Connecting inverter to existing 13amp socket

[paulj]

Can anyone give me some advice as to if its possible to connect an inverter to an existing 13amp socket and if so how To do it,
Thanks for any advice given

 

[MisterB]

this is how i would do it if you want a pretty simple solution and if youre then just gong to use it purely for inverter 'power' only !! just disconnect existing cables and fit some sort of junction box to ensure the existing wires are safe, then connect a cable, which is plugged into the inverter to the socket terminals

i dont need to explain about electrical safety etc, etc but if you are unsure then get a professional in to do the job

 

[Ukbandit]

You could just run an extension from your inverter around the van to a socket of your choice, you would have to disconnect that socket from the vans 240v and wire your extension lead into that socket. Personally I just use a double socket extension reel into the inverter then move that to where it’s required, usually out side so the wife can use her washing machine.

 

[NorthernSands]

Depends if you want the sockets to automatically switch between MHU and Inverter power. If not, then the above advice is sound enough.

If you do want them to switch over automatically (which is a project I'm about to start), then you need a mains triggered Connector Relay. Something like this. Sockets are connected to all four outputs (just join Live to Live terminals, and Neutral to Neutral), Inverter power is connected to the NC feeds, MHU is connected to both NO feeds, and the relay trigger.

As soon as MHU is plugged in, it triggers the relay and the feed is changed from the inverter to MHU. Simples!

 

[DBK]

Can anyone give me some advice as to if its possible to connect an inverter to an existing 13amp socket and if so how To do it,
Thanks for any advice given

The neatest solution is to fit a relay which disconnects the sockets from the mains and connects to the inverter output. This is what I did but it isn't a simple DIY job and you need to be confident working with potentially lethal voltages and ensure you don't create a fire hazard. Sourcing the correct relay was a bit of a chore too. There's a link in my signature below on how I fitted mine. The relay looks like this:

The simplest solution is either fit a new socket or run an extension lead from the inverter to where you need the socket.

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[Richard n Ann]

I put a double pole 20a changeover switch on ours so I can manually select over to hook up for the hair dryer. Something like this, the switches are about £10 from amazon...

Amazon product ASIN B07L8SJXGV

 

[Hellski]

As per DBK, the neatest solution is indeed to fit a relay and then to splice into the feed supplying the sockets you wish to power. I personally used the following relay device purchased via eBay:

Inverter relay

I'm no expert but if you were to just plug into a socket from the inverter, this would also power up all 230v devices e.g. fridge and battery charger.

An inverter installation can be either an easy or complicated installation but if your not confident with electrics, it can also be life threatening!

 

[Two on Tour]

I went the route of wiring in additional sockets powered by the inverter mounted next to the original EHU 240 sockets. I used sockets with flaps that denote that they are inverter sockets.

 

[IanRJ]

I went the route of wiring in additional sockets powered by the inverter mounted next to the original EHU 240 sockets. I used sockets with flaps that denote that they are inverter sockets.

View attachment 401695

View attachment 401696

That's a great solution Paul. Could you share where you sourced the sockets?

 

[Two on Tour]

That's a great solution Paul. Could you share where you sourced the sockets?

I bought and fitted ours a couple of years ago so suppliers and prices have changed.
They are CBE C-Line and having had a quick scan of the internet the prices vary widely for the same item. I'll list the parts but would advise you to hunt the best prices.

C-Line 230v Socket - The Caravan Accessory Store

The C-Line 230v Socket is for use with the C-Line modular socket system and compatible with the CBE components. The 230v 3-pin socket is compatible

bigwhitebox.co.uk

C-Line Circular Back Box - The Caravan Accessory Store

The C-Line circular back box is for use with the C-Line modular socket system and compatible with the CBE components. The back box fits recessed

bigwhitebox.co.uk

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=233590611400

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[Nixdorfer]

Depends if you want the sockets to automatically switch between MHU and Inverter power. If not, then the above advice is sound enough.

If you do want them to switch over automatically (which is a project I'm about to start), then you need a mains triggered Connector Relay. Something like this. Sockets are connected to all four outputs (just join Live to Live terminals, and Neutral to Neutral), Inverter power is connected to the NC feeds, MHU is connected to both NO feeds, and the relay trigger.

As soon as MHU is plugged in, it triggers the relay and the feed is changed from the inverter to MHU. Simples!

Thats how I did ours, but I wired it the other way round so the inverter triggered the relay. That way the relay isn't being engergised for days and getting warm while on EHU and only on for short bursts instead. Plus if on a low amp EHU we can turn the inverter on and it still switches the sockets. Seemed a more useful setup,

This is the contactor I used
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=222284414367

 

[Lenny HB]

I fitted a 30 amp changeover relay which swaps all the sockets over but the fridge and charger only feed from the mains input.
Default is all sockets connected to inverter plug into EHU and sockets swap to the incoming mains. My relay is mains powered to cut down on battery drain as we rarely use EHU.

 

[NorthernSands]

Thats how I did ours, but I wired it the other way round so the inverter triggered the relay. That way the relay isn't being engergised for days and getting warm while on EHU and only on for short bursts instead. Plus if on a low amp EHU we can turn the inverter on and it still switches the sockets. Seemed a more useful setup,

Good idea. We’re the other way around, though; we are rarely on EHU. I like the idea of also being able to choose which to use.

 

[BishBosh]

I used a NDS Priority Switch. With this you can choose what is run on the inverter and what is on the EHU. It auto switches when EHU is on.

NDS Inverter Priority Switch 230V

<p><strong>PRIORITYSWITCH </strong>is an intelligent system that allows the use of the inverter and batteries only when it is really necessary. It ...

www.roadpro.co.uk

 

[Reallyretired]

I may well, in the future, automate mine. Currently I use a manual switchover but as the switch is in an outside locker, it can sometimes be inconvenient. Replacing the manual switch with a 240v contactor would be straightforward.

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[IanRJ]

I bought and fitted ours a couple of years ago so suppliers and prices have changed.
They are CBE C-Line and having had a quick scan of the internet the prices vary widely for the same item. I'll list the parts but would advise you to hunt the best prices.

C-Line 230v Socket - The Caravan Accessory Store

The C-Line 230v Socket is for use with the C-Line modular socket system and compatible with the CBE components. The 230v 3-pin socket is compatible

bigwhitebox.co.uk

C-Line Circular Back Box - The Caravan Accessory Store

The C-Line circular back box is for use with the C-Line modular socket system and compatible with the CBE components. The back box fits recessed

bigwhitebox.co.uk

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=233590611400

Great feedback thanks Paul

 

[Mr mrs tupcox]

We just run new cable to 2 new sockets 1 for hover and other stuff and 1 for the microwave.

 

[eddie]

I fitted a 30 amp changeover relay which swaps all the sockets over but the fridge and charger only feed from the mains input.
Default is all sockets connected to inverter plug into EHU and sockets swap to the incoming mains. My relay is mains powered to cut down on battery drain as we rarely use EHU.

which is the correct and safe way to do it

Don’t forget to install an additional RCD in series on the inverter output

 

[jongood]

I remember Techno had a particularly neat solution for this. I wouldnt mind seeing it again for mine.....

 

[Pausim]

I have some extra sockets that are fed by the inverter. The mains and inverter circuits are kept entirely separate. The RCD needs to be a 2 Pole one because many inverters do not have a simple positive and negative and a 1 Pole RCD will only switch off half the power, leaving the other wire live.

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[Ditcha]

Auto Changeover Relay For Inverter

Auto Changeover Relay For Inverter

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I used Techno method worked a treat and used a rcd in series with the inverter as eddievanbitz suggested thanks

 

[the1andonly]

I went the route of wiring in additional sockets powered by the inverter mounted next to the original EHU 240 sockets. I used sockets with flaps that denote that they are inverter sockets.

I went same route using separate sockets, i realy like the use of deliberately different sockets. Currently my use of ehu and inverter is so small i would direct you to some other method to alternate use, relay if you are resistive to manual switching.