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crcr's avatar
crcr
Explorer
May 01, 2013

Open Ground when on PSW Inverter -- Experts please advise

I installed a small solar system on our TT last spring. It worked fine last summer. Now to round out the system, I just completed installing two golf cart batteries, and an inverter, a Morningstar SureSine 300 watt. The output from the inverter is wired to a 30 amp RV style female receptacle. So to feed the outlets in the TT, I plug the shore cord into that receptacle and turn on the inverter (this inverter has connections to wire a remote switch to, which I did). The green contact on that receptacle is grounded to the TT frame.

Everything was all hooked up, so I fired it up to test it. Then I used a 110V household receptacle tester, the kind with 3 lights, various combinations of the lights showing correct, or specifying the nature of a wiring problem. The receptacle tester a single light indicating "Open Ground". I have checked all my wiring and my connections, and don't see anything done incorrectly, per the instructions. All connections seem tight.

When I plug into shore power, the idiot light tester lights up indicating everything is correct. Is this normal or a bad sign when plugged into the inverter? If it is a problem, how would anyone suggest I troubleshoot it from here?

Thanks in advance. I have to leave right now for a short appointment, will probably be absent for an hour, so I apologize for a slight delay that may ensue in answering any responses.

48 Replies

  • crcr wrote:
    I was always told to fill water to where it just touches the bottom of that fill channel. Is it the same for golf cart batteries?
    I usually recommend 1/4" above the plates.
    enblethen wrote:
    Only a 300 watt and plugging 30 amp cord doesn't make sense, either.
    What part of this doesn't make sense? His needs are well within the capacity of his batteries and inverter.
  • enblethen wrote:
    Only a 300 watt and plugging 30 amp cord doesn't make sense, either.


    It works for my usage. That way I can plug anything I want to run off the inverter, into any of the 110V outlets in the TT. No, I don't try to run a toaster, microwave, hair dryer, or the AC when plugged into the inverter. And hot water heater & fridge are on propane.
  • Thanks everyone! Appreciate your responses!

    One more question -- I have two brand new Sams Club Energizer GC batteries (made by Johnson Controls). The water level in every cell is a little bit below the cylindrical extension of the fill cap. In automotive cranking batteries, I was always told to fill water to where it just touches the bottom of that fill channel. Is it the same for golf cart batteries?


    2oldman wrote:
    enblethen wrote:
    That is normal to indicate an open ground.
    300 watt inverter? hopefully you mean 3000.
    With just 2 batteries I kinda doubt it.


    300 watt. It is rated for surges to 600 watts for 10 minutes, so it will even run my laser printer, which spikes up over 500 watts for a split second, then immediately back down. I just need it for various electronics. It is adequate for our camping needs.
  • enblethen wrote:
    That is normal to indicate an open ground.
    300 watt inverter? hopefully you mean 3000.
    With just 2 batteries I kinda doubt it.
  • That is normal to indicate an open ground.
    300 watt inverter? hopefully you mean 3000. Are you turning off the converter?
  • Normal

    The tester is just indicating no neutral/ground bond which is fine for an on board power source.
  • crcr wrote:
    Is this normal or a bad sign when plugged into the inverter?
    Normal. Your generator will probably show the same with those testers.