Automatic Inverter Switching

[EuroTrotters]

Thought this may help others considering a similar task.

Posted on other forums by me.

Managed to get around to rewiring the motorhome today. Fed up of extension leads from the cheap/Basic dealer install.

If it is of any interest to anyone considering the same, here are a couple of photos....

As we had a CBE consumer unit, this did not facilitate the installation of my type of automatic switch over. So it was removed and an MK Sentry 8 way fitted. We only needed 2 or 3 Fuses, so this made room for the contactor. Saved having an additional box.

As the MK Sentry is made for Domestic use, there is the possibility that screws could loosen with vibration (happens in homes too but more likely in vehicles). So I used boot lace ferrules and a combination of blue thread sealant and glue to prevent screws turning.

Just a bit of tidying up to do.

TM

 

[Welsh girl]

Now I know where you hide your whisky, lol. Thanks for the info.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Wired to the mains!

 

[Techno]

Ah yes that's the Clive Mott version. I have one of those contactors going spare if anyone wants to give it a go for a fair price?
I changed mine to a relay as the contactor has too much buzz for my liking.

Circuit diagram etc here
http://www.motts.org/INVERTER.htm

 

[Techno]

Nice to see you posting on here

£15 anyone?

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[EuroTrotters]

Nice to see you posting on here

£15 anyone?

I have used contactors in the past for other jobs. Last one was a bit noisy on the motorhome. What relay did you use?

 

[Techno]

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/auto-changeover-relay-for-inverter.55467/

 

[EuroTrotters]

Morning,

I about to carry out a new installation on or Hymer, this time using Techno's relay version.

If you never hear from me again, I was fried during the set-up.

TM

 

[eddie]

Dont forget about the RCD on the inverter output

 

[Lenny HB]

Like Andy I did mine with a relay.

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[eddie]

Unless of course your inverter has a built in RCD such as Sterling models

 

[EuroTrotters]

The inverter output from the relay will go through the RCD on the consumer unit.

 

[eddie]

The inverter output from the relay will go through the RCD on the consumer unit.

It can't unless you wish the whole 220vac circuit to be running off of the inverter, also your inverter would be potentially live even with the RCD "tripped"

You will need an RCD on the incoming main (supply) and on the invertered 220 vac output from the inverter

 

[Reallyretired]

I left mine with a manual switchover. It's not that I'm so busy I have no time to do it, and at least it doesn't buzz.

 

[hilldweller]

Is the whisky for when the contactor buzzzzzzzzzzz gets too much ?

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[EuroTrotters]

Latest installation to our Hymer with Techno's relay

 

[eddie]

Dont forget the RCD has to be added on the output of the inverter

 

[EuroTrotters]

I did thank you Eddie.

But now has the RCD already fitted to the inverter as per our ongoing posts.

Thanks as always for your informative and valued posts.

TM