Inverter Question

[Resist]

The Dolphin owner's manual says that whenever the RV is connected to a 120-Volt AC power source or to the on-board generator, the inverter provides energy to numerous things. But it doesn't say anything about turning on the inverter switch. I'm not really clear when the inverter switch should be turned on.

[BigSkyBob]

My inverter has never been turned off in over 6 years. But to each his own I spose.

[Resist]

My question is that I don't understand the owners manual, it never says to flick the inverter switch to run those devices. And everything seems to be running fine on shore power without the inverter switch turned on.

[CLIFFTALL]

A little more info may assist in getting an answer , such as year and model Dolphin and size/ model / brand of inverter.

[94-Newmar]

... If you're plugged into 115VAC there would be no need to have the unit in "Invert" mode since the Inversion process uses the house batteries (12VDC) to create 115VAC.

When plugged into shore power the DC to AC mode is bypassed within the Inverter unit - if it's a combination Inverter/Converter, while on shore power it will simply continue on with charging your House batteries - and many, if not all inverters will not even switch to "Invert" mode when on shore power.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Resist

The Dolphin owner's manual says that whenever the RV is connected to a 120-Volt AC power source or to the on-board generator, the inverter provides energy to numerous things. But it doesn't say anything about turning on the inverter switch. I'm not really clear when the inverter switch should be turned on.

As suggested, it could all be all automatic. It could be with no shore or genny, you need to turn it on to power the front TV and perhaps a few other things. What we must know is the mfg and model number of the unit.

If you want to run a test, disconnect shore. Now turn on the front TV or test the outlet for 115v. If nothing, turn inverter on to see if it now works or has power. If so, you have your answer.

Shore power = inverter off
No Shore = inverter on (providing you want 115v and knowing by doing so, it will drain your coach batteries faster)

[donhoward49]

Mine is always OFF, at the entry and on the unit. We use the campground plug or generator for 110 volt. My inverter was tiring to operate the fridge at 110 volt from my batteries when it was ON.

[lfd]

Mine is on standby when it's pluged into shorepower

[Kliwks]

I only turn my inverter switch on when I am dry camping and I want to watch a little TV before bed. If you are plugged in or running the genny, there is no need for it.

[speed racer]

Originally Posted by Kliwks

I only turn my inverter switch on when I am dry camping and I want to watch a little TV before bed. If you are plugged in or running the genny, there is no need for it.

X2 This is how I do it.

[Resist]

Thanks for all the help, I got it figured out now. The inverter will run the TV's and outlets, but not the lights or Fridge.