| [GMCnet] Nice, simple to install auto transfer switch [message #260279] |
Wed, 27 August 2014 20:10 |
glwgmc
Messages: 1014
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 10
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KISAE makes a very nice 20 amp automatic transfer switch that is ideal for installation to switch between shore-gen power and inverter power. It plugs into the inverter (or a 12 ga 3 wire extension cord that itself is plugged into the inverter), wires into a shore-gen power source like one of your current wall outlets and then allows you to wire out to one or more power strips that are easy to string around the inside of your coach. Use three wire 12 ga extension cords to run power to wherever you want the power strips. You do not have to go into your 120vac breaker box or worry about getting the grounds right (tricky). They are easy and fast to install whether you have a GM finished coach or a transmode. Makes no difference whether you have or have not already installed an auto transfer switch between shore power and gen power. They cost $60 and are available from:
http://www.donrowe.com/KISAE-TS20A-Automatic-Transfer-Switch-p/ts20a.htm
I am sure others make something similar, but I know how well these work in our GMC applications. The only "issue" is the male plug that goes into the inverter is properly a 20 amp plug so if your inverter uses 15 amp female outlet plugs you will need to make a simple converter - just put a male 15 amp plug on one end of a short piece of three wire 12 ga and put a female 20 amp plug on the other end. Don't worry about overloads as your power strips all have 15 amp circuit breakers built into them anyway. With 15 amps you can run any household appliance except a microwave. If your inverter is smaller than 1500 watts continuous then the inverter will shut down before you ever overload the 15 amp power strips.
Having separate power strips from your wall outlets means it is easy for everyone on board to know which are shore-gen-inverter powered and which are only shore-gen powered. If you are staying where shore power is available then every wall outlet and all the power strips get shore power and you can turn off the inverter. If you are on the road or in a Wallyworld parking lot for the night then turn on the inverter and enjoy all the comforts of home - up to the limits of the size of your house battery bank.
All gain and no pain.
Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR
Visitors always welcome!
glwork@mac.com
http://jerrywork.com
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Jerry & Sharon Work
78 Royale
Kerby, OR
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