Bravehearts wrote:

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Hi to all, please forgive me as I am still a little confused. My van is 18months old and I have two 80W Solar panels, two brand new 120amp hour heavy duty batteries (I replaced the single marine type battery supplied with the van) and a 600W pure sine wave inverter connected to the batteries via fused (50amp) cables. The inverter and panels were supplied by Jaycar and fitted by a recognised Solar Company in Gin Gin, Qld. I also have a 2KVA Honda generator. My issue is when we are in a area where we are not allowed to run the generator (e.g Seaforth Council Parl near Mackay) and I want to run the washing machine (which is a top loader small capacity fitted in the ensuite) what is the correct method of operation. I have been told the inverter could be hard wired into the 240v power system via a registered sparky, or altenativley I could have a cable made up to plug into the inverter and then a plug fitted to the other end to plug into the van which would then make the entire system 240v. However I believe such a cable is not legal, although I have seen them used. Another suggestion was to purchase an Amphibian Cable which is legal and simple plug that into the inverter and then into the van power inlet point. I have contacted four companies who advertise themselves as RV/Caravan Solar specialists and I am still in the dark as I cannot get a definitive answer from anyone. I would greatly appreaciate any advice on this.

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Hey I'm not saying this the one and only...

-- you need a RVD/RCD combo system...... they do make them as a portable plug in unit with a 2-4 outlet system..

Juergen

SnowT wrote:

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Hey I'm not saying this the one and only...

-- you need a RVD/RCD combo system...... they do make them as a portable plug in unit with a 2-4 outlet system..

 

Juergen

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 HI Juergen

Yes ,

That will do the job & Safely allow the use of multiple class1 devices

As far as I am aware there is no other similar unit .

PeterQ

Thanks very much Peter for you sound advice, I am truly grateful. 

With reference to using an extension lead, the batteries and inverter are in the boot at the front of the van, and the washing machine is a semi permanent fixture in the ensuite at the rear of the van, and I would need at least 25ft of lead to connect both. It was suggested to me that a lead of this length is not a good idea but no reason was given.

I think based on your advice my safest option is to find a suitably qualified electrician who has full knowledge of the regulations as you have pointed out.

Again , I thank you for your advice.

Regards, David. 

Thank Juergen, however exactly what is a RVD/RCD combo system, and where would I get one and approx cost.

I greatly appreciate your help.

Regards, David

Please note I have just googled the RVD/RCD and see they are supplied by Safelec. Please excuse my ignorance of all things electrical however how does this device work in conjunction with the inverter. 

Bravehearts wrote:

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Thank Juergen, however exactly what is a RVD/RCD combo system, and where would I get one and approx cost.

I greatly appreciate your help.

Regards, David

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HI David

The RVD/RCD combo works with any source to protect against shocks to earth [the most common type]

It uses a different technolgy to a simple RCD&7 does not require an Earthed neutral to operateIt can there for be used with ISOLATED power sources such as inverters & portable generators

there are several types depending on actual application

More information & assistance is available from Safelec Aust

or via

sales@safelec.com.au

The RVD proteced 4outlet box the Juurgen refered to is around $495

PeterQ

Thanks Peter and also to others who have contributed. I now see the light and my next move is to contact safelec as suggested.

This forum has been invaluable and I am sure I am not the only one who has benefited from your combined knowledge.

Safe Travels to all.

Many Thanks,

David.

Hi Juergen,

Can you please let me know where I might get the cheaper unit from.

Thanks, David.

SnowT wrote:

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Peter there is a cheaper model out.. But not from Safelec..

Juergen

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Yes , the cheaper Chinese knock off  !!!.

 Bu tis it fully approved??

PeterQ  

oldtrack123 wrote:

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Jaahn wrote:

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Hi

Informative posts all.

However there is one thing that has not been said about inverters. Safety !! They put out 240volts just like the mains and can kill you just like the mains power. HOWEVER the mains have an earth connection and possibly an earth leakage shut off to protect you in case of a fault in the appliances or the like. A stand alone inverter (or a generator too), do not have these protections. If you get an appliance fault then it could be live and no fault would be noticeable!! Being inside a metal frame or metal case would mean that you could get a circuit if you touch it. Care is always good but more so with these situations. Water spilt or rain is to be avoided also.

Take care Jaahn

 

   

 

 

 

-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 18th of July 2014 09:34:55 AM

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Hi Jaahn

YES , a timely warning & it does not just apply to inverters

IT also applies to portable generators

See  my last post

 

PeterQ

Peter   

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 Hmmm some of this stuff is heavy and dangerous.

I have a 2500W pure sine wave (so the label says) inverter. It is only ever used to run our electric blankets, small battery chargers (eg Ipad, Iphone, etc) and espresso machine in an emergency (every morning).

From my point of view I will never use it for much else, I consider the beast very bloody dangerous and a major muncher of battery electrons, so it gets used sparing as does my generator, our solar panel replaces most of those battery electrons on a sunny day.

I guess Im way to careful to put it up to my washing machine and bigger appliances. Just call me chicken.

From memory a RCDs need a good earth and MEN link, Im not sure our vans are set up that way (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong)

Safe travels

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 Hmmm some of this stuff is heavy and dangerous.

I have a 2500W pure sine wave (so the label says) inverter. It is only ever used to run our electric blankets, small battery chargers (eg Ipad, Iphone, etc) and espresso machine in an emergency (every morning).

From my point of view I will never use it for much else, I consider the beast very bloody dangerous and a major muncher of battery electrons, so it gets used sparing as does my generator, our solar panel replaces most of those battery electrons on a sunny day.

I guess Im way to careful to put it up to my washing machine and bigger appliances. Just call me chicken.

From memory a RCDs need a good earth and MEN link, Im not sure our vans are set up that way (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong)

Safe travels

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 Hi,

I would think that using an inverter with an electric blanket would be the most risky thing to do. Not for me !

An RVD/RCD combo unit would make me feel a lot better. I have never heard of them before. Glad I read it here.

Jaahn

Phil C wrote:

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 Hmm some of this stuff is heavy and dangerous.

 

From memory a RCDs need a good earth and MEN link, Im not sure our vans are set up that way (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong)

Safe travels

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Hi Phil

Yes the RCD does need an earthed neutral system to operate, but Not necesssarily MEN

Your van, in AUSTRALIA, should not have an EN link or MEN link in the van itself [New zealand can, but they have strict regular testing requirement to ensure correct power in polarity is maintained]

In Aus the only MEN link should be in the supply MAIN  SWITCHBOARD.

Portable generators & inverters are /should be fully isolated sources ,unles permanently fitted with their OWN RCD [with an internal EN bond created, NOT M.E.N. ] 

As pointed out in previous posts the RVD does not need an EN bond for operatio n& can be used with generators & inverters while maintaining the FIRST line of protection "an ISOLATED source"

PeterQ

oldtrack123 wrote:

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SnowT wrote:

---

---

---

 

Hey I'm not saying this the one and only...

-- you need a RVD/RCD combo system...... they do make them as a portable plug in unit with a 2-4 outlet system..

 

Juergen

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 HI Juergen

 

Yes ,

That will do the job & Safely allow the use of multiple class1 devices

As far as I am aware there is no other similar unit .

 

 

PeterQ

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 PowerSafe..

here is the Link...

and yes they are Compliant with Aust Reg's.. in fact they might be set to a higher standard..

Juergen

Thanks guys, I have contacted Powersafe and the units are available from Haymans Electrical at a cost of around $250.

After reviewing all the posts of this topic I have decided to do the following re my washing machine issue.

1) I will purchase the Powersafe unit which I will use as an back up power source when plugged into the inverter, and will in the main use it for Class 2 applications.

2) I will NOT run the washing machine using power from the inverter, and will invest in a 20 litre bucket and plunger to use as a portable washing unit if at any stage we cannot use 240V power or our generator.

This forum has provided more detailed and practical information than I have received from various retail "Experts" and again my thanks to all who have contributed. Life is easy when you know the answers, however we should never stop asking the questions.

 Safe Travels to all,

David.

I know I am a bit slow BUT what is Musing? or should it be Fusing? 

Aussie Paul. 

SnowT wrote:

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Powersafe 

 

here is the Link...

and yes they are Compliant with Aust Reg's.. in fact they might be set to a higher standard..

 

Juergen

 

Hi Jurgen

Here is it's spec

" 4 x 10 amp 240V IP66 auto switched outlets

1 x 10amp 2 pole 10kA RCD/MCB combo"

THAT unit is a RCD unit NOT A RVD 

IT is totaly useless with a portable generator or inverter!!

 

PeterQ

 

 

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Bravehearts wrote:

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Thanks guys, I have contacted Powersafe and the units are available from Haymans Electrical at a cost of around $250.

After reviewing all the posts of this topic I have decided to do the following re my washing machine issue.

1) I will purchase the Powersafe unit which I will use as an back up power source when plugged into the inverter, and will in the main use it for Class 2 applications.

2) I will NOT run the washing machine using power from the inverter, and will invest in a 20 litre bucket and plunger to use as a portable washing unit if at any stage we cannot use 240V power or our generator.

This forum has provided more detailed and practical information than I have received from various retail "Experts" and again my thanks to all who have contributed. Life is easy when you know the answers, however we should never stop asking the questions.

 Safe Travels to all,

David.

-- Edited by Bravehearts on Wednesday 23rd of July 2014 09:01:28 AM

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Hi David

You should cancel that order QUICK 

It gives NO protection used with your portable  inverter or genertator

It is no different to any of the units you can get at yourrlocal hardware storesFor use on MAINS power!!

Except for it's IP rating

AS I stated earlie,r I am not aware of any equivalent to the Safelec RVD unit. which DOES give protection with ALL sources

PeterQ