BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Michael Hannan on February 06, 2017, 05:05:36 AM

Title: Shore Power & Inverter
Post by: Michael Hannan on February 06, 2017, 05:05:36 AM

Still learning about this coach so I'd like to pose another question.  Does the inverter have to be on for the 110 to work when connected to shore power?  I could just shut the inverter off to see what happens but It's below freezing and I don't want to chance not being able to get the heat working again.

Thanks
MJ

Title: Re: Shore Power & Inverter
Post by: Fred Brooks on February 06, 2017, 01:29:34 PM

      Hi Mike,
   If the Inverter/Converter senses that the coach is plugged into shore power and the inverter is "ON", the inverter goes into standby mode. It allows the shore power to "pass-thru it" on its way to the dedicated circuits it provides power for. The moment you unplug the coach from shore power, the inverter comes back on to supply the 120volt power to the same dedicated circuits. The issue that must be monitored by you is this: you are now pulling 12volt power out of the batteries to manufacture the 120volts the inverter is creating. Keep in mind that inverters are not very efficient. They operate at about 10 to 1 inefficient ratio. This means any electrical appliance that takes 10 amps (1200 watts) to operate requires 100 amps of 12volts to create. Not a big deal for a few minutes but over time it will deplete your house batteries. If you are driving and using the inverter the alternator is keeping up with the demand you are putting on the batteries.
     Hope this helps, Blessings and good cheer to all.....Fred

Title: Re: Shore Power & Inverter
Post by: Michael Hannan on February 06, 2017, 05:52:14 PM

Thanks very much Fred!

MJ