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Inverter - 30amp or 50amp switch while in storage?

April 18, 2013, 03:09:39 pm

Have a question. I have a Xantrex 3000 ProSine inverter/charger.  While in storage I have the RV plugged into a 30 amp outlet.  I leave the inverter switch on the 50amp selection ( has the option to select 30amp).    Should I select the 30 amp input instead?  I want to turn on one AC to keep her cool while parked.  Don't know if it makes a difference.

On my SOB, it didn't make a difference. Cheers!

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Re: Inverter - 30amp or 50amp switch while in storage?

Reply #1 – April 18, 2013, 03:42:44 pm

Steve,

It will make no difference UNLESS the batteries are deeply discharged when you plug in and want power for other things like an A/C.

But, unless you are running the generator to charge the batteries (and therefore want to minimize generator run time), I very much prefer lower settings (limiting charging amps).

It is better for a battery to be charged slowly than to rapid charge and it allows you more power options for other things.

Brett

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Re: Inverter - 30amp or 50amp switch while in storage?

Reply #2 – April 18, 2013, 03:42:54 pm

The reason for this 30amp/50amp selection is to prevent overloading and tripping of 120AC breakers.

The 20amp or 30amp selection on my 2500 inverter/charge was set to 20amps because the breaker in the 120AC main panel was a 20amp breaker (provided 120AC power for battery charger).

What is the size of the breaker in your 120AC panel which is probably labeled "inverter" or more correctly "charger"?
If the "charger" breaker is only 20 amps, then either 30amp or 50amp setting on the charger will cause the breaker to trip off on overload (with discharged batteries). If the "charger" breaker is 30 amp then setting charger to 30amp will prevent overloading of this "charger" breaker. When plugged into only 30amp shore power, I would set the charger to 20amp if you can. If 30amp is the lowest setting on your charger, and your batteries are discharged, it is very possible that the breaker on your shore power will get tripped when you turn on the Microwave, or even a TV while charging batteries.

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