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Post Info TOPIC: Wiring 3500w inverter to existing caravan circuit
Allyoops


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Wiring 3500w inverter to existing caravan circuit
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Hi all

I have had an auto elec fit my solar system, But i am stumped as to how connect the under bed inverter to the existing plug circuit. I wouldn't consider doing this myself so i got a qualified sparky to quote on the job, but was disappointed at the option given which was to route the wiring through the bedside cupboard to the outside of the van with a plug socket  

And an outside lead to the existing exterior plug connection point.

I wondered if any licensed sparky could suggest any other cost effective ways to achieve the required result.

Can we for instance go through the bulkhead behind the inverter and utilise the 10amp double plug socket (or replace it with some other fitting or adaption) to utilise this power source position to safely connect into the existing circuit. 

We already have s safety trip switch in the van but do we need another one as well.

I appreciate any ideas that are forthcoming. The aim being to avoid having to connect the circuit from outside the van.

I stress that i do not intend to fit this myself and will get a qualified sparky.

All

 



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Allyoops
Peter_n_Margaret


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Is the inverter intended for hard wiring or just plug connect?
It should be a hard wired one to do what you want. It can be done but requires a licensed sparky familiar with AS3001.
It will need a changover switch to ensure that only one power source is active at any one time. That is the law.
I would also suggest that the safety switch is replaced with an RVD to maintain the best safety for an isolated system.

Get a new electrician that knows what he is doing.

Cheers,
Peter



-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Wednesday 6th of December 2017 08:49:36 PM

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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Delta18


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The advise Peter gave is pretty much how my van has it's 3000/9000w inverter wired with the exception I don't have a Changover Switch.  

My wiring allows only 1 power source, that being the inverter, even if connected to shore power.

If you care to PM me I can give you the installer of my system's name & contact.

As an aside All, I looked at your profile to get an idea of your location & was dismayed to see what looks like your full name, DOB and address there.  

This is not a good idea for various reasons and I would suggest deleting that asap.  Just leave your town name.

Cheers Neil



-- Edited by Delta18 on Wednesday 6th of December 2017 09:10:24 PM

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Neil & Lynne

Bacchus Marsh

Victoria

MY17 Isuzu D-Max Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3

1260w Solar: 400ah Lithium Battery: 2000w Projecta IP2000 Inverter

Diesel Heater: SOG Toilet Kit: 2.5kw Fujitsu Split System A/c

 

 
KFT


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All very good advice given in previous replies.

you are advised to follow it.

KFT

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Avagreatday.

Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Allyoops


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Thankyou all for information, this is a much better route to take and i have a sparky coming next week to quote.
Delta thanks for the personal info. I will follow up now.
Ally

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Allyoops
T1 Terry


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Is your inverter a UPS type? Or just a straight inverter only with no type of switch through available? If it is a UPS type, ask the sparky to wire the cable from the outside "plug in" point through the RCD to the inverter, from the Inverter to an RVD and from there out to the van electrics. This way the change over from mains to inverter is automatic and the electric is protected on both mains power and inverter power.
A sparkie that understands AS:3001/2010 or if there is an even later standard will have no problems understanding what is required and how to do it while staying within the Aust Standards to keep everyone safe.

T1 Terry

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Barboots


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What Terry is asking is "does your inverter have a mains input in addition to the 240v output for your appliances". I don't think I saw anyone mention that it is also important to address how the battery charging is taking place. ie: to stop the battery charger charging the battery when on inverter power. You may just choose to use the index method and turn it off manually, however it's neat if it is automated too. Worth running it past your guy...

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oldtrack123


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Peter_n_Margaret wrote:

Is the inverter intended for hard wiring or just plug connect?
It should be a hard wired one to do what you want. It can be done but requires a licensed sparky familiar with AS3001.
It will need a changover switch to ensure that only one power source is active at any one time. That is the law.
I would also suggest that the safety switch is replaced with an RVD to maintain the best safety for an isolated system.

Get a new electrician that knows what he is doing.

Cheers,
Peter



-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Wednesday 6th of December 2017 08:49:36 PM

 The Above is the only correct Answer

Many domestic / Commercial /Industrial electricians  will not know there is a SPECIFIC Additional Standard AS/NZS 3001  to the common wiring rules  AS3000 , which is mandatory for all 240V van wiring

So You  should ask any electrician that you seek to do the job this question :

Do you have  AS/NZS 3001 " Transportable Structures & their power supplies "? If he looks blank or says No find another one

If he says yes, ask him to show it to you.

 Also tell him you want a certificate of compliance for the finished job

Done  correctly in accordance with the above Standards ,the inverter will supply all your  all your existing 240V wiring.  & All safety feature will be operational

Mention has been made of Inverter/ chargers , there are various types with different wiring requirements[Charge your batteries when power is available & automatically transfer to battery source if mains power is lost]These must also  be installed by a licensed electrician who understands the requirements .  I would recommend ,Terry's suggestion  of having a RCD or RVD  between the van power inlet socket & the Inverter as well as one after it





-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 7th of December 2017 05:30:41 PM

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T1 Terry


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Barboots wrote:

What Terry is asking is "does your inverter have a mains input in addition to the 240v output for your appliances". I don't think I saw anyone mention that it is also important to address how the battery charging is taking place. ie: to stop the battery charger charging the battery when on inverter power. You may just choose to use the index method and turn it off manually, however it's neat if it is automated too. Worth running it past your guy...

Yes, generally achieved by wiring a single power point to the incoming main power cable (after the RCD) in a position that allows the battery charger to be plugged into that power point. Sometimes the charger is combined with the inverter as a single unit, these do not require a separate power point as the charger function is automatic once the inverter/charger senses a suitable supply. The better the inverter/charger the more closely the unit checks the suitability of the supply, if it doesn't meet the criteria it will not switch it through to the internal RV circuit or power up its charger. Sometimes check Chinese generators have such dirty power the better inverters simply refuse to accept it, other times it can be the polarity isn't correct.

 

T1 Terry      



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oldtrack123


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Barboots wrote:

What Terry is asking is "does your inverter have a mains input in addition to the 240v output for your appliances". I don't think I saw anyone mention that it is also important to address how the battery charging is taking place. ie: to stop the battery charger charging the battery when on inverter power. You may just choose to use the index method and turn it off manually, however it's neat if it is automated too. Worth running it past your guy... 

 I believe the OP is talking about a simple inverter so most of this will be just confusing him unnecessarily

 BUT IF it is a combination Inverter charger ,It will only charge the battery when mains supply is connected

  That function is inbuilt, iinto such chargers

If you are referring to the existing van battery charger you have a very valid point  

Yes It should be turned "OFF "IF still installed  when running the van off the inverter / Charger supply

In fact,   unless  that type  charger  is specifically required,there is no need for the existing charger.

If  it is a DC /DC charger, it should be wired so that only runs when the engine is running

If it a simple  inverter, there are two options

[a] simpler turn the  installed battery charger OFF when running from the inverter, or

ask the electrician to install a power point as Terry has suggested

 

 

 

 












-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Thursday 7th of December 2017 10:54:45 PM

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mr glassies


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Heres a little something to think about . If your inverter has fan Kooling and its going under your bed it might be wise to put a piece of fly screen type material over the end that the fan sucks from . You will find a lot of lint will be sucked into the inverter causing a fire hazard . .

<<<<<< now sits back and waits to be shot down

Dibs

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Aus-Kiwi


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I just have two seperate power inverters . The little one is just a direct feed to TV .. Left the main inverter for its own circuit .

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