Forum Discussion

jmikerudd's avatar
jmikerudd
Explorer
Nov 07, 2015

Inverter Sub Panel

I have installed solar panels with charger and a Magnum pure sine inverter/charger with a sub-panel to run a separate 15 amp circuit for tv, computers and charging needs. It is not tied into the regular house circuits. My question is this, The sub panel I purchased has only 1 bar without a separate ground bar like in the main panel. That being the case, can I combine the ground and the neutral to the single bar?

Second question, the inverter has a pass thru a/c charger that kicks in when on shore or gen set power. What about he existing converter, do I just disconnect it?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Mike

8 Replies

  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 07, 2015
    The neutral buss must be isolated from the ground. Leaving the bonding screw out isolates the buss making it an isolated neutral.
    I would not recommend splicing the neutrals, but yes, you can.
    I would splice the grounds and run pigtail to the box.
  • jmikerudd's avatar
    jmikerudd
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    Bud, as it turns out the green bonding screw is set up to install in the neutral buss if required. I am planning on grounding the box utilizing the bonding screw (it is designed for it) do I need to install a new neutral buss or can I connect the a/c in neutral and a/c out neutral together with wire nut in the box?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 07, 2015
    Do not combine them. Go and pick up a ground bar at your local hardware store.
    Make sure the one in your sub-panel does not have a bonding screw installed in the neutral buss.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2015
    jmikerudd wrote:
    What about he existing converter, do I just disconnect it?
    Yes. Yank or switch its 120v supply.

    In case you haven't started this sub-panel job, many of us find it's much easier to plug the shore cord into the inverter or hard-wire it to the main panel. Makes things much easier. And if you sell the rig you don't have all that explaining to do.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2015
    No- make sure the neutral bar is isolated from the case (insulated) and just add a ground bar- there is usually a place for one.

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