I'd just like to try to obtain the answers to a few queries I have regarding inverters and their installation.
Firstly, I use a little plug in 180w inverter and a Yamaha 2.4kva gen (Not all the time..but when needed) - I'm understanding now, that with that use, I'm losing my RCDs (also noted with fault in swift hotplate that trips on 240v but not under generator use).
I recently saw a set up that was an 2800w cheapie inverter plugged into the van by an (obviously) dangerous lead etc to power entire van. A bit of research told me that this was a shonky installation, however, I also got to thinking and researching to see if somehow I could achieve the same (powering the van, but of course to the limitations of the inverter), but in a safe way, without deadman cords etc.
So, I contacted a caravan repairer who has TOLD me they deal with 240v installations and have proposed that they'll fit a 2000w inverter and run it into the existing RCDs (Not including the aircon one).
So I guess my first question is does this sound like a reputable, safe installation? And secondly, what do I ask this installer/repairer for with regard to qualifications/licenses held?
Ive seen reference to AU/NZ 3001 etc....but how do you tell if a 'licensed' person has these extra requirements and the actual know how to proceed with the installation? He's coming across like he knows what he's doing......but so did the person I saw with the shonky set up.
I've just had a nightmare with a washing machine installation that I probably could of done blindfolded yet trusted a supposed 'professional' to complete the job. So I'm a little gunshy of trusting these people that talk themselves up as knowing what they're doing.
Cheers
Tony Bev said
09:43 PM Nov 22, 2018
I can only speak for two caravan repairers, in my home town
Both of them appear to use electricians for 240 volt work, and gas fitters for LPG work
It would be a very brave caravan repairer workshop, who would use a handyman to carry out 240 volt work
If something went wrong, it could turn out deadly for someone
darjak said
09:50 PM Nov 22, 2018
If you are looking for inverter try Enerdrive mine is an
EN1126X or EN1120X they have AC transfer and safety
switch with inbuilt RCD and give you the wiring diagram
to be followed by your Sparky.
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:49 PM Nov 22, 2018
If an inverter is wired into an existing 240V distribution circuit, there MUST be an automatic switch over to prevent both the external 240V and the inverter from both being active at the same time. That is the law.
You would also be well advised to replace the existing RCD with an RVD. The RCD will not provide the protection that you expect when powered from the inverter.
Alternatively they can have separate circuits and separate power points. Again, RVD protection is advised.
An inverter for hard wiring is NOT the same as one that has socket outlets fitted for plug-in appliances. They are different products.
Very few electricians are familiar with AS3001, so proceed with caution.
Cheers,
Peter
Grubbygypsy said
05:37 AM Nov 23, 2018
Thanks guys
Yes, my prior research tells me about having the switchover, RVD and therefore the Enerdrive. I asked him about the switchover and this is when he came up with tapping it into the existing RCDs.
I think I'll assume he doesn't have the required licence.
I'll make a call to the energy safety mob here today and perhaps they can tell me who is familiar with the standards. It is disturbing, as I have mentioned all this stuff (required standards, legalities etc) to this guy and he's just marching on. Surely no one in their right mind would work on 240v stuff without qualifications?
robol said
09:19 AM Nov 23, 2018
Hi Grubby.
I had my system wired by an electrician and signed off by him. My setup consists of a three way switch which is switched to left when external power is plugged in, this includes generator power. Centre when battery power is being used and to the right when my inverter is used to power up the power points. An RVD was used as protection. He found the people who sell them very helpful.
I had my system wired by an electrician and signed off by him. My setup consists of a three way switch which is switched to left when external power is plugged in, this includes generator power. Centre when battery power is being used and to the right when my inverter is used to power up the power points. An RVD was used as protection. He found the people who sell them very helpful.
Yes . That is the way a conventional inverter must be permanently wired in . If done correctly the existing RCD will be fully . operational
Nb. Any one seeking an electrician to do that should ensure that electrician has AS/NZS 3001
If an inverter or generator is simply plugged via the inlet socket, a RVD should be fitted in lieu of the existing RCD
If the unit is a more fancy one that incorporates automatic change over a different approach is needed .Again an electrician familiar with AS 3001 is required
To the OP
If you are simply plugging the inverter into the "van power inlet socket "using a conventional approved extension lead,all you need to do is have the RCD replaced with a RVD from" RVDsafe" there are several models ,so best do that to ensure you get the right model for your set up
Grubbygypsy said
12:38 AM Nov 25, 2018
Thanks again guys......especially oldtrack.....I see your posts all over the net and totally respect what you have to say... As the daughter of a (dec) sparky, I have a LONG and very healthy respect for electricity.
I'll just tell you all the road I've decided to go down (probably until next van build or rebuild)......
As enticing as powering all my 240v system was for convenience, I came up with a better area, whereby I'll have a shorter run (from batts for voltage drop).....but I'll have to run an ext cord to the two things I may need/want powered (washing machine and micro)....these are more for convenience of other travellers now I'm over the easterly population of whiners about generators.
The lappies etc can just run happy......and.....I'll be compliant etc etc......
My question was pretty much how do you tell if a repairer has the required licences etc.... I decided a few days ago he didn't.....just based on his lack of knowledge regarding switch overs etc...not sure how he's getting away with it....but......so now.......I'm just giving him licence to work on the 12v essentially......it's up to me now to make sure nothing exceeds what I can plug into that inverter he'll fit.
-- Edited by Grubbygypsy on Sunday 25th of November 2018 12:49:22 AM
oldtrack123 said
08:49 PM Dec 9, 2018
Grubbygypsy wrote:
Thanks again guys......especially oldtrack.....I see your posts all over the net and totally respect what you have to say... As the daughter of a (dec) sparky, I have a LONG and very healthy respect for electricity.
I'll just tell you all the road I've decided to go down (probably until next van build or rebuild)......
As enticing as powering all my 240v system was for convenience, I came up with a better area, whereby I'll have a shorter run (from batts for voltage drop).....but I'll have to run an ext cord to the two things I may need/want powered (washing machine and micro)....these are more for convenience of other travellers now I'm over the easterly population of whiners about generators.
The lappies etc can just run happy......and.....I'll be compliant etc etc......
My question was pretty much how do you tell if a repairer has the required licences etc.... I decided a few days ago he didn't.....just based on his lack of knowledge regarding switch overs etc...not sure how he's getting away with it....but......so now.......I'm just giving him licence to work on the 12v essentially......it's up to me now to make sure nothing exceeds what I can plug into that inverter he'll fit.
-- Edited by Grubbygypsy on Sunday 25th of November 2018 12:49:22 AM
Hi You should ask him to show you his electrician license & it can be checked on your state gov electrical site But also ask him to show you his copy of the current Standard AS3001:2012
If he does not have both forget him!
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 9th of December 2018 08:50:48 PM
Baz421 said
09:36 PM Dec 28, 2018
My sparkie had never installed an RVD before so he rang up manufacturer and re read my instructions, he was great.
I use 200W and 1000W pure sine wave inverters as required through 3 pin plugs into van 15A inlet. one circuit only NO MISTAKES and I have 12V isolation switches inside van to turn em off when I go to sleep. Easy as.
Hi all,
I'd just like to try to obtain the answers to a few queries I have regarding inverters and their installation.
Firstly, I use a little plug in 180w inverter and a Yamaha 2.4kva gen (Not all the time..but when needed) - I'm understanding now, that with that use, I'm losing my RCDs (also noted with fault in swift hotplate that trips on 240v but not under generator use).
I recently saw a set up that was an 2800w cheapie inverter plugged into the van by an (obviously) dangerous lead etc to power entire van. A bit of research told me that this was a shonky installation, however, I also got to thinking and researching to see if somehow I could achieve the same (powering the van, but of course to the limitations of the inverter), but in a safe way, without deadman cords etc.
So, I contacted a caravan repairer who has TOLD me they deal with 240v installations and have proposed that they'll fit a 2000w inverter and run it into the existing RCDs (Not including the aircon one).
So I guess my first question is does this sound like a reputable, safe installation? And secondly, what do I ask this installer/repairer for with regard to qualifications/licenses held?
Ive seen reference to AU/NZ 3001 etc....but how do you tell if a 'licensed' person has these extra requirements and the actual know how to proceed with the installation? He's coming across like he knows what he's doing......but so did the person I saw with the shonky set up.
I've just had a nightmare with a washing machine installation that I probably could of done blindfolded yet trusted a supposed 'professional' to complete the job. So I'm a little gunshy of trusting these people that talk themselves up as knowing what they're doing.
Cheers
Both of them appear to use electricians for 240 volt work, and gas fitters for LPG work
It would be a very brave caravan repairer workshop, who would use a handyman to carry out 240 volt work
If something went wrong, it could turn out deadly for someone
EN1126X or EN1120X they have AC transfer and safety
switch with inbuilt RCD and give you the wiring diagram
to be followed by your Sparky.
You would also be well advised to replace the existing RCD with an RVD. The RCD will not provide the protection that you expect when powered from the inverter.
Alternatively they can have separate circuits and separate power points. Again, RVD protection is advised.
An inverter for hard wiring is NOT the same as one that has socket outlets fitted for plug-in appliances. They are different products.
Very few electricians are familiar with AS3001, so proceed with caution.
Cheers,
Peter
Yes, my prior research tells me about having the switchover, RVD and therefore the Enerdrive. I asked him about the switchover and this is when he came up with tapping it into the existing RCDs.
I think I'll assume he doesn't have the required licence.
I'll make a call to the energy safety mob here today and perhaps they can tell me who is familiar with the standards. It is disturbing, as I have mentioned all this stuff (required standards, legalities etc) to this guy and he's just marching on. Surely no one in their right mind would work on 240v stuff without qualifications?
I had my system wired by an electrician and signed off by him. My setup consists of a three way switch which is switched to left when external power is plugged in, this includes generator power. Centre when battery power is being used and to the right when my inverter is used to power up the power points. An RVD was used as protection. He found the people who sell them very helpful.
www.rvdsafe.com.au/
Cheers Rob.
Hi Rob
Yes . That is the way a conventional inverter must be permanently wired in . If done correctly the existing RCD will be fully . operational
Nb. Any one seeking an electrician to do that should ensure that electrician has AS/NZS 3001
If an inverter or generator is simply plugged via the inlet socket, a RVD should be fitted in lieu of the existing RCD
If the unit is a more fancy one that incorporates automatic change over a different approach is needed .Again an electrician familiar with AS 3001 is required
To the OP
If you are simply plugging the inverter into the "van power inlet socket "using a conventional approved extension lead,all you need to do is have the RCD replaced with a RVD from" RVDsafe" there are several models ,so best do that to ensure you get the right model for your set up
Thanks again guys......especially oldtrack.....I see your posts all over the net and totally respect what you have to say...
As the daughter of a (dec) sparky, I have a LONG and very healthy respect for electricity.
I'll just tell you all the road I've decided to go down (probably until next van build or rebuild)......
As enticing as powering all my 240v system was for convenience, I came up with a better area, whereby I'll have a shorter run (from batts for voltage drop).....but I'll have to run an ext cord to the two things I may need/want powered (washing machine and micro)....these are more for convenience of other travellers now I'm over the easterly population of whiners about generators.
The lappies etc can just run happy......and.....I'll be compliant etc etc......
My question was pretty much how do you tell if a repairer has the required licences etc.... I decided a few days ago he didn't.....just based on his lack of knowledge regarding switch overs etc...not sure how he's getting away with it....but......so now.......I'm just giving him licence to work on the 12v essentially......it's up to me now to make sure nothing exceeds what I can plug into that inverter he'll fit.
-- Edited by Grubbygypsy on Sunday 25th of November 2018 12:49:22 AM
Hi You should ask him to show you his electrician license & it can be checked on your state gov electrical site But also ask him to show you his copy of the current Standard AS3001:2012
If he does not have both forget him!
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 9th of December 2018 08:50:48 PM
My sparkie had never installed an RVD before so he rang up manufacturer and re read my instructions, he was great.
I use 200W and 1000W pure sine wave inverters as required through 3 pin plugs into van 15A inlet. one circuit only NO MISTAKES and I have 12V isolation switches inside van to turn em off when I go to sleep. Easy as.