How to find outlets not running thru the inverter

PastorCharlie wrote:
Turn off inverter and plug into shore power....check all outlets.

Unplug from shore power turn on inverter....check all outlets.

A good inverter properly installed should power all outlets.

The inverter and shore power should use the same circuits. Mine do.

I would not use an electric heater on an inverter...too much current draw. The problem is not with the circuits but the ability of the inverter and battery system to supply needed current for time needed to heat room.

Not true as to your statement----" A good inverter properly installed should power all outlets".
A Inverter will only be connected to outlets that may require Inverter power. Connecting ALL outlets to the Inverter will mean that IF you have an appliance connected to ALL your available outlets in an RV would cause the Inverter supply breaker to trip. The MAX current thru most RV Inverters is 30 amps. Most RV systems could have up to 60 amps of current thru all the 120 receptacles. Doug

Yes, that is correct. Of course your coach batteries must be charged and connected.

Am I to understand, if I plug a night light into any outlet when not hooked up to shore power,only those operated by the inverter will light.

brao wrote:
Hi all,
How do you find which outlets run directly off shore power without going thru the inverter.

1. Unplug RV from shore power and turn on inverter.
2. Use small lamp, fan, radio or even a 120 volt tester. Go around RV and insert whatever appliance you have into every outlet.
3. The ones that are "live," that is turn on your appliance are the ones going through the inverter.
4. The ones that are "dead," that is do not turn on your appliance are the ones that run directly off shore power and are not related to the inverter.

Two ways.

First get a bag full of the lowest cost NEON lamp night lights you can get and plug one into each outlet.. Pull the shore plug, Those lit are on the inverter, these dark are not

Method 2.. use just one of the above and try every outlet

Finally.. My personal opinion of the wiring in most RV's is you are taking a serious risk doing that (I smell hot wire)

Answer.. Using 12 ga wire bet a couple of 15/20 amp outlets. These outlets do not have a hole you can poke a wire in they require you bend wire around a screw and tighten it down.. You will also need mounting boxes (And before you buy figure out where you are going to put 'em)

Get a pair of 20 amp breakers as well

And some 12/3 Romex

Have fun

I would be cautious about running a heavy load like a space heater through an inverter even when connected to shore power.
The internal relays may not be of sufficient quality to handle that type of loads.
Sure running a microwave, toaster or other appliance through the inverter is OK because it isn't a long duration cycle.

If I understand your post, you said will have shore power. If that's the case you don't need the inverter. So, just turn it off.

Turn off inverter and plug into shore power....check all outlets.

Unplug from shore power turn on inverter....check all outlets.

A good inverter properly installed should power all outlets.

The inverter and shore power should use the same circuits. Mine do.

I would not use an electric heater on an inverter...too much current draw. The problem is not with the circuits but the ability of the inverter and battery system to supply needed current for time needed to heat room.

Easiest way is to NOT be connected to shore power, turn the Inverter ON and test each outlet for voltage. ANY outlet that has voltage is thru the Inverter. IF you have an Inverter 1500 and over, the current you can draw thru any outlet will be up to 12 amps(1440 watts). No fire Hazard, but trying to run a portable heater will drain your batteries pretty quick. Doug

Get the small yellow or orange circuit tester from Harbor Freight, Walmart or where ever. Turn off inverter breakers, test outlets for power. Remember to check to make sure the tester is operating.
Mark receptacles with small adhesive dots.