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cm2785 · 11-23-2023, 03:03 PM

I can’t find this info anywhere… I have a rig that has a 300watt little inverter that powers the bedroom tv… it’s not working right now but I don’t have power to that outlet on shore power either… there is a switch by the tv to turn the inverter on… when they wire these inverters in do they only wire the outlet to the inverter and even if you are on shore power you must use the inverter to power the tv? I would think the outlet would switch to shore power, but it is literally a inverter connected to the batteries with a relay that switches it on from the bedroom switch and the inverter sends power to its gfci outlet and a plug is plugged into that outlet that powers the bedroom outlet… I am almost tempted to plug that plug out of the inverter into a regular powered outlet from shore power but don’t want any problems if there is a transfer switch of some sort in this outlet…? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!

SJ-Chris · 11-23-2023, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cm2785

I can’t find this info anywhere… I have a rig that has a 300watt little inverter that powers the bedroom tv… it’s not working right now but I don’t have power to that outlet on shore power either… there is a switch by the tv to turn the inverter on… when they wire these inverters in do they only wire the outlet to the inverter and even if you are on shore power you must use the inverter to power the tv? I would think the outlet would switch to shore power, but it is literally a inverter connected to the batteries with a relay that switches it on from the bedroom switch and the inverter sends power to its gfci outlet and a plug is plugged into that outlet that powers the bedroom outlet… I am almost tempted to plug that plug out of the inverter into a regular powered outlet from shore power but don’t want any problems if there is a transfer switch of some sort in this outlet…? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!

If you have a 300w inverter powering an outlet, I would guess there is a 99% chance that the outlet is ONLY powered by that 300w inverter. The fact that the outlet isn't working while plugged in to shore power also suggests that ONLY the inverter is powering that outlet. Inverters use power even when they aren't powering anything (from a few tenths of amps, all the way up to a couple of amps, depending on the size/brand of inverter). That is why there is a switch there to turn the inverter ON/OFF only when you need power to that outlet.

So you have an issue with that inverter, or power going to it. Does it have 12v power coming to the proper terminals on the inverter? You can check with a volt meter. If you have battery power (assuming your batteries aren't dead), then you should see 12v (12-12.7v actually) at the proper terminals leading into the inverter. When you are hooked up to shore power, your converter should be charging your batteries (likely at 13.2-14.4v depending) and you should also see a similar voltage at the proper input terminals on your inverter. If you aren't seeing this, then there is something wrong with power getting to your inverter. If you are seeing this voltage, then if your inverter is ON you should have 120v at your outlet (the outlet powered by the inverter). If not, then your inverter is bad.

Good luck!
Chris

Skip426 · 11-23-2023, 03:41 PM

The factory set up for my coach ; was a 400 watt , manual by-pass inverter.
That was only wired to the front entertainment center .

In order to use shore power for the TV , I have to access the inverter , unplug a power cord and move it to an outlet directly behind.

300 watt inverter will not have auto by pass to shore power , so if you find it and don't have a removable cord to move to an outlet , post a picture of the set up and we'll try and figure it out .

Also the inverter will have either a 30 or 40 amp fuse or 12 volt circuit breaker near the coach battery that has to be found and tested.

My set up is pictured below .

cm2785 · 11-23-2023, 03:56 PM

Thanks guys! Your posts gave me the courage to plug my plug out of the inverter and into the Rv outlet and now I have power there! The issue I am having is I am getting about 10volts to the inverter the last I checked… since then I have had my batteries go bad and had to replace the two 6v batteries and I noticed the positive and negative from the inverter and I cleaned the terminals but that 30amp dc fuse is down in the battery try and it is the only thing in there that seems rusty lol… I’m guessing either it or the connections are the problem… is there a place I can get some of those for cheap but good quality? Maybe something on Amazon? Thanks again!

Skip426 · 11-23-2023, 11:22 PM

Mounted close to the battery is a problem , I'd be looking to replace with a 30 amp , 12 volt circuit breaker and new wire connectors , soldered on.
Rubber covers to prevent battery of gassing from effecting the connections.