[C320-list] Inverter Installation

[Robert Seastream]

All:

Never have an inverter and shore power connected to your boat outlets at
the same time.  Doing so would likely fry the inverter and/or cause damage
to the shore power feed and anything powered off it by 'backfeeding'.
Would you connect your home generator to power (backfeed) your house
outlets without disconnecting the electric company feed via the main
breaker first?  You need an either/or method or a transfer switch to do it
safely.

Bob


On Fri, Mar 8, 2013 at 4:20 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:

> From what I see, inverters up to about 400W can be plugged in with a
> standard 12V plug.  Above that, most call for a directly wired connection
> to
> the battery.  I think it's an issue of power and wire size.  That is a
> 1,000
> or 2,000W inverter could draw more amperage to an appliance than the small
> wires in a typical 12V circuit can handle.  Otherwise, I think that
> properly
> sized cables as short as possible directly connected to the battery is
> probably the best.  The inverter instructions should explain how to connect
> it.
>
> I can definitely tell you to not try to power the boat's AC outlets by
> using
> a double-plug cord and plugging into an outlet. Apparently, GFCI outlets
> don't like power coming in that way.  Also, the transformer in my 18 year
> old microwave was fried, so maybe they don't much like the modified sine
> wave either.
>
> I don't think the inverters like it when they are live to the AC outlets
> and
> you connect to shore power.  I don't know the details this stuff as I
> haven't tried to use a large inverter.  My advice would be to consult with
> a
> marine electrician or a knowledgeable person you trust.
>
> I'm sure there are those of us that would like to know what you find out.
> Please let us know.
>
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joseph A Tamucci [mailto:jtamucci at comcast.net]
> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 4:49 PM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Inverter Installation
>
>
>
> I just bought an inexpensive  1200 watt inverter (modified sine wave) and
> want to install it on my 320.  I realize since it's not a pure sine wave, I
> can't run delicate electronics,  but I expect I can run a TV, Microwave,
> low
> watt hair dryer and other low wattage tools and appliances with it.  Can
> anyone advise how to hook it up to my battery and then to my 120V AC
> outlets?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Joe Tamucci,  Andante,  Hull # 619
>
>
>
>