How to easily turn off the microwave...

[deltabravo]

One thing I have done to all my RVs is to install a switched outlet for the microwave, so I can kill power to it when I'm using inverter power. The reason behind this is power conservation. I will turn on the switch when I want to use the microwave.

The microwave always uses power for the clock / digital display.

Another reason for the switch is to kill microwave power at night, when I'm on shorepower. The clock is very bright, and lights up the interior of the RV

When I am out camping, and not exploring the area, etc., I might end up on my laptop for extended time periods, using my inverter for AC power for the laptop and big LCD monitor I use for editing videos. I also power up a USB hub so I can plug in more than two USB devices such as a portable hard drive, tether my cell phone from internet, etc.
Conserving every bit of power helps, which is why I disable the microwave with the switch.


Here it is in my Nash 17k

[colliehauler]

deltabravo wrote:

time2roll wrote:
Anything that runs from a USB... get a 12v to USB adapter for direct (no inverter) charging.

DONE:

Adding USB charging ports and 12v outlets to an RV

This is what I would have suggested as well, no need to waste power on the inverter itslf.

[suprz]

doxiemom11 wrote:
I just open the adjacent cupboard and unplug it if I don't want power to it. It's always plugged in though - never unplug it unless repairing it.

This is the exact thing i was thinking too... Seems simple enough

[allen8106]

When I installed my inverter I just wired it direct into the three circuits I wanted to power and excluded the microwave circuit. When hooked to shore power the microwave is powered but not when on inverter power.

Works pretty well, no switches needed.

[packnrat]

guess i am lucky, i also do not like all kinds of lights on. but my micro oven is not a problem. it was new back in 2000.
maybe even a older model?

[Ron3rd]

doxiemom11 wrote:
I just open the adjacent cupboard and unplug it if I don't want power to it. It's always plugged in though - never unplug it unless repairing it.

I turn the microwave breaker off

[doxiemom11]

I just open the adjacent cupboard and unplug it if I don't want power to it. It's always plugged in though - never unplug it unless repairing it.

[BarabooBob]

I added a switch to my TT to kill the radio. That thing could light up the interior of the entire TT. I kill my microwave with the circuit breaker for the same reason. My interior now has no lights on at night unless I want them on.

[Trackrig]

I have a Nash 26X. With a few minutes in a welding shop, it's very easy to add two more 6V batteries for a total of four so that battery power really isn't a problem.

Bill

[profdant139]

delta, I'm with you -- I will go to great lengths to avoid parasitic drain. We boondock most of the time. A quarter amp here, a quarter there, and soon you are all amped up! 😉

[opnspaces]

I caught the light part and I agree on the annoyance. Most of my camping is boondocking out in the desert and any light LED or otherwise at night is a distraction. I've also added the same 12v plug that you linked and the blue LED on it is annoying as well. I did find one on Amazon with no LED, its about $5 more but I think worth it.

Non illuminated adapter

As always with Amazon, make sure you select the correct model as there is a choice of three different ones on the page but only one is non LED.

[GordonThree]

deltabravo wrote:
Another reason for the switch is to kill microwave power at night, when I'm on shorepower. The clock is very bright, and lights up the interior of the RV

100% agree on that, sometimes it seems like it has a timer and gets brighter the later it gets.

[deltabravo]

Another reason for the switch is to kill microwave power at night, when I'm on shorepower. The clock is very bright, and lights up the interior of the RV

[deltabravo]

time2roll wrote:
Consider a small 150 watt sine wave inverter to charge small items (laptop)

I edited my post to add more clarity. The laptop isn't the only thing I power. I added this phrase:

"...running my inverter for AC power for the laptop and big LCD monitor I use for editing videos, USB hub so I can plug in more than two USB devices, etc."

[deltabravo]

time2roll wrote:
Anything that runs from a USB... get a 12v to USB adapter for direct (no inverter) charging.

DONE:

Adding USB charging ports and 12v outlets to an RV