110V AC & 12V DC layout plans
Hi everyone, I'm working on my very first DIY camper conversion, using a 2010 extended Ford E250. Right now I'm working on the AC/DC layout, panel, circuits, outlets, equipment etc... take a ...
Forum Discussion
50A service would be entirely overkill for this van IMHO, and likely most class B's. It would also require a different electrical panel.
If you wire the inverter to the main breaker box, you need some sort of a transfer switch, since you now have two sources to feed one system. It's no different than a generator so far as wiring needs are concerned, just powered by 12V batteries rather than gasoline. Some inverters have transfer switches built in (and these typically would be wired to one or two individual branch circuits). If you plug a shore power cord into the inverter, then you don't have more than one supply connected to your system and you don't need a separate transfer switch; in effect, your moving the cable around is the transfer switch.
That 30A inlet looks okay to me. Some RV extension cord ends might not fit into the recess around the prongs, so you might have to use some care in selecting them (or the sockets you select to put on the end of a cord you assemble). It is hard to tell from the picture whether it's sturdy and well-sealed and well-made, or cheap junk. It seems obvious to me that this is one place where cheap junk should be categorically avoided.
If you wire the inverter to the main breaker box, you need some sort of a transfer switch, since you now have two sources to feed one system. It's no different than a generator so far as wiring needs are concerned, just powered by 12V batteries rather than gasoline. Some inverters have transfer switches built in (and these typically would be wired to one or two individual branch circuits). If you plug a shore power cord into the inverter, then you don't have more than one supply connected to your system and you don't need a separate transfer switch; in effect, your moving the cable around is the transfer switch.
That 30A inlet looks okay to me. Some RV extension cord ends might not fit into the recess around the prongs, so you might have to use some care in selecting them (or the sockets you select to put on the end of a cord you assemble). It is hard to tell from the picture whether it's sturdy and well-sealed and well-made, or cheap junk. It seems obvious to me that this is one place where cheap junk should be categorically avoided.
