Forum Discussion

beemerphile1's avatar
beemerphile1
Explorer
Sep 05, 2019

DIY inverter transfer switch questions

Back story, I installed a Xantrex PSW inverter in my previous trailer and was able to modify the circuits in order to get everything onto one circuit and operate from the inverter. I used the Xantrex PROwatt Auto Transfer Switch. We occasionally had an issue with the contacts in the PROwatt sticking and I think it was because we pushed hard against the 15a rating.

I have moved the inverter to our new TT but have two circuits I want to power from the inverter.

Option one is adding a second Xantrex PROwatt, but one of the circuits is 20a. I fear the contacts sticking will get to be a problem, the PROwatt is not available in 20a.

Option two is a DPDT (double pole double throw) manual switch. The manual switch would certainly keep it simple but the wife likes everything automatic.

Option three would be some other transfer switch but I don't know where to start on that one.

I'm open for suggestions on manual switches, automatic transfer switch or maybe something else that I have yet to consider.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2019


    Get your own plastic box. (2) would offer 60 amp transfer capacity. One for line the second for neutral. Real-world experience not a hypothesis
  • Just_There's avatar
    Just_There
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2019
    Progressive Dynamics 30 amp automatic transfer switch is what I installed.
    PD5110010Q
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 06, 2019
    Hi,

    20 on 20 = some arcing

    20 on 60 = not as much arcing.

    Path:

    inverter-->transfer switch-->subpanel-->items to be powered.

    It doesn't get much simpler than that.

    Personally I do not use a transfer switch. I manually set the fridge to propane, and the default for the converter is unplugged.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2019
    pianotuna wrote:
    I'd go for a much beefier transfer switch. Congratulations on the new RV! I hope it serves you well.

    Go Power makes a 30 amp transfer switch. I'd try to find a 60 amp one.


    After my original post I found the KISAE Technology TS20A 20 Amp Transfer Switch. I'm thinking two of them, one for each circuit would keep it simple. Reasonably priced at $65 each from Don Rowe and it would keep everything automatic which pleases the wife.

    We love the new trailer but it has been a lot of work making mods. I've probably done 100 or more mods in the last couple of months but I love doing it. I modded the previous trailer for 13 years and doing this one in one summer.
  • Crabbypatty's avatar
    Crabbypatty
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2019
    I opted to do it manually. I have the Xantrax 2000 PSW. I plug into it with an extension cord and plug that into shore power. Flip off the on board converter circuit breaker switch and viola the fiver is powered up. Takes like a minute to do.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 05, 2019
    I'd go for a much beefier transfer switch. Congratulations on the new RV! I hope it serves you well.

    Go Power makes a 30 amp transfer switch. I'd try to find a 60 amp one.

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