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DIY inverter transfer switch questions

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Build a life you don't need a vacation from.

2016 Silverado 3500HD DRW D/A 4x4
2018 Keystone Cougar 26RBS
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900
7 REPLIES 7

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Explorer


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
Explorer
Explorer
Progressive Dynamics 30 amp automatic transfer switch is what I installed.
PD5110010Q

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
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.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Build a life you don't need a vacation from.

2016 Silverado 3500HD DRW D/A 4x4
2018 Keystone Cougar 26RBS
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900

Crabbypatty
Explorer
Explorer
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.
John, Lisa & Tara:B:C:)
2015 F250 4x4 6.2L 6 spd 3.73s, CC Short Bed, Pullrite Slide 2700, 648 Wts Solar, 4 T-125s, 2000 Watt Xantrax Inverter, Trimetric 2030 Meter, LED Lights, Hawkings Smart Repeater, Wilson Extreme Cellular Repeater, Beer, Ribs, Smoker

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
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.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.