Inverter v inverter charger

I would install a Inverter/CHARGER and then unplug the Power Converter. That is what we do when customers want a Inverter/charger installed. That way, IF the Inverter/charger--the charger section fails, all you have to do is plug in the Power Converter to keep the RV running on 12 volts. Doug

Lipets wrote:
Go Power! GP-SW2000-12 $823

GP is top quality in my book.

What is the inverter for? Why PSW? eg some things require PSW but they are low wattage items like some power tool chargers. A few MW won't run on MSW but some will except a bit slower than when on PSW but they still get the job done. You have to specify brand of MW and brand of inverter to learn if they work ok. Many will--ours does.

Where you can get by with a MSW inverter for the MW you can then use a second smaller wattage inverter for the PSW things and smaller loads of any kind too. Lots of folks have two inverters for that, a big one and a little one.

Not on your list is bestconverter's PSW Xantrex 2000 for under $400,

https://bestconverter.3dcartstores.com/Prowatt-SW2000-Sine-Wave-Inverter_p_375.html#.Us3sk2eA1jo

but Randy has reportedly said he has had some warranty returns with those. Perhaps still be worth it since there is in fact a warranty.

Here is how we get by if it helps any with thinking about possible set-ups

http://forums.trailerlife.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26237237.cfm

Hi Lipets,

I would eliminate the Power Bright.

Aims gets poor reviews.

The Outback unit can be stacked. High quality.

Go Power, Cotek and Samlex do not provide after warranty support. I.E. no parts.

If you go Magnum--make sure you get the latest model that supports boost mode.

The Triplite is high quality but showing its age.

The Xantrex in the next post is best bang for the buck--but it IS a throw away if it fails.

Still not sure which to look into.

Any more input I saw these

COTEK SK2000-112 2000 WATT 12 VOLT Amazon $687
Cotek ST2000-112 2000W Pure Sine Inverter Transfer Switch $800
same company
Samlex America SA2000K112 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter $690
---
Tripp Lite PV2000FC $384 PV1800GFCI
Go Power! GP-SW2000-12 $823
Magnum MS2012 2000W $1500
?? AIMS Power 2000 Watt, 12 Volt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter (PWRI200012S) $450
OutBack Power FX2012MT $1587
Power Bright APS2200-12 PSW Inverter 2200 Watt 12 Volt . $449

Hi Pianotuna,

I will give it a try!

With the hybrid models (Victron, Magnum or the old Trace) they all need a voltage and frequency "source" to sync to in order to support the source. So in the case of say grid the hybrid model is in sync (voltage and frequency) with the grid and in order to stay connected and add any current it must follow the waveform of the grid. Since it has to follow the waveform if the voltage of the grid drops so does the hybrid voltage output in order to stay sync'd. If the grid voltage falls too much it will disconnect from the inverter but let's just say in this case the grid voltage drops but not too much.

If the inverter tried to raise it's output voltage in turn trying to raise the incoming grid voltage it would have to be able to change the waveform of the grid which would mean it would have to have enough power to support the incoming grid all the back to the source which it cannot it just doesn't have enough power to run a neighborhood or change the grid waveform.

So in short it just has to follow the grid (or generator) waveform for voltage and frequency but it can add current to the waveform which is exactly what it does.

So an example might be you are plugged into a 20A outlet/breaker and grid is 120 Vac / 60Hz and everything is fine. Then it starts getting hot and everyone in the park has a/c running. The grid voltage falls to 112 Vac but you still have 20A available just low voltage. You have your hybrid model set to 20A input so when you turn on your a/c and the microwave you are now drawing 30A or +10A over the 20A setting. You will be using 20A from the grid and the hybrid will add 10A from the batteries for a total of 30A so the 20A breaker doesn't trip on the pole. The voltage reading will still be 112 Vac but you just added 10A of current to the loads.

Gary

Hi Gary,

May I ask you to expand on your answer? I don't understand it.

If you could give examples (theoretical ones) it would help me a bunch.

Merry Christmas everyone!

GBaxter wrote:
Just to clarify these inverters mentioned are not always inverting and they do not maintain proper voltage at the loads. These models still have a transfer switch and when the inverter is ON it is in parallel with the loads so it will add current by inverting from the batteries but it does not have the ability to raise the voltage. It is possible on a small generator to see the voltage increase but that is only because the inverter is adding current which in turn lessens the load on the generator allowing it to raise its own voltage output.

I hope that makes sense I just would hate to see someone spend more money on a hybrid model for the wrong reason.

Gary

GBaxter wrote:

I hope that makes sense I just would hate to see someone spend more money on a hybrid model for the wrong reason.

Thanks for clarifying that.

I have no idea how other Inverter/Converters work but with mine a Magnum I can control the maximum incoming AC current through my shore power cord or out of my 7500w Onan QD from 5a to 50a. I can control the converter output from 10a to 100a. For example I can plug my Honda EU 1000i with a adapter into my shore power cord and set the coach electrical draw at 5a. I can set the converter output to 35a and the Honda is happy. I can set the max unto the coach from the Onan to 50a and the converter to 100a. It is a very nice setup that came with the coach. I would hate to guess what it cost (-:

Jim

The only exception where I'd look at an inverter/charger is the Victron or Magnum Energy "hybrids" that are always inverting, and power is passed to the batteries first. The advantage of this setup is that if the CG has low voltage, the inverter will start using the battery to maintain the proper electricity for components, which helps with A/C compressors that can burn out if started or run at under 100-110 volts for periods of time.

Just to clarify these inverters mentioned are not always inverting and they do not maintain proper voltage at the loads. These models still have a transfer switch and when the inverter is ON it is in parallel with the loads so it will add current by inverting from the batteries but it does not have the ability to raise the voltage. It is possible on a small generator to see the voltage increase but that is only because the inverter is adding current which in turn lessens the load on the generator allowing it to raise its own voltage output.

I hope that makes sense I just would hate to see someone spend more money on a hybrid model for the wrong reason.

Gary