Wiring outlets, inverter and shore power

I like running cables and cords from my Power Inverter as well.
Then I can physically plug in what I want to run off the Power Inverter.

This is what a manual switch-over setup might look like using manual rotary switches. This lets the added Power Inverter run all of your existing wiring... You can add as many of the rotary banks as you need to switch.. These would require you to re-route alot of wiring around the Converter 120VAC Power Distribution panel... The beauty of this method is it will disable any high wattage appliance you don't have enough Power Inverter wattage to run it.

Would look like this on your wall panel







My needs for the added Power Inverter is much simplified then doing the whole trailer re-wiring thing... This keeps it simple (KISS principle)... My OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer just has two multi-tap drop cords coming from my added Power Inverter with one mounted on the back of a cabinet top near the home entertainment items and the other one back on a cabinet top near the bed we sleep in...

A couple of these multi-outlet power strip cords with ON-OFF switch...


Roy Ken

Not sure what size inverter you're using. But I just upgraded to a 2000W inverter that says it can do 16.7A 120VAC output continuous. It uses 20A GFCI sockets for output (NEMA 5-20R).

Figure the existing 12 awg extension cord will work (it's <10' run through plastic conduit), except that it's plug is not 20A. It's just the usual 15A plug.

Maybe that plug is fine as if we're ever over 15A it won't be for long because of battery limitations. Still, I've got two 120VAC plugs elsewhere that are melted around one of the prongs, and that makes me a wee bit sensitive to the issue.

To support the full 16.7A I should probably replace that plug with a NEMA 5-20P, a 20A plug. These only seem available at specialty electrical shops.

Are we having fun yet ?!

Naio wrote:
Do Rvers use regular romex, or something more flexible?

Can I open up the inverter and screw or solder onto connections inside?

Why in the world would you open up the inverter? Most have at least 2 receptacles into which you'd plug standard 15 amp connectors so that's just what I did ...



... running one SJ rubber cord to the outside world where I terminated the cable with a Leviton WetGuard receptacle ...



... and another over to a junction box I installed nearby in the front pass through cargo compartment.



In the box I connected 3 lengths of Romex - 2 of which I then ran to each side of the bed and connected to dedicated inverter duplex receptacles ...



... and a third over to the galley where I located a third dedicated inverter duplex receptacle.



The the run to the galley receptacle had to go underfloor so I enclosed it in protective wire conduit.



Easy. :B

I don't know about most people, but it's really easy to plug your shore cord in.

I used Romex for a hard-wire job.

This coach is Romex, BUT.. all cable: DC & AC are sheathed with Slit-Wrap for abrasion protection. Anything I change or add is also in Slit-Wrap, including the indestructible Super Excelene 4/0 cable. Can't be too safe

Ok, flexible cord! Thanks :B

I assume you mean any size and shape of boxes that fit what i am doing?

FROM THE INVERTER OUTPUT
just buy some 12ga SJ rubber cord at home depot etc
get 4SQ box and mount outlets in it if you need more or make a long SJ run to where you want to mount the new outlets inside the RV, again with a box

the inverter either comes with hard wire connection points or outlets
opening it and soldering will VOID any warranty