burningman wrote:
Even though 6-gauge is rated to handle the current, heavier gauge will actually work better.
You can’t go too big on the battery cables.
I just installed a Xantrex ProWatt SW2000 in my camper, I used 2-0 (that’s minus-2 below zero gauge).
Xantrex sells a very nice auto transfer switch, it’ll default to inverter power and switch to shore power whenever there is any. I put in two, one for the microwave outlet and one for the kitchen counter outlet. They’re like $50, and then you don’t have to do anything.
Also for like $20 Xantrex sells a remote control switch for the ProWatt SW series.
Then it’s really easy to use the thing.
Are you describing an install for your Northern Lite? Curious where you installed the inverter.
For electrical efficiency I prefer to mount the inverter as close as possible to the battery, then run wire from the inverter's AC output (which has much lower loss vs. an equivalent DC run) to a suitably-rated transfer switch mounted behind/near the breaker panel (power center). Behind the breaker panel it's easy to pick and choose which entire circuit to power with the transfer switch. Some may even choose to power the entire camper (with the inverter) by intercepting the primary 30 amp input to the breaker panel (power center).
