How to install inverter through power panel on RV

[Marino24Fe]

Hello all, I’d like a little help on installing a Renogy 2000 W inverter through the house panel or power load control panel on my Thor class C 24FE RV. Specifically I’d like to use house outlets instead of the inverter outlets to connect my loads. I believe I need to connect the outlet of the inverter to a circuit breaker on the panel? And I know I need a fuse somewhere and there’s also the issue of the transfer switch.

Thanks in advance…..Mike

[amosnandy]

Originally Posted by Marino24Fe

Hello all, I’d like a little help on installing a Renogy 2000 W inverter through the house panel or power load control panel on my Thor class C 24FE RV. Specifically I’d like to use house outlets instead of the inverter outlets to connect my loads. I believe I need to connect the outlet of the inverter to a circuit breaker on the panel? And I know I need a fuse somewhere and there’s also the issue of the transfer switch.

Thanks in advance…..Mike

What model Renogy do you have. They make multiple units. I have a Renogy inverter/charger and it has both pass through and dedicated inverter functions. It is hardwired into the 30 amp inverter circuit on my distribution panel.

Are you replacing an existing inverter? How was the old one wired?

If your distribution panel does not have a dedicated inverter sub-panel you may need to change it out.

Normally the Renogy 2000 watt is in a 30 amp line. Your hot and ground 12v and #8 120 v wires run from a 30 amp breaker in the main panel, out to the inverter, and then back to the 30 amp sub panel sub-panel. When on shore power, the inverter is bypassed through the internal transfer switch, goes out and back. When there is no shore power, the inverter comes on and supplies 120v to the sub panel, supplying 120v to anything wired into the sub.

Also besides the pass-through terminals, there are also dedicated inverter terminals that only work when in inverter mode. I've not physically checked but I don't think they pass through the transfer switch and I think they only have 120V when in inverter mode.

[Persistent]

Post exact model number of your Renogy for better advice.

https://renogy.com/

There are many considerations for installing an inverter. A basic 2000 watt inverter is limited. It has no transfer switch and it does not charge batteries.

A better solution for RV's is a combined unit. It has a transfer switch that automatically switches the inverter "on" when shore power is lost. It also switches it "off" and switches the battery charger "on" when shore power is present.

When installing a basic unit, the installer must accomplish all of these things externally.

The best way to wire it is to follow installation instructions supplied with the unit. They are designed for different types installation.

I have a 1000 watt inverter. It has no added functions.

I installed several new outlets that are connected directly to the inverter. Original outlets and appliances cannot be run using the inverter. Only the dedicated inverter outlets work from the inverter. No transfer switch is required. Switching the battery charger "off" is not required.

A 2000 watt inverter is bigger and could potentially run a microwave. You may wish to run the microwave on shore power sometimes and on inverter power at other times. This requires a transfer switch.

Do this using a new sub panel that takes power from the transfer switch and from there gets its power from the main panel or inverter, but not both at the same time.

Connect circuits to be powered by the inverter to the new sub panel.

Shore power => Main circuit breaker panel => 30 amp breaker in main panel => inverter charger transfer switch => Sub panel => Microwave breaker in sub panel => Microwave

Battery bank => heavy wire with big fuse => inverter charger transfer switch => Sub panel => Microwave breaker in sub panel => microwave

Buying an inverter/charger with built in transfer switch does all the necessary switching automatically. A sub panel is still needed.
https://renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-si...w-lcd-display/
https://renogy.com/content/R-INVT-PC...S%20Manual.pdf

From there it gets more complected. Whole house systems come in many varieties. Use the installation manual for wiring instructions.