Power inverter Shut off

I have a 600WATT PSW AIMS Power Inverter (AMAZON) on my OFF-ROAD POPUP and I just leave it on all the time. It too is mounted in a hard to get access to area close to the battery bank main switch. It does not draw much DC CURRENT if you are not using it...

Might try that out at home one night and see how yours does...

Roy Ken

Turn off at the power bar (surge).

RoyB wrote:
... I just leave it on all the time.

x2

Here is the problem i have with leaving it on all night problem 1 i was worried about it draining my batteries down and the problem 2 it is mounted right underneath my bed and the fan on the inverter i have is loud when there is no other noise. The fan is not noticeable when watching tv or moving about the trailer but it absolutely cuts through the silence we all enjoy out camping. My thoughts were to just use a household 110v light switch but as i am seeing as i search the internet, that is not such a great idea and that it should be a 50a 12v dc switch.

Also i am happy with the inverter i have and im not interested in buying a new one. Just dont like to listen to the fan at night.

At least you saved money on the inverter.

I recommend a latching relay and a momentary switch to activate it on or off from a convenient position.
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv

Or if you are handy open the inverter case and extend the power switch to a convenient place.

Otherwise I would have recommended a Go Power 150w sine wave inverter with a fan you would not hear, provision for a remote switch, and idle current at 0.2 amps.
http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/go-power-sw150

Some inverters have the ability to add an on/off switch remotely. My Samlex and Xantrex inverters (and many others) offered that option

If not an option, I would consider a plug in wireless adapter switch that would go between your inverter output receptacle and your power cord. The switch working that adapter plug could then be located anywhere within 10-15 feet of the inverter. That would work assuming that your inverter's fan would not go on if there was no power draw from it.

http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Wireless-Electrical-Household-Appliances/dp/B0087EIDRS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462819022&sr=8-2&keywords=wireless+plug+outlet

Big Love wrote:
That would work assuming that your inverter's fan would not go on if there was no power draw from it.

From OP's description it sounds like it's always on. Typical of, ahem, cheap inverters.

I would think you should be fine with the light switch to control the inverter, the contacts on a 110 volt switch are heavier than a 12 volt switch; so less resistance, I would think. I would try it for sure. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Bill

If you want to disconnect the inverter from the battery you do need a switch rated at 12v 50 amp plus wiring from the inverter to the switch with the same rating.

98coachman wrote:
I would think you should be fine with the light switch to control the inverter, the contacts on a 110 volt switch are heavier than a 12 volt switch; so less resistance, I would think. I would try it for sure. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Bill

That ISN'T how it works.

Many "110" volt rated switches are not rated to switch DC voltages and the ones that are rated to switch DC voltages ARE "derated" in voltage and amperage.

DC voltages can have a sustained arc over longer than AC (which is why DC welders are nicer to weld with than AC). This arc over can cause damage to the switch contacts or worse, fire.

You have to be careful when playing with DC voltages.

The OPs inverter is rated at 400W, at 13.2V that is 30A of current that the switch must be able to handle.

Standard household light switches are typically only rated for 15A or 20A at 120V AC, not DC voltages.. Do you see a problem with your advice?

OP has several options..

#1 live with it (IE leave on)

#2 spend money on a 12V high current switch

#3 Use a Bosch auto style relay (can find rated up to 40A for $2-$5) to setup a remote on/off

#4 buy a remote latching relay ($$$$)

#5 crack open the inverter and wire in a remote switch using the internal wiring from the built in switch

#6 Buy a better inverter which has remote on/off capability built in.