GFI issues - Page 3

**daveb** · 02-27-2011, 03:02 PM

Also some people just purchase a smaller inverter that plugs into a 12vDC outlet which powers small AC devices...the outlets in the van are only used when on shore power.

**daveb** · 02-27-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louie

It's an intelli power 9100. Model PD9160A. 1000watt. Still trying to figure out what delivers power to 110 outlets when boondocked? ...and I think your right I don't have an actual inverter. So next question. What size inverter do I need to get to run my 110 outlets, microwave, and an aux Air conditioner.
Many thanks

Thats a converter not an inverter. From my quick search it does not produce AC power.

**daveb** · 02-27-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louie

What size inverter do I need to get to run my 110 outlets, microwave, and an aux Air conditioner.
Many thanks

Usually a 3-4Kw generator will run most small RV type air conditionars. To run something with that kind of load you would need a huge battery bank and then some hefty equipment and the time to recharge the bank. Search Starcool and you should find some info. For a small 800W microwave (normally the second biggest load) you should be safe with a 1500 Watt unit. Standard SMB installs use 2000-2500W inverter. I've got some info here:
Part 10

louie · 02-27-2011, 03:28 PM

So I'm pretty confused then with the 110 set up in this Sportsmobile I just purchased. Sortsmobile sent me the build sheet for this van and Paul from Sportsmobile told me it came with a 2000 watt inverter which I can't seem to find. It does have an aux battery which I would think needs an inverter to charge?

**daveb** · 02-27-2011, 03:48 PM

Actually the converter you have will charge. Seems like they might of put in the wrong item? My EB-50 has the inverter under the rear seat but different build have them in other spots. If you have an inverter most likely you would have picked out a pure sine wave model or a modified sine wave unit. Most have a remote control panel mounted in the mid cab area. That panel will have switches marked Inverter on/charge...that kind of stuff.

Dave

louie · 02-27-2011, 04:30 PM

This van is the eb50 model. The control panel says nothing about a sine inverter. Just a monitor for the aux battery and co detector.

**daveb** · 02-27-2011, 05:20 PM

I'd call SMB on Monday and see what they installed. If it's a new build the inverter should be on the work order. Just as a heads up, SMB west told me they are phasing out the Prosine 2.0 2000w inverter. If you plan to have one installed I would want the newest version (of any brand) possible.

Good Luck.

louie · 02-27-2011, 07:45 PM

I looked at the build sheet again and the inverter is crossed off. What I am confused about is how is the aux battery being charged when I'm driving if it is charged by the converter which gets it's power by being plugged into the GFI outlet that doesn't work unless plugged into shore power? There must be a different set up that charges the aux battery?
All the 110 outlets work as well as the microwave when plugged into shore power which I guess is when the converter becomes operational that then brings my 110 and microwave to life?

I'm lost...

Scalf77 · 02-27-2011, 08:54 PM

The converter will take AC power and covert it to DC power to run all your 12 volt powered items and also charge your Axillary battery. The power for your microwave would come directly from the plug to shore power. The converter is probably plugged into one of the AC outlets.

An Inverter will take DC power from your battery and change it to AC power that will then power your microwave and other AC outlets. It does not sound like you have a inverter, so for you to use your AC outlets you will need to be connected to shore power.

Your Aux battery is charged while driving because it is connected to your Chassis alternator with a Separator on newer SMB's or an Isolator on older ones. Separators are designed to connect the two battery systems (House or Aux) and (Chassis or Starting Batteries) when the voltage is high enough (such as the alternator charging). There are links to a 2004 and 2008 sportsmobile manual on this site, I believe they go over the inverter and converter stuff. That would be a good place to start. There are also good links on the web about RV power in general, many of them in existing threads on this forum. I know there is a lot to digest but it will start to make sense. Good luck, and just keep asking questions, hopefully we can help.

louie · 02-27-2011, 09:15 PM

Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice. Since the GFI issue is resolved I'll post my way into some other threads that delve into inverter questions/issues. Thanks again, L.