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Colo_Native's avatar
Colo_Native
Explorer
Aug 23, 2016

inverter wiring

Trying to understand this. Use a subpanel to power the few circuits(microwave, tv, and a couple more of outlets). Then have a j box to tie those together with main panel and sub. What keeps the system from being back fed or does the inverter have built in protection? I am looking at a couple of different inverters as stated in previous thread. Also is there a simple drawing to visualize it?

19 Replies

  • smkettner wrote:
    Skip the J-box.

    Main panel branch circuit breaker feeds the inverter input.

    Inverter output feeds direct to the subpanel.

    Connect branch circuits to the subpanel. Done.

    Victron will come with diagram and instructions.


    So are you saying to run the wire directly from the i.e. MW breaker(circuit) to the sub panel? double wire a breaker?
  • Depending on how your inverter works, and how your trailer is wired, a subpanel may not be that much extra work.

    It was super easy in my KZ. The shore cord was connected directly to the WFCO panel, via a 30a breaker. I simply undid that connection and installed the smallest panel I could find, which was two slots and four circuits. I put it right behind the wfco (lots of wasted space behind the converter inside the cabinet). Two new pieces of 10/2 romex were installed, one from the shore power panel, one from the WFCO panel. These go into the inverter transfer switch.

    The inverter output connects to the same breaker the shore cable used to, and the input is connected to a new 30 amp breaker installed in the shore power panel.
  • Skip the J-box.

    Main panel branch circuit breaker feeds the inverter input.

    Inverter output feeds direct to the subpanel.

    Connect branch circuits to the subpanel. Done.

    Victron will come with diagram and instructions.
  • You will have a separate breaker on your main 120 VAC breaker panel for "120 VAC IN" to the inverter (to power those circuits when on shore power or generator). The transfer switch in the inverter "passes through" 120 VAC from either shore power or generator. It inverts if no external source of 120 VAC.

    From inverter "OUT" to the sub-panel. All circuits you want powered by shore, generator OR INVERTER have breakers on the sub-panel.
  • One I am looking at is Victron Multiplus 12/2000 and I believe it has one built in. Do I have the wiring right wires(that are controlled by inverter) from main(shore) to a j box then back to main panel and wires from inverter to j box then to sub panel
  • Diagram

    Separate transfer switch:

    Main panel ---->
    Inverter ------> transfer switch ----> sub-panel

    Internal switch:

    Main panel ---> Inverter ---> sub-panel

    Electrically it is the same either way.
  • Mandalay Parr wrote:
    Inverter has an internal transfer switch.
    Some do, some don't
  • A transfer switch protects it. You don't have to use a subpanel. It's a lot more work.

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