Hello All- 1st time post!I'm attempting to wire an inverter into my coach outlets on my 1999 Born Free 24RB.What I'm trying to do is install the inverter on a transfer switch to the outlets circuit only, as I will not be powering the microwave or A/C from the inverter.This has all gotten a bit more complicated than perhaps it needs to be and I may be posting more about it later, but for this specific question-I'd like to mount the inverter in a cabinet and don't want to ahve to use the power button on the inverter to turn it on and off. Since I had a hard time finding a 12v switch rated to 100 amps (1200 watts @ 12vdc) I had the idea to install a solenoid on the power line and switch that.It seems like it will work but now I'm worried that if I leave it on overnight the solenoid itself will draw power to remain "closed".This will be an issue since I usually leave my cell phone and laptop on charge overnight- if the solenoid is drawing much power it will be a long time drag on the battery for little benefit.Maybe I should try hard to find a mount for the inverter where I can reach its power button easily.Any advice appreciated!

What inverter are you installing?Very much doubt that you would want to switch the large-gauge feed from the battery. Most have an on-off switch on the inverter.Some have built-in transfer switch (often called "pass through"). If not, then, yes you will need a separate ATS or manual switch.You will be separating out both hot and neutral for those outlets.

I can see running the microwave off inverter but not the A/C.Some inverters have a low voltage remote to turn them on and off. The relay is inside the inverter.Example of inverter with remote

X2 on getting one with a remote control...problem solved and you can mount the inverter close to your batteries. Charge you cell phone with a 12V cigarette plug charger.

Some 1000w inverters have remote on/off switches but you have to find a route for the remote's wire to where you mount the switch. Doesn't the cabinet the inverter will be in have a door? (it will need good air venting to keep the inverter cool)Powering only the receptacles can be achieved easily if the converter is not on that same 120v circuit like it often is. So first remove the converter from that circuit somehow. Give it a different breaker on the AC panel or else give it its own switch on the converter's black wire to the breaker it shares with the receptacles' circuit. Next is the television that is plugged into a receptacle. When it is turned off it is still on in standby, so plug it and the dvd player into a power bar that has its own switch and plug that into the receptacle. Now you can kill the TV while using other receptacles.You can just plug your shore power cable via adapters to the inverter's receptacle to get the receptacles to go live. If you don't want the microwave to be used, or other circuits, just turn off their breakers. You don't have to do it all with transfer switches and sub-panels etc. Put the fridge and water heater on propane.The draw from an inverter on standby is fairly trivial depending on the camping scenario/situation so you could just leave it on, depending.

I chose to use a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/Volt-Battery-Disconnect-Kill-Switch/dp/B007O0BBFMIf you still wish to do a relay look for one that is "latching". I.E. applying power moves the contacts and then when power is turned off the relay keeps sending power to the device you wish to power.

Solenoid as relay question- install inverter | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2018
Some 1000w inverters have remote on/off switches but you have to find a route for the remote's wire to where you mount the switch. Doesn't the cabinet the inverter will be in have a door? (it will need good air venting to keep the inverter cool)

Powering only the receptacles can be achieved easily if the converter is not on that same 120v circuit like it often is. So first remove the converter from that circuit somehow. Give it a different breaker on the AC panel or else give it its own switch on the converter's black wire to the breaker it shares with the receptacles' circuit.

Next is the television that is plugged into a receptacle. When it is turned off it is still on in standby, so plug it and the dvd player into a power bar that has its own switch and plug that into the receptacle. Now you can kill the TV while using other receptacles.

You can just plug your shore power cable via adapters to the inverter's receptacle to get the receptacles to go live. If you don't want the microwave to be used, or other circuits, just turn off their breakers. You don't have to do it all with transfer switches and sub-panels etc. Put the fridge and water heater on propane.

The draw from an inverter on standby is fairly trivial depending on the camping scenario/situation so you could just leave it on, depending.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Feb 04, 2018
X2 on getting one with a remote control...problem solved and you can mount the inverter close to your batteries. Charge you cell phone with a 12V cigarette plug charger.
enblethen
Nomad
Feb 04, 2018
I can see running the microwave off inverter but not the A/C.
Some inverters have a low voltage remote to turn them on and off. The relay is inside the inverter.
Example of inverter with remote
wolfe10
Explorer
Feb 04, 2018
What inverter are you installing?

Very much doubt that you would want to switch the large-gauge feed from the battery. Most have an on-off switch on the inverter.

Some have built-in transfer switch (often called "pass through"). If not, then, yes you will need a separate ATS or manual switch.

You will be separating out both hot and neutral for those outlets.

Forum Discussion

Solenoid as relay question- install inverter

24 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Inverter install

inverter question

Inverter Output Power Question

Inverter AGM questions

Inverter installation question.