Sine Wave Inverter Anomaly
After following this recent discussion about how to best utilize a sine wave inverter for RV use I decided to go ahead and buy the 1000 watt model mentioned in this discussion since it was on sale for...
Forum Discussion
ktmrfs wrote:brulaz wrote:
Ok. As you suggest, I'll stick with my trusty multi-meter to check for bonding.
Now if I understand this correctly, your inverter's 120V output becomes bonded only when plugged into the RV. So I guess there's a connection between ground and neutral somewhere in the 120V distribution panel, or ... somewhere?
Not sure if Prog Ind would think that's a good idea (see quotes above).
Also this bonding doesn't seem to blow up the inverter (a good thing!) which implies that the inverter is not as cheap as it could be.
Think I'll email Prog Ind with a query about all this.
If your trailer is wired to code, ground and neutral CANNOT be bonded together anywhere in the trailer when it is plugged into shore power. Code only allows bonding at the main distribution panel for the power. That is (a) the breaker panel in your house (b) the breaker panel at the campground etc.
Check your trailer with an ohmmeter. if it is wired to code you will find 'infinite" resistance between the neutral and ground if you check at the main plug.
OK. If assuming the RV is up to code, then when plugged into that floating inverter, SoundGuy should NOT see 120VAC both to ground and to neutral. IOW it should still be floating not bonded.
But when plugged into shore power, the RV outlets will be bonded through the bonding at the campground post or wherever? So measuring volts you'll see 120VAC to ground and to neutral?
