Forum Discussion

landlordy's avatar
landlordy
Explorer
Nov 01, 2017

voltage question 110 on shore power 100 on inverter???

Just noticed tonight while installing a new outlet on my rig that when I am connected to shore power I get about 120 on my meter but when I unplug it and switch to the inverter I am only getting about 100? My tv, microwave, etc all work fine but this surprised me a bit. Is this normal!? Any input is appreciated.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2017
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Unless you have a top-tier true sinusoidal inverter it can easily confuse a digital gauge. This is why I carry both digital and analog (needle) type panel meter sets.

    What is this "analog" you speak of ?

    Oh, you mean my Simpson 260 !
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2017
    landlordy wrote:
    Just noticed tonight while installing a new outlet on my rig that when I am connected to shore power I get about 120 on my meter but when I unplug it and switch to the inverter I am only getting about 100? My tv, microwave, etc all work fine but this surprised me a bit. Is this normal!? Any input is appreciated.


    Same question, same answers from a few weeks ago.
  • landlordy's avatar
    landlordy
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    BLF that is exactly what it is doing 97-100 and it is MSW so maybe I don't have an issue. Mexi I'll try an analog meter tomorrow I don't have one but ill ask my neighbor or pick one up lol. Larry the batts are fully charged. Thanks so much guys
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Nov 01, 2017
    Some inverters allow you to select a different voltage. Typically with PSW 120, 115, or 110. 100 suggests to me that the inverter is MSW.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    If the inverter is MSW your ordinary voltmeter will read 97 or so it varies. You need a fancy meter (RMS something) to get the "real" voltage.

    If the inverter is PSW then it should read the full 120, same as shore power.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    Unless you have a top-tier true sinusoidal inverter it can easily confuse a digital gauge. This is why I carry both digital and analog (needle) type panel meter sets.

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