Power watch and Inverter question

December 30, 2015, 07:42:17 am

The power watch monitor needle has started to bounce a bit on gen power what could be causing that? Also the reverse polarity light comes on when I power up the inverter any ideas?

Thanks,
Woodie

Re: Power watch and Inverter question

Reply #1 – December 30, 2015, 09:44:36 am

Bouncing needle: The needle on ours moves around quite a bit when the generator is running, especially with no load. Seems to become more steady with load applied. I don't think this is uncommon behavior...

Reverse polarity: Would be more concerned about this, but will bow to the more experienced "electricians" on the Forum for suggestions where to trouble-shoot.

Re: Power watch and Inverter question

Reply #2 – December 30, 2015, 02:30:41 pm

If there is "reverse polarity", it is best to determine and fix the cause before using 120 VAC receptacles in your coach.
If the "reverse polarity" light glows only when the inverter is providing power (not with genset or shore), then the problem is with the inverter or the inverter wiring, or the inverter power panel.
Is the ground lug on your inverter grounded?
Do the wires to your "Power Monitor" connect to the "inverter power panel"?

Normally the neutral wire is connected to the ground, only at the "MAIN AC power panel". This means that the voltage between neutral and ground is ZERO, while the voltage between hot and ground is 120 VAC.

"Reverse Polarity" only when using the inverter could be caused by:
1. The inverter is damaged.
2. The inverter power panel is not wired correctly.
3. The automatic selector switch for the inverter is damaged.
4. The neutral and hot wires from the inverter are reversed at the "inverter power panel", or at the "inverter automatic selector switch", or at the inverter.
If you have had wiring changes done recently, then I would start with checking the wiring. If there has been no wiring changes, and "Reverse Polarity" just suddenly started, I would start with the "inverter automatic selector switch", the inverter, and corroded wires in the "inverter power panel".
If you are not experienced with working on 120 VAC wiring, then get help because working on 120 VAC can be SHOCKING.

Re: Power watch and Inverter question

Reply #3 – December 31, 2015, 07:29:56 am

Thank you

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