I got a 2k watt inverter and will be running all the outlets in my camper with it. My best friend is a Electrician and he suggested using this type of switch instead of a transfer switch.I will hook up the load "outlets" to the center of the switch. I will hook up the panel "shore power" to the top of the switch and the inverter to the bottom. The green ground will not be connected to the switch. Do you guys think this will work? I don't want an automatic transfer switch because when 50 amps are not available I can let the inverter do the work so the a/c's can run.I'm also thinking of doing the same thing with the front a/c unit only instead of the inverter I will have a female 20 amp plug. This was I can run a 20amp plug to the front a/c and let the 30 amp run the rest of the camper. This way I can utilize both the 20amp and 30 amp on the pole when a 50amp is not available. What do you think?Thanks for any advice.

I thought transfer switches were basically DPDT type switches. get power from either side and feed middle. can also use something similar to power tail lights in a toad so you don't need diodes or chance fouling up your computer.bumpy

I think you may need more battery power.I see no advantage to a manual vs automatic switch.And for 50a service I believe you will need a 3 pole switch.

I have 4 6 volt's right now and can add 2 more.The main reason for manuel is control.I will be getting the shore power from the original breaker for the outlets. Do you think that will work?Thanks

I think these are conceptually good ideas with 1)a clarification and 2)a suggestion.1) When you use the term 'shore power' going to the outlets are you referring to the circuit coming OUT of your distribution panel from a breaker to which the outlets are connected? If this is the case then yes as long as the amp rating of the switch is rated equal to or greater than the breaker that feeds the outlets circuit.2) I would put whichever unit draws the most current on the 20 amp line as long as it draws no more than 20 amps. This will 'squeeze' a little more headroom for you out of the original 30 amp circuit. I have done this to my rig with good results. I also put an outlet on the 20 amp line so a heater can be used during colder times.

It should work, you just need to make sure that the switch is rated for the maximum current. From your description it would appear that you will need a minimum 50 amp switch.What type of switch are you looking for? GE DPDT Safety Switch TC35322A standard duty 60 amp electrical double pole/double throw switch will be close to 12 inches wide, 18 inches long, and 6 inches deep. Plus clearance will be needed to about 12 inches deep for transferring the switch from one pole to the other. List price on the catalog link (Page 18) is $707, but you can generally find one at a distributor for about half that.That is what is needed to safely use a manual switch in place of a designed transfer switch unit.Still sound like a good deal?Dave

Double pole Double Throw Switch For inverter | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Apr 18, 2013
Jimf1234 wrote:
I will be getting the shore power from the original breaker for the outlets. Do you think that will work?
This does not make sense to me.
I would be far more inclined to use the utility power for the air and inverter for the rest of the outlets.

What issue are you really trying to resolve?
tvman44
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
You will need a heck of a lot more battery to run the A/C's.
Dave-Sparky
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
It should work, you just need to make sure that the switch is rated for the maximum current. From your description it would appear that you will need a minimum 50 amp switch.

What type of switch are you looking for?

GE DPDT Safety Switch TC35322

A standard duty 60 amp electrical double pole/double throw switch will be close to 12 inches wide, 18 inches long, and 6 inches deep. Plus clearance will be needed to about 12 inches deep for transferring the switch from one pole to the other. List price on the catalog link (Page 18) is $707, but you can generally find one at a distributor for about half that.

That is what is needed to safely use a manual switch in place of a designed transfer switch unit.

Still sound like a good deal?

Dave
hgarraway
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
I think these are conceptually good ideas with 1)a clarification and 2)a suggestion.

1) When you use the term 'shore power' going to the outlets are you referring to the circuit coming OUT of your distribution panel from a breaker to which the outlets are connected? If this is the case then yes as long as the amp rating of the switch is rated equal to or greater than the breaker that feeds the outlets circuit.

2) I would put whichever unit draws the most current on the 20 amp line as long as it draws no more than 20 amps. This will 'squeeze' a little more headroom for you out of the original 30 amp circuit. I have done this to my rig with good results. I also put an outlet on the 20 amp line so a heater can be used during colder times.
Jimf1234
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
I have 4 6 volt's right now and can add 2 more.

The main reason for manuel is control.

I will be getting the shore power from the original breaker for the outlets. Do you think that will work?

Thanks
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 18, 2013
I think you may need more battery power.

I see no advantage to a manual vs automatic switch.

And for 50a service I believe you will need a 3 pole switch.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 18, 2013
I thought transfer switches were basically DPDT type switches. get power from either side and feed middle. can also use something similar to power tail lights in a toad so you don't need diodes or chance fouling up your computer.
bumpy

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