One large inverter or 2-3 small ones?
So as I get closer to adding solar (or at least a larger battery bank) to my RV, I have more questions than I started with! Big thanks to the folks who have helped me along so far. I found a great...
Forum Discussion
Update and some questions.
I couldn't fit everything under the bed like I planned so I got a new battery box welded in...looks great. I've installed the three batteries and hooked them into the existing 12v distro system and everything's working so far. Now that I have the box and batteries in, I'm finalizing where/how to actually mount the inverter, shunt, battery switch, etc.
I think the only thing left to purchase is the 120v cable. I need to run 120v cable from the transfer switch (under the bed) to the inverter (next to the batteries), and then back under the bed to the 120v panel. This is about 10-15' of cable each way, and will run outside along the frame.
So the questions...
- What kind of 120v cable to I need? I have a 4000W generator feeding the transfer switch so I assume the wire needs to handle at least 4000W and be outdoor worthy. Anything else?
- I don't think my local Home Depot has 4000W cable. Can I just get a 30A RV extension cord and cut off the plugs?
- Do I need fuses in these lines?
- If I get outdoor-suitable cable, do I still need to put it in conduit?
As always thanks for the help! This is my first electrical project so I definitely appreciate the help in NOT burning down my new RV!
I couldn't fit everything under the bed like I planned so I got a new battery box welded in...looks great. I've installed the three batteries and hooked them into the existing 12v distro system and everything's working so far. Now that I have the box and batteries in, I'm finalizing where/how to actually mount the inverter, shunt, battery switch, etc.
I think the only thing left to purchase is the 120v cable. I need to run 120v cable from the transfer switch (under the bed) to the inverter (next to the batteries), and then back under the bed to the 120v panel. This is about 10-15' of cable each way, and will run outside along the frame.
So the questions...
- What kind of 120v cable to I need? I have a 4000W generator feeding the transfer switch so I assume the wire needs to handle at least 4000W and be outdoor worthy. Anything else?
- I don't think my local Home Depot has 4000W cable. Can I just get a 30A RV extension cord and cut off the plugs?
- Do I need fuses in these lines?
- If I get outdoor-suitable cable, do I still need to put it in conduit?
As always thanks for the help! This is my first electrical project so I definitely appreciate the help in NOT burning down my new RV!
