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theczar's avatar
theczar
Explorer
Jan 02, 2020

Bad inverter, rewire new one?

Ok so it appears my inverter with bypass died. It has a hard wired 120v output and a standard 120v input that has a standard 3 prong plug (in addition to the 12v input). The plug has an outlet nearby that it is plugged into. When the RV is plugged into shore power the inverter is bypassed and the 120v is just a pass through.

So I am going to replace the inverter and thought I would wire a 3 prong female to the inverter and a male to the wire going to the outlet in the coach (powering the fridge). I would plug these together under normal operation. If the inverter dies in the future I could simply plug the male plug I added and plug into the outlet the inverter is now plugged into. I realize I would no longer have inverter capabilities but would maintain power to the fridge while on shore power.

My question is to the electrical experts, is there a problem with replacing the hardwired output with the plug/outlet as explained above?

Thanks
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2020
    If all that is wrong with the existing inverter is the internal transfer switch, for under $75, you can get a separate 30 amp ATS. Easy to wire up:

    From main 120 breaker panel to ATS IN (favored input)
    From inverter OUT to ATS IN
    ATS OUT to circuits currently wired to inverter OUT

    BTW, there are some high end DP's that are wired this way from the factory (with the second ATS).
  • theczar's avatar
    theczar
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2020
    This is just an inverter. Model wfco wf-5110. For ease of replacement thinking of using same. No separate transfer switch needed to install. I like the current setup since no need to do anything when going from traveling to shore power as it automatically switches over.

    The reason I am proposing the plug is if in the future it breaks again it is a simple plug change behind the inverter and fridge is back in business. I currently have no access to the plug behind the fridge without removing the fridge
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 02, 2020
    Instead of the manual plug scheme consider a separate transfer switch and a stand alone inverter.

    If you have an inverter/charger you would need to get a separate converter to supply 12 volts and charge the battery.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jan 02, 2020
    What exact model of inverter just died, and what exact model are you replacing it with? Also is this really an inverter/charger?

    Confusing 120v paths. Why can't you just plug the fridge into an outlet that works on shore power and use an inverter to run the outlet (and any other 120v things) when off- grid by plugging your shore power into the inverter and turning the converter off?
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Jan 02, 2020
    Yes, female plug on the inverter OUT circuit is fine.

    Had to read it twice to verify that you were not considering a "dead man's plug" which is a male plug on a powered/hot circuit.

    And, if this is an expensive inverter, may be cheaper to just buy a 30 amp ATS to replace the built in ATS in the inverter OR repair/replace the ATS in the inverter.

    Several options here depending on quality/cost of current inverter.

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