Forum Discussion

CaptSailor's avatar
CaptSailor
Explorer
Mar 15, 2015

Planning Auto Transfer Switch Installation

Hello All,

I've been trying to read other posts about installs of transfer switches, but getting myself more confused than anything else.

We have a 5th, which we have parked seasonally where there is NO shore power. We have a 60W solar panel, and twin CPE generators for heavy loads and to charge batteries, etc.

Last year I purchased a nice pure sine 2500W inverter. For simplicity sake I installed the inverter right at the battery, and simply used the shore cable to power the 5th (unplugging the converter).

This works, but is a PAIN, having the switch off the converter and plugin the trailer to the inverter for the evening, then reverse that, and plugin the generator during the day when needed.

I now have purchased a Progressive Dynamics 5100 series auto transfer switch. I am wonder if I can use it to switch between inverter and generator, rather than generator and shore??? What would be involved in doing this? Would I need to somehow remove the converter breaker from the panel or something?

I assume I can simply leave the solar charge controller just connected at the battery with no issue.

Or tell me if I'm totally off track...
  • SNOMORE's avatar
    SNOMORE
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    Yes, works instantaneously. You'll never forget to turn the converter on or off
  • CaptSailor's avatar
    CaptSailor
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    SNOMORE wrote:

    As for the converter - Actually, a easy solution for this is to install a simple 120v 18A relay from Amazon with "Normally Closed" contacts. Link to Amazon part is below. Costs less than $8. Got a pre-stripped lamp cord from Walmart for $3.50 and plugged it into the inverter and use it a to energize relay coil. and then switched the black wire on the converter outlet via the relay so that when the inverter is on, converter is off.



    Amazon Relay


    That sir, is a fabulous solution! I imagine the relay trips fast enough to not cause the converter to start?
  • SNOMORE's avatar
    SNOMORE
    Explorer
    Mar 26, 2015
    The transfer switch is simple - I used a PowerMax PMTS-30 30 Amp Automatic Transfer Switch, $49 from Inverters R Us. Inverter goes in one input, generator goes in the other and shore power hooks to output. I took a used 30 A extension cord and cut it, I used the male end to hook to the generator, the female end to hook to shore power and used a section for the inverter input.

    As for the converter - Actually, a easy solution for this is to install a simple 120v 18A relay from Amazon with "Normally Closed" contacts. Link to Amazon part is below. Costs less than $8. Got a pre-stripped lamp cord from Walmart for $3.50 and plugged it into the inverter and use it a to energize relay coil. and then switched the black wire on the converter outlet via the relay so that when the inverter is on, converter is off.

    It sounds complicated, buts its really very easy and foolproof. You will never have both on at the same time and no manual switching necessary. Buy a cheap j-box and blank cover to protect it. Less than $15 for everything

    Amazon Relay
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Mar 17, 2015
    CaptSailor wrote:
    I run the generator in a small generator shed. So I will mount the transfer switch in there, making the hookup simple.


    Then you have to run power from the inverter to the shed....
  • CaptSailor's avatar
    CaptSailor
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2015
    Thanks everyone for the comments. I think I will keep it simple, and just keep the converter breaker off while on inverter power, then switch it on when I start the generator. Seems like a pretty decent cost vs convenience trade.

    I run the generator in a small generator shed. So I will mount the transfer switch in there, making the hookup simple.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Mar 15, 2015
    Hi,

    You would need to have the converter powered before the feed from the generator into the transfer switch. Of course that means the converter won't work on shore power.

    You could do this:

    On generator

    generator : transfer switch : converter : 2nd transfer switch : power distribution center

    On shore power

    shore power : transfer switch : converter : 2nd transfer switch : power distribution center

    On inverter

    inverter: 2nd transfer switch : power distribution center

    I use a "patch panel" myself but then I prefer manual systems for 120 volt power. My default is to leave the converter disconnected.

    The above is only one way to do it. I'm sure there are others.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2015
    Go Power has a transfer switch that will break out power for the converter.

    Otherwise you may need to add an inverter sub panel to break out what should stay off inverter. Or use separate transfer switch for each branch circuit.

    Is the generator built in with remote start?
    I assume you have a remote for the inverter?
    50 amp or 30 amp RV?
    What do you really expect to run from inverter vs generator?
    As long as you are moving wire you may as well get this the way you want it.
  • CaptSailor's avatar
    CaptSailor
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2015
    smkettner wrote:
    Transfer switch has two input and one output. Connect the inverter to one input and the main cord to the other input. The output goes to the distribution center. Wiring diagram should have been supplied with the switch. Plug the cord into the generator.

    Yes the solar direct on the battery is independent and no change needed.


    Thanks for the quick response. Well, that's what I initially thought. But if I do that, the inverter will be providing power to the entire trailer, including the converter causing huge power draw.

    But I guess at least this way I only have to do one thing...unplug or turn off the converter. When on inverter power.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2015
    Transfer switch has two input and one output. Connect the inverter to one input and the main cord to the other input. The output goes to the distribution center. Wiring diagram should have been supplied with the switch. Plug the cord into the generator.

    Yes the solar direct on the battery is independent and no change needed.

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