Testing my inverter...

fansill · 05-12-2011, 05:41 PM

Good Evening All,

We are heading out camping this weekend and hubby wants to run all systems just like we were boondocking to assure that when we go to Nascar races later this summer, we will be assured that it all works. I have already run the gennie, and I know that the water pumps work. The propane water heater works as well as the electric heat on generator. The only thing left to check is the inverter. Since the campground that we will be in has electric do I physically unplug the electric from shore power in order to test the inverter? And also, can I run the gennie while it is plugged in to shore power? I do not want to fry anything...

Thanks for your assistance.

Faith

GaryKD · 05-12-2011, 05:54 PM

Hi fansill,
For either of your questions, one does not need to be physically disconnected from shore power. One does need to be electrically disconnected from shore power. The shore power cord can remain plugged in as long as the breaker is set to the off position. This will allow the coach batteries to take over powering the inverter. The generator is the same. The CG power post breaker needs to be in the off position. Then you can start the generator.

bluepill · 05-12-2011, 06:01 PM

Remove the shore power for both inverter and genny operation. The genny should be protected by an automatic transfer switch, but it is POSSIBLE for that to fail and do damage. Good idea to run a "Load" equal to 80% of the maximum inverter capacity for a few minutes to test it properly. Example for a 2000 watt inverter, run a toaster oven or hair dryer rated at 1600 watts. If you have a meter you can monitor battery voltage and line (120 volts) voltage durin the test.

wa8yxm · 05-13-2011, 09:03 AM

You can physically unplug but wouldn't it be easier to simply turn off the breakers in the park power box? (Same effect as unplugging, no damage to plug)

POINT: you should always do this when unplugging or plugging in,

Turn on something NOT on the inverter (IE: Air conditioner on FAN only mode) turn OFF water heater.. Then flip the breaker, the sound of the AC fan stopping is an indication you got the job done.. If the TV continues to play the inverter is working.