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Topic ClosedInverter to power 110v outlets off-grid?
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johnmaci View Drop Down
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Posts: 202 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Inverter to power 110v outlets off-grid?
    Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 6:00pm
OK, so except for the drive home from the dealer we have never connected to shore power.
With that said, I don't like the idea of adding 12v outlets all over.

Has anyone connected an inverter directly to the breaker panel and run 110v pure sine out of all the outlets?
Would you need to disconnect it if you do connect to shore power at some point?
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 6:44pm
I have not, but since the POD battery power is pretty limited, (not sure what you have) there is not a whole lot of "banked" power there to begin with. This kind of setup is usually reserved for larger battery banks. However, that certainly doesn't mean you can't do it, but...it generally results in a diminished return on investment. I use an inverter, but I just plug directly into the same. It's simple, efficient, and cost effective. I think to do it right, that is, according to code, you would have to install some type of switching isloater switch. Charlie probably knows for sure. Good luck Sir. 
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 7:08pm
Originally posted by johnmaci

OK, so except for the drive home from the dealer we have never connected to shore power.
With that said, I don't like the idea of adding 12v outlets all over.

Has anyone connected an inverter directly to the breaker panel and run 110v pure sine out of all the outlets?
Would you need to disconnect it if you do connect to shore power at some point?

Well first of all, as small as the Pods are, you don't need 12 volt sockets everywhere.  I put one in right next to the breaker box on the end of our dinette.  It's very handy.  If we need 120 volt power for small things, I just plug a $20 modified sine wave inverter into the 12 volt socket, and everything works perfectly fine from it.  Contrary to what many salespeople would have you believe, you don't need a pure sine wave inverter.  I run a high end laptop from a cheap inverter with no problems, and I know of no one who has had one cause issues with their devices.

I would caution you against trying to run the whole Pod from an inverter.  This is mainly due to power consumption.  You'll drain even a pair of golf cart batteries in short order if you're running high draw items for any length of time.

If you still want to do it, I would simply suggest that you get a dog-bone 30 amp to 15 amp connector and plug that directly into your inverter.  You can wire the inverter directly into the breaker box.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

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johnmaci View Drop Down
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Posts: 202 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 7:24pm
Thanks for the replies.
I have two 6v GC batteries, but it makes sense that it would still be a big draw power-wise.
It's would be nice to use the outlets in the bathroom and run an electric toothbrush, shaver, etc,; In the kitchen a toaster or juicer, etc..... 
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Posts: 611 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 7:38pm
Is a 2000 W generator not an option?
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 9:07pm
I like 12V power and have several 12V outlets in the pod.  I do have some 12V appliances.  I also use an inverter for 120V small appliances.  If you hardwire an inverter to your system, you would definitely want to avoid hooking up to shore power if you don't have a means of disconnecting the inverter.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 9:08pm
You would need to add an expensive bypass switch, so as suggested just use the built-in outlets on the inverter.  You probably won't want to run high-amperage devices like a toaster or juicer.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Rustler View Drop Down
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Posts: 100 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jun 2016 at 3:37am
Originally posted by johnmaci

Thanks for the replies.
I have two 6v GC batteries, but it makes sense that it would still be a big draw power-wise.
It's would be nice to use the outlets in the bathroom and run an electric toothbrush, shaver, etc,; In the kitchen a toaster or juicer, etc..... 

I'm by no means an electrician, but something about your proposal sounds like there might be an electrical issue. You would be drawing off the 12 volt bus to provide 120 volts with your inverter. If you wire the inverter output to your 120 outlets you are also connecting to the input (120 volts) of your converter. Said converter is providing 12 volt charging to your battery system. Something about this circular electrical connection sounds troublesome. As you draw battery voltage down with your inverter, the converter senses that and tries to recharge the battery using 120 volts supplied by the inverter. At the very least you should turn off the converter circuit breaker to break that circular (perpetual motion?) arrangement. Anything that relies on the user remembering to turn things on or off is an opportunity for errors that could result in electrical damage or fire. I would just have an electrician look things over.
Russ
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jun 2016 at 11:03am
Originally posted by techntrek

You would need to add an expensive bypass switch, so as suggested just use the built-in outlets on the inverter.  You probably won't want to run high-amperage devices like a toaster or juicer.

Good advice.  Most people aren't aware that a toaster can easily draw 1,000 watts, and a juicer can draw several hundred.  Coffee makers can draw 1,500 watts.  You aren't going to power these items with anything less than a large (i.e. 1,600 watt or larger) inverter with thick (2 gauge or bigger) wires very tightly clamped directly onto the batteries.

It sounds like a lot of salt for a nickel to me.
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jun 2016 at 11:13am
I installed a new outlet on the wall where the television outlet is. If I need inverter power elsewhere, I just run an extension cord.
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