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SkiSmuggs · 08-12-2014, 08:56 AM

For those who have added inverter outlets and install battery monitoring systems, how do you run wiring to your entertainment center or to where you place your monitoring system. It looks like a good area to place a monitoring system would be by the control panels at the stairs. Since the basement is below both the control panels and my entertainment system, it seems like much of the area is accessible, but how to get from the basement to the living area?
And since many inverters have regular 110v outlets on them, I assume I could use HD extension cords to wire to the outlet. I just don't want to cut a hole in my wall only to find I can't get wire to where I need it.

Walt Bennett · 08-12-2014, 09:27 AM

Sounds like you're not installing solar. A battery monitor can be installed just about anywhere as the wiring is small gauge. I'd go with a Trimetric in any case. Your inverter should really be as close to your batteries as possible because anything more than a few feet even with 10 gauge wire will cause voltage drop & loss. The AC output can be easily run with by the foot three conductor cable from a hardware store, but I'd think about putting a second outlet next to your original shore power one. The end that plugs into the inverter can have an appropriate plug from the same store. You could plug the entertainment system into either wall outlet as appropriate.

SkiSmuggs · 08-12-2014, 10:23 AM

Actually, I have a 100w portable solar panel by Renogy and am upgrading to dual Trojan 6-volt batteries this weekend, and plan to put an inverter in the basement adjacent to the battery compartment eventually. I am just curious as to how to run wire from it to the entertainment center, and the shunt wire from the battery compartment up to a battery monitor. I could solve that by putting the monitor in the basement, but that restricts the ability to monitor.

Walt Bennett · 08-12-2014, 10:57 AM

Here's photos of where I put the Trimetric on the inside wall next to the switch panel: Trimetric Install Slideshow by theonewaltben | Photobucket

This shows the completed install of my 3kw inverter, remote for it and Trimetric: Solar Install - Part 4 Slideshow by theonewaltben | Photobucket

My converter is separate from the AC panel and the panel was split for the two 30 amp legs off 50 amp service. I just interrupted the most appropriate leg and ran it to the inverter (it's actually a better charger than the converter), and the AC output back to the one leg of the panel. Didn't need a sub panel and I can run everything I need to off the inverter (or it passes through shore power). Only thing I've got to watch out for is to not have the ref. on AC when I'm running off inverted battery power.

You will almost certainly have to cut holes. Just do your best to be certain they're where you need them. A stud finder helps finding places not to cut, and there's always the odd 'fire break' horizontal piece of wood here and there.

jpharley · 08-12-2014, 08:12 PM

We added a sub panel and moved the outlets and the microwave circuits to the sub panel. The inverter panel is beside our other monitoring panels in a cabinet just inside the door of our 5th wheel. We did not have to run any wiring to the entertainment center since we moved the outlet circuits. We installed a PSW 2000 inverter and it is lots more than just putting in the inverter. There are fuses and about 5 other things to install along with the inverter including some really big battery cables.