Inverter Install Question

J

Jamie 10017

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Nov 13, 2011
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32751
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I am going to install a 2000W Inverter as I rewire my boat. Remember its completly gutted as of now so I am starting from scratch with the wiring. I wanted to get some ideas on what is the best way to connect all of this together. I have a 6.5 onan genset along with 2 30 amp shore power inputs . My question is should I use a automatic transfer switch or a manual. Tell me how you boat is set up I am just looking for ideas. Thanks Jamie
 
There are so many variables that without a lot more info it is impossible to give any help on the best way to set it up. There are a lot of "right" ways to do it - question is what is the right way for you.

A 6.5 genny gives you about 45 amps at 80% load.

If your talking about the transfer between shore power and the genny I prefer a manual switch.
 
inverters are usually connected to the house battery system, and I second the manual transfer switch.
 
Is this a stand alone inverter or an inverter-charger combination? If stand alone, is it modified or pure sine wave?
 
The real question is whether or not the inverter has built in transfer switches. Most marine units do.

If so, then you re better off using that and you should follow wiring instructions. If you don't have the inverter yet, you can download them online for most brands.

Basically what you do is split the breakers on your panel in two groups, one for inverter powered loads (lights, outlets, entertainment system, microwave, fridge, ice makers) and non inverter powered loads (chargers, stove, AC, water heater, etc.). Add a breaker to that group.

Power coming out of th shore /gen transfer switch go to the non inverter powered break group and feed th inverter input from the newly added breaker.

From the inverter output, feed the breaker group for inverter powered load.

As soon as th inverter senses that power is disconnected, it kicks in and feed your inverter powered loads. When power is restored (whether shore or gen) it disconnects itself, goes back to pass thru mode and starts charging the batteries,

Some inverters have a single input line while others have two. Having two input lines is better as you can charge faster while using all your pass thru capacity. Typically, you can send 30amp to most inverters so if you only have one line in you need to share that 30amp between pass thru and charging so if you use a lot of power for your inverter powered circuits while charging, say 20amp you only get 10 amp to charge the battery extending charge time.

Now, if you are using an inverter without built in transfer switch, you need to replace your rotary transfer switch (or breaker with slide) to add a third power source to which you connect the inverter output a if it was a generator or shore power feed. Easier wiring but yo u must remember to turn off the heavy loads (stove, Chargers, AC ) manually.
 
I split out circuits that I wanted on the inverter into a separate AC panel. Our AC distribution panel is like a household panel which means it has one source. There is a slide switch for the genny in the input selector panel but the space is very limited. Since this was an inverter/charger, I fed the charger side from the old AC panel. When the shore power is up, the AC passes through the inverter/charger to the separate panel.
This way, no transfer switch is required, and the inverter is programmed to come on automatically and start charging automatically when power is restored. It's very handy in the Bahamas due to all of the power outages. It's also very convenient to have it take care of itself when we are moving around.
It drives the galley and several outlets around the boat. If you are lucky, some circuits are split fore and aft and joined at the AC panel like ours were. Here is a link to some photos. The inverter is above the batteries in the bilge behind the paneling with the grates installed. These devices lose efficiency when they get hot. So if you can mount it outside the bilge.

http://s252.photobucket.com/user/danno53/library/Inverter?sort=3&page=1
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

I split out circuits that I wanted on the inverter into a separate AC panel. Our AC distribution panel is like a household panel which means it has one source. There is a slide switch for the genny in the input selector panel but the space is very limited. Since this was an inverter/charger, I fed the charger side from the old AC panel. When the shore power is up, the AC passes through the inverter/charger to the separate panel.
This way, no transfer switch is required, and the inverter is programmed to come on automatically and start charging automatically when power is restored. It's very handy in the Bahamas due to all of the power outages. It's also very convenient to have it take care of itself when we are moving around.
It drives the galley and several outlets around the boat. If you are lucky, some circuits are split fore and aft and joined at the AC panel like ours were. Here is a link to some photos. The inverter is above the batteries in the bilge behind the paneling with the grates installed. These devices lose efficiency when they get hot. So if you can mount it outside the bilge.

http://s252.photobucket.com/user/danno53/library/Inverter?sort=3&page=1

Click to expand...


Smart using the fuse shown in your pictures!

General comment on inverters .... be aware that many especially those purchased from EBay ( which can be great bargains) require the inverter's AC neutral wire to be separated from the normal AC's neutral.

I challenged one supplier about why they did not provide this warning. He responded that it was his responsibility to tell what the inverter WOULD do, not that which it WOULD NOT do.
 
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