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bigcritter's avatar
bigcritter
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013

Adding additional outlets to inverter

I have a Xantrex 1000-watt inverter in my MH, with only certain outlets connected to the inverter throughout the coach. I have gone through the coach with my voltage meter to determine which outlets are HOT when there's no shore power and the inverter is turned on. However, the main outlet in the bedroom is NOT wired to the inverter, although the TV is, but it makes it very difficult running our CPAP machines on the inverter without use of multiple extension cords. NOT an ideal situation. Our CPAPs require an expensive 12 volt plug, according to the manufacturer, so the inverter is the best option. What I would like to somehow do, is connect an existing outlet to the inverter circuit, OR.....wire a separate outlet directly to the inverter strickly for CPAP use when not connected to shore power. Anyone have any experience or expertise in doing something like this? Just how difficult would it be? Please......I'm NOT asking for all the other alternatives to doing this, I'm simply asking HOW to do THIS. :)
Thanks in advance!!
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9 Replies

  • bigcritter's avatar
    bigcritter
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2013
    wny_pat wrote:
    bigcritter wrote:
    Our CPAPs require an expensive 12 volt plug, according to the manufacturer, so the inverter is the best option.
    Those "expensive" 12 volt plugs for CPAPs can often be found on the internet very reasonably priced. It is where I found my $75 plug for $15 brand new. And your CPAP will be much happier on 12 vdc, if it is designed to run that way. Let us know what kind you have, and I bet dollars to donuts someone will know where you can get the 12 vdc cord!


    I HAVE seen cords priced at around $25, but on the CPAP manufacturer's website, they say that they require the one that's somehow different, and costs $75. :>( Whether this is BS or not, who knows. It says that a typical cord can damage the machine, but the warranty is up on both our machines anyway, so.....maybe it's a gamble I'd be willing to take. :>) I already received the 12 vdc lighter connectors that I ordered, along with the extra wiring to tap into just about anywhere that I need to.
  • bigcritter's avatar
    bigcritter
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2013
    JRS & B wrote:
    This is a probably a dumb question, but; Does the "main outlet" in the bedroom work when you are connected to shore power?


    Yes, on shore power it works fine, but it isn't HOT without shore power, even with the inverter turned on.
  • bigcritter's avatar
    bigcritter
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2013
    michelb wrote:
    As long as your power requirements are not very big, you could easily simply re-wire the wires in the breaker panel to move from non-inverted side to inverted side. Ideally, if you don't use the TV, swap the wires from the TV plug to the plug you want to use. If you do want the TV on the inverter, it's probably not a big deal to have both on the same breaker as long as you aren't running heavy electrical draw.


    That sounds like a really good idea. The power requirements on the machines are pretty low, so long as we're not using the humidifier, which we rarely use, 'kinda like the TV in the bedroom. We rarely watch the TV in the bedroom, and if we decided to, we could just run an extension cord over to it from the main outlet. Thanks!
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    I agree with the "Executive", I would run a small second inverter for the CPAP machines. If you size it right, it will reduce your battery consumption by not running other unneeded outlets. Even though most inverter's go to sleep when not in use, they still draw unnecessary power when on.

    Lastly, if you can buy 12 volt plugs at a reasonable price, it would probably be cheaper than the cost of copper wiring and the time spent to do it.
  • wny_pat1's avatar
    wny_pat1
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    bigcritter wrote:
    Our CPAPs require an expensive 12 volt plug, according to the manufacturer, so the inverter is the best option.
    Those "expensive" 12 volt plugs for CPAPs can often be found on the internet very reasonably priced. It is where I found my $75 plug for $15 brand new. And your CPAP will be much happier on 12 vdc, if it is designed to run that way. Let us know what kind you have, and I bet dollars to donuts someone will know where you can get the 12 vdc cord!
  • Pauljdav's avatar
    Pauljdav
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    You can add wire from the closest inverter outlet to the location of the CPAP and add a new outlet to that location.
    When I added my inverter I put an outlet in the bedroom and one by the entertainment center. These are the only areas I will need inverter electricity and it is easy. I had to gain access to the underbelly by removing some screws and there is a lot of room to work down there.
    It is also easy to run the wire to almost any location because there is already wires and water lines going from the under belly to interior locations.

    Paul
  • JRS___B's avatar
    JRS___B
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    This is a probably a dumb question, but; Does the "main outlet" in the bedroom work when you are connected to shore power?
  • michelb's avatar
    michelb
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    As long as your power requirements are not very big, you could easily simply re-wire the wires in the breaker panel to move from non-inverted side to inverted side. Ideally, if you don't use the TV, swap the wires from the TV plug to the plug you want to use. If you do want the TV on the inverter, it's probably not a big deal to have both on the same breaker as long as you aren't running heavy electrical draw.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2013
    You could tap off your TV plug....but, you might also consider simply running a couple of wires up from your battery bank into the bedroom or living room or both and setting up a couple cigarette lighter outlets. You may already have them. Then get a small inverter that you plug in with your CPAP attached. Small inverters are cheap at Harbor Freight....Dennis

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