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Old 05-15-2015, 12:03 PM   #1
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AC Circuit protection

If you are running shore power into an inverter charger that has a circuit breaker built in, is there any need for additional circuit protection?

In my mind, the shore power source should be coming out of a panel with a circuit breaker. So long as it is not rated for more than the pass through capacity of the inverter, then it should protect the system. Additionally, the inverter charger has a built in circuit breaker that should protect the lines between the inverter and outlets whether on shore power or inverter power. Does this sound correct?

On my previous build I installed a separate AC panel like this:

I used on of the switches to go between shore power and the inverter. I did like the ability to hook up shore power and then decide if I wanted it to go to my inverter/charger or not as well as have a convenient spot to power up my outlets with a simple flip of the switch.

This time I am trying to keep things as simple as possible and am thinking this is really not a needed piece of the puzzle. Am I adequately protected?

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Old 05-17-2015, 07:06 PM   #2
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Re: AC Circuit protection

Not sure. It depends on the system you install. An open neutral which is common can cause all kinds of trouble even with protection strips. High voltage spikes like those from open neutrals can be more than what the additional protection can handle so you might still occur damage. Lightning is similar.
All you can do is install the best that the industry offers but even with the best equipment I've seen lightning destroy everything electrical in a home or RV. Each situation is its own.
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Old 05-17-2015, 09:17 PM   #3
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Re: AC Circuit protection

what is the incoming capacity of the inverter/charger?
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Old 05-18-2015, 12:50 AM   #4
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Re: AC Circuit protection

Max incoming/switching capacity is 30 amps. The built in GFCI outlet has a 15A circuit breaker on the unit when you plug into the outlet vs. a hardwire install (I'm using the built in outlet).

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Old 05-18-2015, 06:14 AM   #5
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Re: AC Circuit protection

Yes, looks like if you use the plug, vs the hard wire option you would be protected by the internal overload protection.

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Old 05-18-2015, 11:00 AM   #6
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Re: AC Circuit protection

Figured so - thanks for the reassurance, Greg!
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Old 05-18-2015, 12:21 PM   #7
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Re: AC Circuit protection

Sorry Rockbender, I was thinking you were talking about input protection from shore power and never looked up what type of inverter you have. Sounds like you're not planning to have a series of wall sockets throughout the van. Makes sense not to over construct. Even with what you have I wouldn't be worried about using a multi plug outlet strip off the inverter outlet. The GFI/inverter protection should trip if overloaded.
I did use a low rated 15A circuit breaker pigtail to run my 2000 watt inverter but if I loaded up the inverter the pigtail would trip off. Also GFI's don't like some devices so there is a reason to have a plug or two that is wired direct to an on-board breaker but that's up to you and what you need. For low amp operations the pigtail at the shore power inlet did a good job and supplied better protection than the shore power breaker. My shore power breaker is rated at 30 amps which is what the shore power plug and wire is rated for.
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