Xantrex Freedom 458 Model 20 Inverter

[Deon-Jim]

We have a 2000 watt inverter. When plugged into shore power and the inverter is off with just the charger on, and we try to use two different outlets at once the 20 amp output breaker on the inverter trips. We are plugged into 50 amp shore power and for instance can't run the microwave and a pop corn popper at the same time. None of the breakers in the main AC breaker box trip, just the one on the inverter. It would almost appear as though everything is funneled through one circuit into the inverter. This is a 2003 National Tradewinds LTC with every upgrade imaginable. We are the second owners and this has us stumped. We previously had a 1994 Safari Trek with basically the same inverter, older model and did not have this problem. Ideas???

Deon-Jim
(Currently in South Texas where it is COLD)

[M&EM]

Originally Posted by Deon-Jim

We have a 2000 watt inverter. When plugged into shore power and the inverter is off with just the charger on, and we try to use two different outlets at once the 20 amp output breaker on the inverter trips. We are plugged into 50 amp shore power and for instance can't run the microwave and a pop corn popper at the same time. None of the breakers in the main AC breaker box trip, just the one on the inverter. It would almost appear as though everything is funneled through one circuit into the inverter. This is a 2003 National Tradewinds LTC with every upgrade imaginable. We are the second owners and this has us stumped. We previously had a 1994 Safari Trek with basically the same inverter, older model and did not have this problem. Ideas???

Deon-Jim
(Currently in South Texas where it is COLD)

From what you have described, it sounds like both loads(outlets) are on the same branch circuit supplied by the inverter and the combinrd loads are simply greater then 20 amps rating of that circuit breaker. The inverter has a built in transfer relay that simply re routes shore power around the inverter. I would expect the same two loads to trip the breaker when the inverter is on and shore power is disconnected.

Try that arrangement and let us know.

Marty

[RV Wizard]

As Marty has stated, the two outlets are on the same circuit. Try plugging the pop corn popper into another outlet that is not on the same circuit and you should be ok. If you look at the inverter, look to see how many romex cables are in and out of the inverter. There are models with 1 in (usually 30 amp) and some have 1 out and another has 2 out circuits. Most time the in cable is of a different color but is at least a #10 in for 30 amp and the out(s) are #12 or #14 gage wire feeding the receptacles that can be powered by the inverter when shore power or generator is off and the inverter is on. Even if the circuits in question, were not routed through the inverter and on the same circuit breaker in the distribution panel, that circuit breaker would trip in the panel instead of on the inverter, due to the total load being greater than the size of the designed circuit.
In your previous coach, you probably had two independent circuits you were used to using in this manner. If the circuit trips, find one that is still alive and use it for the popper. Then reset breaker on the inverter and you should be fine. Good luck and keep us posted.