please explain an inverter to me

late bloomer wrote:
So if I am plugged in to shore power or running the generator, I don't need to turn it on? Just if I am using battery power only?

YOu got it.

Thanks folks! The mind is an amazing thing, I can remember and retain things from decades ago but googling "inverter" and reading about amps and watts just makes my eyes glaze over. Y'all helped me learn something and that's what makes these forums awesome!!!

What everyone has said is correct and good info. The inverter, like an RV converter, usually has a charger built in to it. It will keep your coach batteries charged when plugged in to shore power or running the generator. There are usually a limited amount of plugs inside the RV that are fed from the inverter. All other plugs need shore or generator power to operate. You may have anywhere from 2 to 6 house batteries in a large RV and separate starter battery or batteries. I hope this helped. happy camping!

Jay, it's a good idea to get the MODEL number of YOUR inverter, google it and get the manual for it. Next, you should familiarize yourself with how it works in YOUR coach. You've already gotten an explanation as to how it works, now you need to find out WHAT it works. Here's how:

No shore power, no generator. Turn your inverter ON. Using a meter or simply a lamp, start plugging into outlets. Mark each working outlet with a small piece of tape. When you're done, you'll know exactly which outlets work off YOUR inverter.

Here's another tip. My coach has an outlet right near the kitchen sink that runs off the inverter. Since I have a residential fridge, the inverter is ON while we travel. My DW often makes something in the crockpot on travel days. Throw all the ingredients in the pot, put it in the kitchen sink, plug it in and we are "On the road again". When we get to our next stop, dinner is ready to be served. An added bonus is getting to smell that delicious meal while underway..:W..good luck....Dennis

The 12 Volt Side of Life

Don't fall asleep before you get to part II on inverters.
Print this out and keep with you if needed.

Is there any certain place an inverter would be installed?

late bloomer wrote:
So if I am plugged in to shore power or running the generator, I don't need to turn it on? Just if I am using battery power only?

That depends on the inverter.. For this discussion I'll split them into two (And later two more)

Stand alone inverters, these take 12 volts and make 120 volts AC, that is all.

In-line units take 120vac in and if there is some, make 12 volts to charge the battery, then pass the rest on to the loads.. Think UPS, because they work just like a UPS going into "Standby" if there is shore or generator power present.

On this type you leave it on, all the time, then if shore power fails, the TV, Radio, Computers, and such do not even blink. The inverter acts like a big I MEAN BIG ups switching automatically to battery power.. (I should know)


I promised a 2nd split as well
Msw/Tsw (Modified/True Sine wave)
True Sine Wave, also called Pure Sine wave, in fact ALL inverters have a list of things that will not work with them:
Any device needing more power than they produce.

That is the list which is common to all.

In addition MSW (Modified Sine Wave or Modified Square Wave)
have a long list of things that MIGHT or might not work with them

Radios, Epically AM
Televisions (They are after all radios)
Sat receivers (likewise)
Audio amplifiers
Clocks, timers and such
Electric Blankets
Coffee Pots (With electronic controls)
microwaves
Night LIghts (LED type, Incandascant work fine)
And more.. the list is very long.

True True/Pure sine is a bit more expensive but I have a very senistive AM radio in this coach (Kenwood TS-2000) and it can not tell what mode the Prosine is in, Standby, Inverter or OFF. It knows when I plug in a MSW inverter though.

Heck, it knows if Daryl turns on HIS MSW inverters (A different RV).

happy-2 wrote:
Is there any certain place an inverter would be installed?

It can vary by the coach/trailer manufacturer, but generally is very close to the battery/batteries that feed it, or alternatively may be close to the 110 panel/fuse box. Depends somewhat on space available, and to simplify wiring in and out. Ventilation/air flow for cooling is possibly also a consideration.

happy-2 wrote:
Is there any certain place an inverter would be installed?

Ideally close to the batteries. Larger cables are needed to accomodate the same amount of power at a lower voltage. Since 12V/DC is 1/10th the voltage of 120V/AC, it needs bigger cables, especially if the distance is longer.

That said, it depends on other things.
- Is there space near the batteries?
- Is this a simple automotive inverter with an oulet directly on the inverter that doesn't connect to the larger RV electrical system or is it a larger inverter connected directly to all the outlets in the RV.

happy-2 wrote:
Is there any certain place an inverter would be installed?

Happy-2, most inverters are installed close to your batteries. Great Question