Inverter install?

jeepman71 · 06-05-2013, 09:12 AM

I would like to put an inverter in my 2013 8289WS 5er. I would like this inverter to power the microwave on occasion as well as the entertainment center, not necessarily at the same time. I would like to make it as simple and straight forward as possible on both the install as well as using it.

The microwave would be used in situations of being on the road and pull over to heat a quick lunch. If I am set up for camping and did not have shore power I would use the generator. The entertainment center would get use while camping.

Give me your thoughts for a set up with economy in mind.

Thanks

**Herk7769** · 06-05-2013, 09:23 AM

Lots here already.

Even a brief search will provide TONS of information on inverters, battery set ups, and size requirements.

Use the Green Search Box above the menu bar and limit the search to FRF.
Herk

RodeoGeorge · 06-05-2013, 12:24 PM

Just a note. Because of the daisy chain type wiring in the 8289WS, capturing only those two circuits will not be easy.

The Microwave will be the easiest, as the wiring for that runs down behind the wall into the area behind the under storage.

The Entertainment Center (which is in the slide out) will be more difficult as there are many other receptacles on that line.

Your "easiest" route would be to route through the Power Panel and ensure that you turn off the breakers for the Converter and Air Conditioners, Put the Fridge on GAS, and turn off the AC Element in the Water Heater. Tying into the Power Panel without a Transfer Switch is definitely NOT recommended.

Running new, additional, separate AC Receptacles would be the safest way. You'd have to access the TV AC Plug and move it to the new receptacle, and that is behind the TV. I have not looked to see if the Microwave AC Plug is accessible without pulling the Microwave out.

Also, if you're not going to use the Television, the Entertainment Center (Stereo/Surround Sound) operates off of 12V (the battery/converter) so now you're only faced with a Microwave circuit.

These comments are with respect to the 8289WS, but may be applicable to other models.

RodeoGeorge

jeepman71 · 06-06-2013, 08:45 AM

Thanks for the reply RodeoGeorge,

I plan on using a transfer switch. What I am looking at is a Prowatt 2000W converter with two Xantrex Prowatt 15a transfer switch. One will tie into the microwave and the other into the GFCI circuit that. I am not sure what is on this circuit.

What do you think?

RodeoGeorge · 06-06-2013, 09:44 AM

If you use that Transfer Switch on the Microwave plug, it will not matter what else is on the circuit, as the switch will prevent back feed.

I have not seen that Transfer Switch prior to your posting it. A quick and simple way to implement an inverter on a specific device. Cool.

RodeoGeorge

jeepman71 · 06-06-2013, 01:32 PM

So to make sure I am on the same page as you you are suggesting breaking inot the circuit as it goes to the device not at the breaker. Is this correct?

In looking at the labeling on the panel I see two GFCI breakers one of which has the converter on the label and then another breaker for the microwave. I have not had time to check to see what was on the individual breakers. Have you by chance looked into this when you were doing your wiring?

RodeoGeorge · 06-06-2013, 02:05 PM

The Transfer Switch that you reference has anAC Plug and wires for the original circuit routing. You merely install a Plug and female extension cord Receptacle on the wires, plug the Microwave into the receptacle, and then the plug into the wall receptacle that the Microwave was plugged into. Route the second original male Plug to the Inverter using an extension cord or wiring that you can install from the Inverter to a junction box near the Transfer Switch.

You do not need to get into the Power Panel, and interrupting that circuit breaker line will put more than just the Microwave on the Inverter. I don't know what else might be on the breaker that supplies the Microwave. Could be the AC for the Fridge, or anything else that you don't want loading down the Inverter.

Here is the installation instructions for the Transfer Switch:

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Acc...%20Switch).pdf

RodeoGeorge

jeepman71 · 06-06-2013, 07:05 PM

This is going to be a little more of a pain than I was hoping. The microwave will be simple because it is on its own circuit. The entertainment center is in the same circuit as the converter, frig and living room outlets. I could possible move the entertainment center on the same circuit that covers the bathroom and the bedroom. The bathroom has a GFCI and would be used when my wife uses her hair dryer or curling iron. i don't think that would be an issue. I will dig a little deeper when time permits.

RodeoGeorge · 06-06-2013, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepman71

This is going to be a little more of a pain than I was hoping. The microwave will be simple because it is on its own circuit. The entertainment center is in the same circuit as the converter, frig and living room outlets. I could possible move the entertainment center on the same circuit that covers the bathroom and the bedroom. The bathroom has a GFCI and would be used when my wife uses her hair dryer or curling iron. i don't think that would be an issue. I will dig a little deeper when time permits.

I "think" moving just the entertainment center might be more of a problem than initially thought. Since they daisy chain the 110V line, you'd have to interrupt the circuit where it enters the slide out. If you look, there is only one romex attached to each circuit breaker, so you cannot move or change only the entertainment center. Also, only your TV and Satellite (if you have one) uses the 110V in the entertainment center. So if you can forego TV while on the inverter, the Surround System uses 12V and would be available.

Additionally, the TV (and satellite if applicable) will definitely decrease the operating time with the inverter, and may require a bigger battery bank.

RodeoGeorge

jeepman71 · 06-07-2013, 07:37 AM

Thanks RodeoGeorge, I figured that is what I would find. It would be easiest to do a whole house inverter but I don't need TV that bad. The only time we watch it other than morning and evening news is when our four year old grandson is with us. He likes wood working shows.

The microwave would be nice for a quick meal when on the road.

I think there are better ways to spend a couple bucks.

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