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RV Pilgrims · 06-20-2021, 01:27 PM

2014 Itasca Cambria 30J

The only changes made to our RV is an upgrade from 1000W inverter to 1800W inverter, and 2 new 6V batteries.

The only electrical outlets that are currently powered by the inverter are the two either side of the bed and the 2 outlets in the entertainment centre. What would be involved in providing power to the 2 outlets in the kitchen as well as the one located beside the dinette when using the inverter.

Any ideas would be appeciated...

Thank you
David

Elwood58 · 06-20-2021, 02:11 PM

Kitchen outlets are usually connected to the GFCI controlled circuit.

wolfe10 · 06-20-2021, 02:22 PM

Assume you either have a second ATS (shore power/generator VS inverter) or more likely your ATS has its own built-in ATS.

Best answer is to wire inverter 120 VAC output to a SUB-PANEL.

Move circuits you want to be powered by the inverter to the sub panel.

If considering new locations, just run more circuits from the sub-panel.

Guess if you did not want to use a sub-panel, you could "double up" circuits to other outlets as long as you keep total amp rating in mind.

Bobby F · 06-20-2021, 02:34 PM

I don't know your exact equipment, but (assuming your question involves times when running stationary, on batteries, not shore power) you may be able to plug your shore power plug into the inverter output. That would power everything just as if you were plugged into shore power.

Just turn off your battery charging when you do this.

HarryStone · 06-20-2021, 02:35 PM

Where does the inverter power go? Does it go to a sub panel? How is it routed. To add those circuits, you would have to somehow reroute the wires from the main panel to the sub panel, if you have one.

Jim_HiTek · 06-20-2021, 02:38 PM

Don't see RV kitchen outlets connected to an inverter very often. Toaster and coffeemaker both running would really sap the strength of the battery the inverter was drawing from. Not a good idea in my mind. To easy for you, your family who came over for dinner one night, or the next owner to plug in too many high draw devices in the kitchen, all at the same time. Perhaps blowing out the inverter.

If you are installing the inverter, make sure it gets plenty of cooling air wherever you mount it.

1800 watts was probably the marketer's dream, and even if it's true, that's only 15 amp. You try to draw that with two kitchen appliances for very long, it'll likely shut down.

Tallcamper · 07-07-2021, 10:43 PM

Itasca Sunstar 30t
Replaced 1000w inverter running to bedroom and main tv outlets and one outlet by couch. Wanted to run whole house , needed power to CPAPS & kitchen. So added 4 240amp 6volt AGM batteries. Ran inverter output to a new 30amp socket in power/water bay. When we want to run off grid we plug shore power cord into new socket and turn on the inverter. Even works while driving.

twinboat · 07-08-2021, 04:16 AM

What do you do about the converter/charger ?

You don't want it charging the batteries that's being used to run the charger.

Tallcamper · 07-10-2021, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

What do you do about the converter/charger ?

You don't want it charging the batteries that's being used to run the charger.

Replaced original single stage charger with multistage and installed cutoff switch when running off inverter.

Warrenjo · 07-14-2021, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

What do you do about the converter/charger ?

You don't want it charging the batteries that's being used to run the charger.

When I did this for my inverter installation I powered the battery charger through a normally closed relay with the relay control power connected to the output of the inverter. That way when the inverter was energized it would open the relay and the charger was turned off. I used a solid state relay so the power draw of the relay was very low.

garyspang · 07-16-2021, 05:58 PM

Get some heavy duty 120v relays that can carry at least 30 amperes.
With shore power applied the Double Pole Double Throw relay is energised and connects both wires (Hot and Neutral) of the rv to shore power. When the shorepower is gone, the relay is deenergised and connects the rv to the inverter (Hot and Neutral).
Find out which breakers control the converter, refrigerator and air conditioner or any other heavy load. Wire these circuits through a multipole or multiple relays after their respective breakers to disconnect them when shore power is missing.
This is a very straight foreward approach that has served me well over 150,000 miles.
Whenever the shorepower or the generator is applying a voltage, they are connected to the rv. When they are off, only the inverter is connected to the rv and all heavy loads are automatically disconnected.
Leaving the inverter running all night even with nothing connected will partially deplete your battery.
You may need a good electrician to do the relay wiring.

SLOweather · 07-17-2021, 09:43 AM

What wolfe10 said... I installed a 2kW PSW inverter/charger, and made a sub panel from DIN mount breakers and a fiberglass cabinet. It runs all of the outlets except the one for the fridge.