Converter Switch

I installed a switch so I can control when my AC-DC converter is powered; see signature for photos. This is necessary for me when using a generator. I have twin Honda 2000 generators, but usually only pull one of them out. About the only time we use a generator is to run the microwave. It was irritating because as soon as the generator comes on-line, the converter is also on-line. The problem is, at my altitudes, a single generater has a tough time running both the converter and the microwave. We never really need the converter to run because we have a solar panel that keeps the batteries up, so I figured the solution was to install a switch to control the converter.

Once I started, I realized that the power feed to the converter already went through a breaker, but FR did not bother to label it. I could have just used the breaker to power down the converter along with some outlets. Not wanting to admit that I didn't really need to do this project, I forged ahead. The job was easy and the photos show how I did it.

Side note: while completing this project, I realized that my converter was dead. Not sure how long since my solar panel keeps the batteries charged. I had to install the spare unit that I got from Kieth; thanks Kieth.

That was the first thing I did when I did the solar/inverter project. I removed the converter from the outlet breaker and gave it a separate dedicated breaker. When the inverter kicks on it, the inverter ATS switches over, only the microwave outlet, and the GFI and interior outlets. Before the converter wire was tied to the interior non-GFI outlets.

Oh, side note, you may want to find the wire to the refer, it may be on the outlets too. I ran a separate wire to the refer outlet to put in on a dedicated breaker for dry camping. I don't need the inverter running the fridge when propane will do.

Good idea. I usually forget to turn off the auto function on the fridge.

Another side note: I'm going to have my Honda generators re-jetted for high altitude; I know that is part of the problem.

scottz wrote:Once I started, I realized that the power feed to the converter already went through a breaker, but FR did not bother to label it. I could have just used the breaker to power down the converter along with some outlets.

I just replaced my converter a couple months ago. My inverter wire was connected to a breaker but it was the same breaker used for the GP line. When I wired in my inverter I took the GP line out of the FR breaker completely and continued it on to the front of the trailer through a new breaker box and into the inverter. My inverter powers all of the GP outlets now independent of the FR power supply. I left the converter line on the FR breaker switch. I discovered when I went to power my fridge up the first time after doing this that the fridge outlet is on the GP line so I plan to run another circuit from the FR breaker to the fridge compartment to provide a connection to the fridge. I think it will be more work to rewire the current outlet since it is the first in the GP run, a separate wire/outlet seems like it will be easier. I COULD in a pinch then plug into the inverter line if I had to for emergency power to my fridge. Getting back on topic, I plan to use the breaker from the GP line for the new line to the fridge though this will put the fridge on the same breaker as the converter unit again. The other option would be to put in another breaker for the fridge.

I'm probably having a "brain fart" but what is GP?

MountainMan wrote:I'm probably having a "brain fart" but what is GP?

I'm not sure myself but that is what FR labelled the circuit/breaker for all of the wall outlets (non-GFI'd). My non-professional guess??? General something or other?

general purpose

See. I told ya I was having a brain fart.

I kept thinking you were talking about some type of appliance or something. I knew I didn't have a GP in my camper and was begining to think I needed one!

Well, I ran the female end of a heavy duty extension cord from the FR breaker box to the refer compartment and it is hot when plugged into shore power. I connected to the old GP breaker in place of the GP circuit that I now have running to a separate breaker and inverter.