Forum Discussion

downtheroad's avatar
downtheroad
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016

How to wire a voltmeter?

I'm thinking of installing something similar to this to monitor the AC power in our new trailer. I don't want the 'plug in' type. Would rather have a small permanently mounted hardwired panel.

Question: How do I wire it and to what? Thanks.

36 Replies

  • I went further and put something similar to this in our trailer:
    100A AC LCD Panel Digital Power Meter Monitor Voltage KWh Watt Voltmeter Ammeter
    (search ebay for that)

    Connected it to the Progressive PT30C (hardwired version) on the output side (and put the ammeter coil on the output wire inside the PT30C).

    This way you can see your voltage, and the power consumption at the same time. I mounted it in a small project box (most electronics stores have them) and used some 4 conductor 16 AWG SJOW wire to route it to from the surge protector to the device I mounted on the wall.

    Make sure you put a fuse inline with the hot voltage wire.
  • Thanks for the help so far...This will be for a 30a system.

    Wrote: "Accuracy of $5 Ebay meters is not that great."
    Do you have a suggestion for brand and source?
  • Do you have a 50 amp rig or 30 amp. If 50 you will need two meters, one for each hot leg, or a switch to switch the meter between the hot legs.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Ideally, - parallel and close to converter input. Or - to inverter output. Might as well hook it up to any 120V receptacle. Accuracy of $5 Ebay meters is not that great.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,304 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 26, 2025