Power inverter

[Joe1969]

Thanks for your help! Only thing close to what might be a model number is 220BH. While I have you here, I have another electrical question. My model is set up for 30 amp shore power plug in. I use a 30 amp surge protector every time. I accidentally recently plugged into a 50 on the shore hook up. I didn’t realize until after unplugging after a few days camping. Everything seems to be working fine. Should I be concerned, is there any kind of inspection I should get?

[sourdough]

The 220BHWE shows to be an available model so that's probably it. Here's a link to it on the Keystone website, is that your floorplan?

https://www.keystonerv.com/product/s...rplans/220BHWE

As far as the 30A plugged into the 50A..how did you do that? The plugs are not the same by a long shot?

[JRTJH]

The only available solarflex system available in the Springdale line is the SolarFlex 200. There is no inverter supplied by the manufacturer and unless you negotiated with the dealership to specifically install an inverter, there is not an inverter in your Springdale.

The "up to 7 outlets" that are marked with the "solar ready" decal are ONLY powered when your trailer is connected to shore power. If you do install an inverter, the "inverter loop" (yellow ROMEX) that is in the front passthrough is where the inverter is installed. With the correct inverter, when you are connected to shore power, the electricity "passes through the inverter" and the outlets are powered on. When on battery power, the battery supplies power to the inverter which "switches to battery power" and the outlets are powered by the battery/inverter system.

Unless you have installed an inverter or negotiated with the dealership to install one before purchase (usually around a $400+ option) then you don't have an inverter and those outlets have only worked when connected to shore power.

Here is a clip of what is included in the SolarFlex 200 system for your review:

[jxnbbl]

As sourdough stated - "The Keystone website shows you have the SolarFlex 200 package and a 12vdc fridge."



Which is the next step beyond the previous "solar prep package" which was minimal wiring to install a panel.



I do believe that the SolarFlex 200 package brought with it the removal of all 12v/propane refrigerators from Keystone. IMO an inverter is further down the road after you look at upgrading batteries and possibly adding another panel.


There are a number of threads that go through these exercises.

[Rat1201]

I have a new 2022 passport I’m working on inverter install when I cut the yellow loop wire how do I know what wires goes to inverter

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum

The safest way is to use a meter that can sense live wires. If you have a Volt/Ohm meter you can cut the sea thing back, strip the wires back about an inch and measure after plugging back into shore power.

If you choose to use a meter BE SURE to wear insulated gloves.

I have this in my tool box:

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Electric...age%20detector

[Rat1201]

Thanks I’m still stumped when I cut wire into pull back covering hook to shore line does the side that reads hot go to inverter and where do the other wires go

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Rat1201

Thanks I’m still stumped when I cut wire into pull back covering hook to shore line does the side that reads hot go to inverter and where do the other wires go

The hot side goes to AC IN
The other side goes to AC OUT

And then you hook up the 12V IN using proper sized cable.

You can test the outlets after connecting all the wires. IF your inverter has an internal automatic transfer switch the outlets should be powered when plugged into shore power and the inverter turned OFF. If they aren’t powered then you’ll need to add a transfer switch.

[Rat1201]

Ok I’m a electrical idiot lol which one goes to the inverter to operate the 120 outlets the ac in or ac out

[chuckster57]

AC OUT goes to the outlets.

[Rat1201]

So I put the AC out to the inverter and what do I do with the other wires

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Rat1201

So I put the AC out to the inverter and what do I do with the other wires

The ROMEX:

The wires that are energized when plugged into shore power connect to the inverter “AC IN”.

The wires that are not energized go to the inverter “AC OUT”.

The battery cables go to the inverter “DC IN”.

What inverter (make and model) are you installing?

If this explanation is confusing to you, hire an RV electrician.

[travelin texans]

Not to be a smart a##, BUT............
sounds like you need someone standing by, but not too close, with their finger on "dial" to 911 & another at the incoming power source ready to turn off the power.

[Kevin J]

Maybe(most likely) a stupid question............

I have a 2021 "solar prep" (with romex loop + black/red wire to rooftop solar) in the front pass thru.

The thickest wire gauge required will be from the battery to inverter. Would it be possible to install the inverter on the tongue near the battery box in a waterproof container? It would be easier then to find a path to extend the thinner romex wire found in the front pass through out to the tongue.

If I installed solar I could also run the thinner wires from the MPPT controller out to the batteries as well.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Kevin J

Maybe(most likely) a stupid question............

I have a 2021 "solar prep" (with romex loop + black/red wire to rooftop solar) in the front pass thru.

The thickest wire gauge required will be from the battery to inverter. Would it be possible to install the inverter on the tongue near the battery box in a waterproof container? It would be easier then to find a path to extend the thinner romex wire found in the front pass through out to the tongue.

If I installed solar I could also run the thinner wires from the MPPT controller out to the batteries as well.

What you're asking in the marked question is an "age old dilemma"....

First, inverters produce heat when inverting. That's why they have cooling fans installed.

Putting an inverter in a "waterproof box on the tongue" would prevent adequate cooling, and in the summer, when the sun shines on that waterproof box, you'll "broil your inverter" inside with no adequate cooling.

Add vent holes to the box and you'll introduce increased humidity inside the box that will condense on the inverter electronics as the unit cools....

So, the "technical evolution of inverters" has pretty much proven that it's cheaper to spring for a few feet of copper wiring (from the battery to the inverter) mounted INSIDE the trailer, where it can be adequately cooled" than to try to invent a "waterproof box with adequate cooling ports to keep the inverter cool when mounted close to the batteries, so cheaper copper wiring costs can save money"......

[Kevin J]

Hi John,

I saw your name on this thread.
I always appreciate your sensible and clear responses to my rambling ideas.