks for sharing
Thanks so much. How do 12 volt DC modules work when CONVERTER is turned off and INVERTER is connected to main power inlet to power the entire coach? This is my main concern in setting up such a system. You are the best help I have found and I greatly appreciate your RUclips channel.
Your battery bank powers your 12V equipment with the converter off. Both the converter and batteries are wired to your DC panel. When the converter is on it provides DC power and charges the batteries. When off then DC current flows from the batteries instead.
@@RVwithTito Deeply appreciate your response. One other detail where my system differs from yours. My panel does NOT have a breaker for the converter/charger so there is no way to turn it off manually. Also more difficult to locate the wire to go into the switch. If I can identify the wire going OUT to the batteries from the converter/charger can I install either a manual switch or the switch which you have used? I think I can, but looking for a bit of assurance.
You'll want to put a switch on the wire between the breaker (whichever one) and converter/charger and not to the batteries.
@@RVwithTito Thank you for your patience with an old man trying to learn new tricks. My panel does NOT have a breaker for the converter/charger. I just talked with a service tech at the manufacturer and he confirmed that there is NO breaker for the converter/charger. So, just to be sure, where could I install a switch to turn off the converter/charger. I am assuming that there has to be a wire coming out of the panel (even though there is no breaker) leading to the batteries. Would it be that wire coming OUT of the panel leading to the batteries? I am getting closer to solving this riddle or giving up altogether.
I should have said "leading to the converter then to the batteries" not just "leading to the batteries".
We just got a Motorhome and this is something I'd like to do. The relay confuses me some but I like the idea of not having to remember to flip breakers and unplug cords.
Thanks Brian, I have a 25 foot airstream that as a additional 30 amp shore power hook up on the front and I am really interested in the ienergy Kodiak solar generator it also has a 30 amp RV receptacle so I can connect a Dog bone to it. I like your stop switch to the converter, I saw one with 2 stop switches that it could also shut the Air conditioning off at the breaker, thanks again for all your help
Awesome. Thanks Mike!
You would have made a great high school Shop Class teacher! Thank you for all the instructive videos!!!
cool setup bud! currently have the same shorepower/inveterter setup and worried about the wife forgetting to throw the breaker, thanks for the vid!
Hey no problem. Glad to help.
Great video and project. I wanted to this exact thing and now have a good example! Thank you for sharing!
Your very welcome. I also did a video on a transfer switch replacement that makes this a bit easier. That's what I'm using now.
👍👍 Excellent video...learned a lot! The amount of work you put into this project and making this video really shows...man, you got some talent. Thanks for the shout-out too!
Thanks Chris for the feedback! Thanks again for the sticker.
You're having too much fun with this project...Love your excitement when all went well. Great tutorial and very happy for your success! Subscribed 😉
Thanks Brian. Glad you subscribed. It's pretty exciting when something works as planned :)
Amazing information for a novice like me that is preparing to bite off a chunk that may be bigger than he can swallow. Small chunks...small chunks...
If you start your generator and don’t turn off your inverter then your batteries will not charge is this correct? Thanks for the great video
Those wire connectors are awesome, thanks for sharing.
+Robert Edwards Agreed. I'll never go back.
That's a nice little gadget! Personally I'm about to install a 2 position on-on toggle switch to flip between shore and inverter power. In my option a simpler/cheaper solution. Only difference is it won't turn my inverter on right away, but I don't mind since I don't want it running all the time anyway.
That's fine if you don't have a charger in the picture
Great videos Tito, now I think I can do this been researching how to for a while now... motivated now!!! Thanks for your videos.....
Awesome. Good luck. I had been thinking about it for quite a while before taking it on. It's been working flawlessly by the way.
Very good video. I have a much better understanding of the roles the inverter and converter play.
Great to hear. Thanks for the feedback!
Love it! Quick question. Do you have 2 sets of wires coming off you inverter now? One set that heads to the transfer switch as normal. Then the other set heading to the relay switch? Essentially making the relay switch just a fancy automatic on off switch?
My apologies if this is a dumb questions. Still wrapping my head around all this fun stuff. thanks!
Theres just one AC output from the inverter to transfer switch. The relay I installed before was removed. Here's a video that may help. ruclips.net/video/iASOOzUCRto/видео.html
@@RVwithTito thanks! I don’t think I worded my quark on properly.
On the inverter terminal, do you have 2 sets up wires? One set wires to the battery and the other set to the relay switch?
@@tmo7984 Yes. DC power in from battery, and AC power out to the transfer switch.
Great video. But I must be missing something. Why wouldn't a simple double pole - double throw switch accomplish the same results?
Looks like yes, they could achieve the same result.
Brian
Since you have a Genset and shore power, you probably have a transfer switch to direct them,
If so, just add a 2nd xfer sw.. (Google "Lyght")
!st switch is Gen/Shore, 2nd sw is GenShore/Inverter.
Power the Inverter input with the output of 1st switch (move lead from Conv breaker to output of 1st xfer sw)
Voila, no power to Conv when on Inverter. (Unless you are running Gen or Shore also which is ok to power Converter in that case.)
AND you no longer need to patch the Inverter Output into the Shore line Plug.
Automatic transfer to inverter AND kill power to Charger... woohoo
Awesome!!! That was the last piece to my upgrade plans! Thanks Brian!
I've been looking everywhere for how to do this! Thank you!
Tito. I liked what you did but don't have the skills to do it. I am not real savey but wanted to run an option by you. I don't think I have a switch on my power supply box in the camper that I can use to turn off the converter. I am assuming that I have a wire coming into the batteries from the converter and I also assume I have a wire going from the batteries to the power supply box that includes the converter. Can I install a cutoff switch on the wire from the converter to the battery to stop the "looping' from happening? I figure if I put that converter cutoff switch by the inverter switch and both switches are in the same place by the batteries I will remember to turn off the converter when I turn on the inverter. Not elegant but I think it should work. What do you think?
Hello I had the same exact problem and I found the least expensive and most reliable solution was to remove the AC feed for the converter/charger from the AC distribution panel and wire it directly to the hot AC wire coming from the remote or external AC source at the transfer switch. I added an inline 15amp fuse into the Converter/charger AC feed wire to act inplace of the 15amp breaker I disconnected it from. No extra relays are required.
Thanks for this. I recently left my converter/charger on while the inverter was running and drained my battery bank. Thanks again for explaining what I need to do.
Is a 15A fuse really necessary?
This would not work the same as Tito was using the shore power connection to energize the whole RV. Your solution would work as long as you are wiring the panel to your inverter directly.
Brain, again, another awesome video. Until I watched this one it would have never dawned on me that I am doing it all wrong :-) I have a Thor Siesta and when I purchased it I had the dealer install a Xantrek Pro Inverter. They never said anything about throwing the converter switch when running the inverter. I am assuming that I should probably do this mod. Thanks again
I must admit, your way looks more fun. Keep up the great videos. Thank you.
Well done Brian and thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome!
Hey Brian, I really appreciate your hard work shown in these videos. YOU are my go to guy! I watched this a few years ago and now again because I'm facing the very same issue with our new (to us) 32ft Class c and the installation of our new Xantrex 3000 watt inverter. I was wondering though, can't I simply remove the converter from the the coach breaker box and connect it through a separate small breaker box to the output of the existing transfer switch? This way it would only be powered when either shore power or the generator was on.
Ha! Found the comment :) Hope you got my email. Cheers.
I need to do this. Could you please explain how you did it?
"...especially if you don't know what you're doing." Hahahahahaaa! Like that's ever stopped 'em before.
Great video & a great way to prevent a "D'Oh!" event.
Gotta point out the obvious some times to protect us from ourselves and the scrutiny of our spouse :)
I installed a setup based on your idea. It is installed in my travel trailer. It works very well except when I run my microwave. I have 4 Battle Born batteries in parallel, a 3500 watt max/9000 watt surge inverter with a remote start button. I am using 1/0 wire with a maximum length of 16 inches of one section of wire. I have a 150 amp push button breaker and 200 amp fuse. The microwave uses approximately 125-128 amps(at dc side, of course). The transfer switch transfers BACK to shore power after 50 seconds or so , therefore interrupting the ac power when I run the microwave. My air conditioner runs about 60ish amps and no problem there with transfer switch.The voltage of the batteries never drops below 13.0 volts and the voltage coming into the transfer switch is 119-120 volt ac from the inverter so I am not getting excessive voltage drop. I am stumped. I want to have some use of my microwave:(
Hey Tito........Instead of running from the inverter to the RV's 30A shorepower plug, would there be any problem with running it instead from one outlet of the inverter to the main AC bus in the AC breaker side of my converter/charger panel, and then use the second AC outlet of my inverter to wire up the contactor as you show here? (my 30A shorepower plug is on the other side of my RV from my batteries and the space I can use to mount the inverter). Also, I suspect that I will need to use 10ga wire to run from the inverter to the buss (about 8'). Would that be correct?
Nice job! Need to do something like this for our setup!
I've got a new transfer switch from GoPower that essentially does the same thing. I'll be installing that soon (have had it for months). Look for the video. Until then you can check it out here: amzn.to/2L8VddJ
The whole thing could have been a little simpler by using a combo inverter/charger and do away with the converter altogether. When plugged into shore power, the unit goes into charging mode. When shore power removed, it goes into inverting mode. I have been using these combo units for many years. Why try and reinvent the wheel? All the work has been done already and in contained in one box. Unlike many converter chargers, dedicated inverter/charger units have mult phase charging algorithms that do a much better job at charging batteries.
Well, there is the downside that a combined inverter/charger is a lot more expensive and bulkier than a pure inverter, especially when you've already got a perfectly fine charger that came with the rig. In my case, I don't have the space under the fridge for a combined unit to fit in where the charger is today. And my charger does have a multi-phase charging, although with my lithium batteries I've disabled that for a fixed 14.4v output.
I'll mention that I wired my ATS completely different, so that generator and short power has priority, and cuts out the inverter.
You can use the contactor as an ATS and kill the converter/charger. Shore power applies to A1 (hot) and A2 (neutral) as well as 13 (jumper) to activate coil. Pin 14 goes to house hot. Inverter power hot goes to pin 21 and pin 22 goes to house power. I used the L1 downstream of the circuit breaker and T1 feeding the DC converter. Hope this helps someone else!
My contactor has this buzz sound which only buzzes when connected to shore power. The inverter being on NC means it's default, but switches off (open) when shore power is applied closing the gates, as well as flipping inverter source off and closing NO, as well as T1, T2, and T3 closing gaps to L1, L2, L3 respectively. I might add the water heater to T2/L2 so it doesn't run off inverter too.
Hello, Great videos, I watch you every day for all you not only suggest, but also for where you go on your RV trips. All fantastic. I plan on using a Inverter/Smart Converter by Go Power and eliminate the converter that came with my RV. What would be the suggested wiring sequence to use a power transfer switch where Shore Power when plugged in is the first source used by the RV. Generator when running is the second used and Solar Inverter is the third source of AC power. Are there transfer switched available pre wired for this type of setup?
Brian, couldn't you just disconnect the converter from the distribution panel and wire it to the transfer switch on the shore power side? would this take the converter out of the loop when using the Inverter?
Yes. That's basically what I'm doing now with a different transfer switch. Check out this more recent video: ruclips.net/video/iASOOzUCRto/видео.html
@@RVwithTito This is my question too, but I think Dan's question is a little more specific. Why is a more sophisticated transfer switch (with charger output) even required in the first place. If you do what Dan said, the power convereter would only receive power if shore power (or generator power) was available without any additional components.
13:48 5/24/24. Just wanted to let you know something important about this video. I just installed a Renogy 2000W inverter. The contactor does not work wired like you have it. I tried over and over with no luck. I believe it is because my inverter has UPS, and probably related, it has capacitors on all terminals. So with the contactor powered by the inverter plug in, it would not release completely. I’m gonna wire the contactor in between the Shore power and the inverter and change the charger to the NO terminals.
Sorry Mike, but I don't have a quick answer for you on this and haven't had this setup for a few years now. Are you sure the Renogy 2000W inverter has a UPS mode?
Thanks for replying Brian. I enjoy your videos. You do a great job.
I had a couple of pics from my manual that showed it had UPS and capacitors but couldn’t figure how to upload them.
I think I have it figured out how to use the contactor by using the NO instead the NC poles. Also I am gonna incorporate my air conditioner on one of the other NO poles to also disable it while on the inverter. 0:03
FaN*TaSTiC!
💖 All your VideoS!
Most I watched on this subject left me still confused of differences ...
Thanks 4 the Clarity🖒
✌🙏4
💔 🇺🇸
Hi M Tito. Dou you have a new plan with a good place to put a a switch. Excuse me for my english, i speak french. Thank you !
Great Info, Love your videos.
Will I need to use this or similar circuit to disconnect a Renogy DC-DC battery charger when I light off my Oman generator? RV a Fleetwood Southwind.
This video will come in handy in the near future. Thanks for sharing. How long did it take to clean up the shop for your video? Wish mine was that clean.
Glad it helped. Shop took 8 minutes to clean up :)
I live in a campground I am getting trouble with someone answering me I have plenty of a.c. why can't I eliminate the converter and go battery on my dc side with solar chargers
When you’re using your inverter, you wired the circuit through the normally open side of a relay. No battery power is being used to power the relay and the circuit is open to the battery charger, no charging takes place. When you switch to generator power or shore power You have unlimited power so you power the relay to close the circuit and activate the charger to charge the battery. You are now powering the relay using shore power instead of battery power.
When you turn off the converter/charger do you lose power to the 12v lights and other 12v things?
The batteries continue to provide 12v DC to the panel.
Great video. As always, well taught and with great quality all around. Couple questions for ya. It's a bit hard to see but is it safe to assume you took the hot as well as the neutral and ground from the converter to wire inline with this contactor? Also, are A1 and A2 interchangeable? I noticed the neutral from the converter was in A2 in your shop test but it appears to be the hot from the generator in A2 in your RV. It also looks like the neutral from the generator plug is in A1 in your RV. Thanks again for a great video.
Brian: so here's the question I have...if you turn off the charger converter, and you run directly off your inverter, what powers the 12volt things in the rig like the lights, and other such appliances?
House batteries are also connected directly to the DC panel to power those things.
@@RVwithTito ah, that makes sense now. Thanks for the reply. Hope to see you out here in northwest boondocking.
Another great video, thanks.
Can this be accomplished by simply having a multi-throw transfer switch?
Great idea! Good clear video too. Still working fine, I assume.
How do you like your Samlex inverter? What size do you have and how is phantom power draw?? Need one for little Micro Minnie winnie.
Great video Brian! I do have a question for you though, I have the exact same setup in my trailer as you do with my shoreline plugged into the inverter and having to switch off the converter at the breaker. My question is that when I do this and turn on the inverter I am getting a humming/buzzing noise coming from the converter. Have you experienced this with your setup? Thanks
Are you getting the buzzing with the breaker for the converter OFF?
yes
Besides those clip on connectors, what are he weakest elements in this set up? I ask for future diagnostic - troubleshooting, should there be a need to.
Will do. Those clip on Wago connectors are pretty solid. I love those. Neverhteless, I did wrap them in electrical tape before buttoning things up. I'll keep you posted.
I actually used a bunch of those installing hihats in my kitchen (in a house, not an RV) and I actually was a little concerned when i had an occasional flash because, compared to twisting the wires together and nutting them, that little point of contact is a pretty high resistance point, I would think. I mean, obviously they are UL rated and everything so i'm sure it's fine, it just made me think.
THANK YOU!!!!!! after seeing your video the light bulb came on. I have been planning this same type inverter setup for close to a month. My problem is that my generator is not big enough to run a hair dryer. I will be installing a xantrax sw2000 inverter which can run the hair dryer. I love the idea of the transfer/relay switch idea. it takes the problem of switching my converter off.question for you. have you ever tried running or ever heard of anyone using a 12volt generator through a solar charge controller to charge their battery bank?
+Glenn Sikes Glad you found this helpful glen. If your using a generator, you'll want to connect it to a battery charger and not through the solar charge controller. That's a farely common practice as a backup to solar. Some portable gerators have a battery charger mode. Good luck.
Just a thought, I don’t think it’s a good idea to run your generator and your inverter at the same time, how do you. Keep the generator from crossing into the inverter output power
Automatic transfer switch handles it.
Really like this idea but I'm a little confused on your wiring. Do you have a wiring diagram for that contactor switch?
Hi … at the moment, I’m not exactly sure how to ask this question. I’m in research mode for a van build. I will have solar on the roof, connected through a (input) solar charge controller that is supplies power (output) to the battery bank with a fuse box (output) to the rest of my DC appliances. To power a coffee maker or similar A/C household appliance, I will have an inverter (input) connected to the same battery bank. From the inverter’s A/C outlet (output) I will have a power strip to extend connections for two or three household A/C receptacles. The question: to include shore power into the mix, to charge the battery bank and take over the powering of the A/C receptacles am I looking for a smart converter/inverter that can switch automatically when plugged into shore power or am I looking for a manual method that bypasses the inverter?
When you manually disconnect the converter or install this auto switch, don't you still lose the ac to your outlets even when you plug your rv into the inverter? I plugged my RV into the house power or shore power and when i hit the breaker for the converter to shut off so does my outlets and microwave. Please advise me. Your video was awesome but as most it never shows how the RV is still operating normal besides the 12 volt side. Thank you in advance
Not every RV is wired the same. You're converter is probably wired in differently than mine.
Hi, just wanted to let you know that I did the same install for my travel trailer based on your video. I have not received the inverter yet (on the way) but I did install the wiring to the inverter and the relay as per your video. My inverter will be hard wired. So to simulate power from that end I plugged that wire to a plug from my house and to simulate power from the other side I plug the house line to the shore power plug. I have a manual transfer switch right under my converter box so I can chose shore or inverter. The system works great except for one curious detail... when the switch is in shore position I have normal power and the converter is powered. I confirm this by putting a voltmeter on my battery and see the 13;5 volts. Power off, voltage back to 12.7. Now I put the switch to the inverter side and when I check the battery I still have only 12.7 meaning the converter did not kick in. Another obvious sign is that I can hear the converter fan cycle when it is first powered up. However I never physically hear the relay kick on and off, even if I have my hand on it I cannot feel the relay kick on or off. The whole thing works perfectly except for the strange fact that the relay is completely silent. In your video it has an obvious click to it. Any thoughts?
hi brian,great video,will this setup work with 50 amp shore power as well?
Yeah it should. You're converter/charger still runs on 120VAC and will be on one of two 120V legs of your 50 amp service.
a little confused. If i have a charger that's only attached to batteries (ie, it's not connected to an AC panel), I can still run the converter which would be charging the batteries while I'm using the inverter (connected to my batteriers) to power 110v plugs. Is that correct? Thanks for the great videos!
Ao how would i do this well not even concerned about automatic switch but trying to wire my inverter to my motorhome that has a wfco 8955 fuse panel with 3 stage converter.
I have a bluetti and I want to power my rv with it and avoid charging my normal house batteries with it. would this switch do that for me? thanks.
That's right, the RV will be charging your house batteries from the Bluetti. If you can't manually turn off the charger, then you'll need a setup similar to this.
Great video and project (as always). So a slight twist... I have an inverter charger with transfer switch. So I am wiring the output to the PD panel input to run everything. But, this implies I would have my inverter charger and converter charger both running when on short power. If my logic is right this shouldn't make a difference but thought I would get your expert opinion. Do you think that would be an issue?
That's the loop to avoid. The inverter is running which powers the charger which charges the batteries which feeds the inverter which... etc
Are you sure that the auxiliary NC contact you are using is rated for the 15A+ you might pass through it before the breaker trips? The main NO contacts are 30A, but usually the auxiliaries are rated much lower as they are for control monitoring, not power isolation.
Ha. Made me look. Yes. I'm good. 30A on the top contacts, and 50A on the bottom ones. I still have to box it came it. There are certainly ones not rated as high though.
Good news, then. The amazon page did not list the auxiliary contact rating anywhere I could find. I am enjoying your channel and your common-sense approach to rv additions as I am outfitting my new fifth wheel in anticipation of retirement in a couple of years. Keep up the great work!
cool idea - super execution!
Hey thanks!
Im planning to put up 1300 w of solar, 150 a mppt charger, 3000 w inverter and 3 battleborn batteries, and use it like a generator and plug in my shorepower into it. During sun hours everything in the rv will be powered and however long the batteries will go.
How has it held up?
Hello Dears. Why you don`t use a Victron Energy Multiplus or a ClaytonPower Combi? There is all inside what you need. Inverter, Charger, Switch and also a Ground Relais for the RCD. So i think this is more easy and cheaper? You also can use a Quattro of Victorn Energy. In this you also can connect a Generator and a Grid together. There is all inside.
Perhaps that's something to consider in the future. This fix was < $50.
Tito, great video. I saw on your drawing a xfer switch between your inverter and generator input. Did you install that or did it come with the trailer?
The transfer switch came with the RV to switch between shore and generator AC power.
Hi Tito, This has been a question in my mind how I could achieve what you are doing to switch of the converter automatically when I power up the Inverter, I ordered and have received the relay disconnect and the box, but could you make a little line schematic so I can be sure of getting it right, I would really appreciate it. Thanks Gene C.
One more Contactor and you have yourself an auto transfer switch for your main pigtail. No more plugging and unpluging. Just make sure the main contacts are rated for it.
Nice vid! What are those little wire connectors you use? They look very easy to use.
They are Wago lever connectors and they are awesome. I have a link to them in the description.
I LOVE those connectors. I created a entire wiring harness in minutes using these instead of solding. 😉
Great project and very informative. With the Inverter commanding the converter/charger off (to eliminate the charging loop) would all your 12 volt appliances then not be operational while using the inverter?
When the converter is not powered, you get your 12v power from the batteries.
I flipped the breaker to my converter when I was connected to my solar.. this seem to cause me to have problems with power? So I flipped it back on? Does anyone know the problem? I have a separate battery bank from my rv but same principle.. off grid solar powered living in my rv untill my hosue is finished
So simply saying when I hook up my generator/inverter to my rv I need to turn off my converter?
Hello, I installed this on my RV and it is working perfectly. I noticed a comment about switching the wires around so the AC will power the switch. My concern is when I start the generator or plug into shore power will it affect the transfer switch. Sounds like a good idea. Have you tried to switch the wires. God Bless...
Glad to hear it's working for you. Havent tried switching it. Working good now for me. I plug my shore power cord into my inverter so there's no way to also be on both.
I was wondering when you plug into your inverter like me if I want to start the generator the transfer switch automatically switches to the generator and shuts off the inverter / shore power. Does yours work that way?
Yes. Mine works the same. The transfer switch toggles between generator and shore power. The automatic relay for the converter stays disconnected as long as the inverter is running. So to have the generator and converter running at the same time, I would simply turn off the inverter. This never really occurs in my situation though since I almost never use my generator anymore. I'm either on shore power or inverter. In both cases, I'm providing power through my shore power cord. So the RV always thinks it's on shore power.
Thank you by the way I am enjoying the videos, God Bless...
I just got a converter and am installing it tomorrow. I don't have any AC box and just run a few things director off the inverter's AC plugs. Can I safely connect the converter to shore power (110VAC 15A) and also use my inverter at the same time?
I don't see why you would need to but, in theory, it should work as you described. I'd try it and see how your converter behaves as your inverter draws power from your batteries. I believe the converter will think the batteries need charging if the voltage gets drawn down below float level and then bring more current in from the shore power.
Thank you!
do you have a video of the original way you had the inverter setup? meaning when you still had to turn off the converter prior to turning on the inverter. I am assuming i can plug my 30 amp directly to the inverter, but have to remember to turn off the converter 1st. I believe that is what you are saying in the beginning of the video. Sorry, i am new to installing an inverter in my RV, i wanted the most simplest way such as connecting that 30 amp to th inverter. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
What I did was to wire an AC cable that plugged in to the inverter out. The other end goes to a 30A service receptacle I mounted in the shore power cable compartment. Then I could plug the shore power cable into that 30A receptacle when I wanted to be powered by inverter. You will need to turn off breakers in your AC panel that you dont want enabled while on inverter power (like the converter). Hope that helps. I have an old video somewhere that shows this but I cant find it 🤪
Hey I am studying and trying to learn about solar and batteries