I have a 1000 watt inverter that I use to power TV, etc. I have a dedicated 110 volt outlet wired to the inverter. I want to be able to turn it off without going outside and manually pressing the power button (it is in a storage bin).I am willing to rewire (bigger wire) and move the inverter to a location that I could reach through the laundry chute from inside but I belive I should be able to wire in a relay to break the positive cable from the battery to the inverter. If I use a remote switch to turn the inverter off and on I would like to minimize power consumed by the switch itself.I am not trying to switch from DC to AC with this switch, just remotely turn the inverter on and off.I would appreciate any advice.Thanks,danglo

My inverter had a remote switch option so it was a simple matter of plugging it in. Now if you really want to do it youll need a heavy duty relay a length of 18ga wire and a basic toggle switch. Pretty simple stuff really

Some inverters have this as an option. I was looking at a Morningstar SureSine 300 for low wattage uses, and it comes with the ability to wire up a remote switch as well as a meter.

A continuous duty relay as used to operate winches or as a battery isolater is what you need to interrupt the DC supply to the inverter.$25 or so at auto stores or less online.Make sure it's listed as continuous duty .A simply 18 gauge wire to operate the coil on the relay and any switch.Good Luck, Mike

1000w inverter, you need a relay with contacts rated for at least 90 amps, they will have too carry the amp load into the inverter

Open the inverter and add a switch in series with existing.Pull a thin wire such as phone cord to position the new switch in the location you prefer.

Remote switch to turn off inverter | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

RJsfishin
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
I just chopped the positive wire to the inverter, and brought both ends to a 30 amp switch on the tv cabinet,...maybe a 10 ft round trip.
Just because its a 1000 watt max inverter, don't mean it'll ever put out over 300.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
This style (ESSEX) of relay is far more durable than parts store relays. FAR more inrush current capability. Unlike parts store cans I've never had one of these returned..

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Relays-Contactors-Solenoids/DC-Relays-Contactors-Solenoids/12-VDC-SPST-CONT-DUTY-INSULATED-SOLENOID-11-3290.axd

This is a WIRELESS RELAY it controls the ESSEX type relay. A 6th grader could hook up the wireless relay ESSEX relay system. This critter is WATERPROOF, and yes the signal penetrates wood, aluminum, even steel sheet metal. You can hang one remote by the easy chair and the 2nd by your bed so when you realize you forgot to switch off the inverter...

This one is on Amazon: Query 12 VOLT WIRELESS RELAY
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 28, 2014
A momentary switch in parallel would be required to work. I assumed it was a standard rocker switch (SPST). In series either switch off means off and is better for safety IMO. Could do a 3-way with a pair of SPDT but that seems a bit much.
jhilley
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
smkettner wrote:
Open the inverter and add a switch in series with existing.
Pull a thin wire such as phone cord to position the new switch in the location you prefer.

If you did that, I think you would want to put the switch in parallel to the existing switch.
jbbrick
Explorer
Aug 28, 2014
You're not switching the main current, only the primary line on the on-off switch. As said above, you can use lighter wire-look closely at it and see if there is an RJ11 phone jack on it. If not you can open it up and isolate the switch circuit. Prob need a momentary contact switch to operate it.
azrving
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014
My Xantrex pro 600 draws .5 amp. Shutting it off for 20 hours lets me watch a 40 Vizio led for an hour and a half or my 24 in Vizio led for 4 hr.

I found the port on mine.
mena661
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014
I have my rigs TV's on a 3 plug power strip that comes with a remote on/off keyfob.
CLICKY
jhilley
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014
A high current battery disconnect latching relay is what you need. They don't draw any current in the on or the off stage, only momentarily while switching. They also have the size lugs needed for the cable between battery and inverter.

Battery Disconnect Latching Relay
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014
BFL13 wrote:
The inverter left on with no load does not use much power, so IMO not worth the bother for daily camping. If away for a few days you can turn it off outside.

What does draw that the inverter gets blamed for is the television when it is "turned off" It is not off, it is in standby still drawing some. If you leave the inverter on, unplug the TV entirely (or have it plugged into a power bar with its own on/off switch.)

Not necessarily true. I have a Harbor Freight 2000/4000 that idles at 2.25 - 2.5 amp DC. Has never bothered me because I bought it for using my 'stealth' electric chain saw.
BFL13
Explorer II
Aug 27, 2014
The inverter left on with no load does not use much power, so IMO not worth the bother for daily camping. If away for a few days you can turn it off outside.

What does draw that the inverter gets blamed for is the television when it is "turned off" It is not off, it is in standby still drawing some. If you leave the inverter on, unplug the TV entirely (or have it plugged into a power bar with its own on/off switch.)