Inverter (1 Viewer)

[cliffanger]

We are fitting an inverter, and I have seen it suggested that the 240v is wired into the 240v system of the van, but what happens when from time to time the van is plugged into a 240v supply? Would the back feed into the inverter cause damage?

 

[tonyidle]

Just a bit - worth doing just for the spectacle though

There was a recent thread on just this issue. Basically, when on EHU, you need a relay that disconnects the inverter from the van sockets and reconnects the mains to them. It isn't difficult or complex but you need someone who understands van mains wiring.

 

[pappajohn]

You also need an automated means to turn off your onboard charger when running on the inverter.
Manually turning it off is ok but you can, and will, forget from time to time.

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[peterc10]

Depends what your requirements are. Most of our stuff in the van (chargers, TV, etc) run off 12V, so we only need 240v occassionally for wife's ahir dryer and toaster. So we just plug in one extension lead to the inverter and use that when we have no EHU. Much simpler.

 

[JJ]

Like PeterC10 above, over the years I have moved over to DC stuff.

I have a small inverter which I use for my orange juice making thingy and my clippers (yeah, yeah... not used much) and if I am on a hook up I have a small electric oven and a toaster.

If not I have a gas toasting thingy and a double skillet.


JJ

 

[Wildman]

we have a 4 way extension block plugged into the inverter covers all of our needs only 150W as we have no heavy duty needs. I do keep wondering about a Microwave but we seldom use one indoors so what is the point. A towel is good to dry hair.

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[jollyrodger]

I have two dedicated aux batteries fed by solar panels. Which feed the inverter with two 13amp outlets. dont have to bother with ehu unless included in the price. And can if needed switch to vans system to trickle charge them via solar when parked for a few days.and not hooked up.

 

[haganap]

I have an inverter that powers all my electrical sockets when switched on. If I plug in to hook up it turns to hook up instead without damaging anything. I done this by using a simple but effective bit of electricery from Techno's guide. If you search for autochangeover thread you should see it come up with wiring diagrams and whats needed with full picture instructions. I done it this way with a little help from Bungy and a telephone call to Andy (techno) it works fine and I find it very useful as we rarely use hookup to simply put the inverter on and run everything through the van as if we were on 240.

 

[ukbill]

paul like has been said do u need to turn the batt charger off ?

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[ukbill]

nearly there with mine now waiting for a good price on a solar then will fit that as well maybe even sell the genny wen all is done so really i think the we dont like genny brigade on here should have a whip round to help pay for my system and get some peace and quiet

 

[cliffanger]

This is when you need the 'Thanks' button. Thanks everyone for your replies. I think we are going to go with the extension lead into a dedicated inverter socket, as we only need it to use hairdryer and charger for electric toothbrush.

 

[haganap]

paul like has been said do u need to turn the batt charger off ?

No Bill, not the way its been set up.

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[ukbill]

if u used andys method with the relay thats the way im going so no need to turn off the charger then ?

 

[haganap]

if u used andys method with the relay thats the way im going so no need to turn off the charger then ?

no

 

[ukbill]

ok thanks paul i never turned it off when i was on ehu but wasnt sure whats best way will let ya know how i get on and maybe have 1 used genny for sale lmfao

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