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Topic: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else? (Read 600 times) previous topic - next topic

Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

1996 36' U295. #4879
Original 2500W Heart Interface
Victron BMV-600S
My PowerWatch still works.

Now you guys remember, I am not well versed in anything mechanical or electrical. So please be sure to thoroughly explain like you're teaching a 16 year old to do something to their first car, assume nothing. Sorry! 

So today, we were leaving Cedar Hill State Park. Didn't need roof air so wasn't going to run the genny. 7 year old daughter wanted to watch a movie with mommy for the ride home. So I flipped on the inverter on the Heart Interface and it lit up and recognized power,
; right now I don't remember what it showed, but remember thinking it was correct; however, no power to tv or outlets.

Recognizes shore power quickly.
Recognized genny power quickly.

How do I diagnose? Where are the transfer switches?

I have some help in my dad who is mechanically inclined and knowledgeable, but not experienced with RVs, inverters, etc.

Is this likely something a novice can do?

TIA!
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #1 –
There is almost certainly an ignition interlock which is designed to prevent the television operating when the ignition is on. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #2 –
Check the gfci outlet in the bathroom.
1997 U270 36'
Build #5115
2014 Jeep Rubicon towed
1972 Boston Whaler 16'
Charlie

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #3 –
The ignition interlock Richard is referring to is a black box the front tv will be plugged into and should be behind the tv.  If you want to you can plug that tv into another 110v outlet so that it works anytime.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: folivier –
The ignition interlock Richard is referring to is a black box the front tv will be plugged into and should be behind the tv.  If you want to you can plug that tv into another 110v outlet so that it works anytime.

IF, repeat IF the outlet you choose is one powered by/through the inverter.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #5 –
They regularly watch the tv while driving, but when genny is running.
None of the AC outlets became live, and the PowerWatch never recognized voltage on inverter.

We ran genny and all was well.

So is it the inverter or transfer switch?
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #6 –
My guess would be the inverter if nothing came on. 

When you turn the invertor on the microwave display should start flashing. I use that as my sign that I have power.

There is a switch on the charger/inverter that should be left on all the time when it is being controlled by the panel inside the coach.  Could be that switch is off and not letting the panel turn the inverter on.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Want2rv –
Check the gfci outlet in the bathroom.

yep, when I was installing and testing my new inverter this weekend I tripped mine and it took a few minutes for me to remember this GFCI was in the bathroom...reset and power was up..
Len Barron
1988 GV36 U280 3208T(250hp)/MT643
1972 Jeep Commando LS2/4L65e
2000 Chevy Express Hightop Campervan
LBZ Duramax /6sp Allison

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #8 –
No, the heart 2500 switch at the inverter should be left off if you have a remote panel. The remote panel switch is to be used when you want 110v. At least that is what mine does. 1996 u295
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #9 –
If it were GFCI related, it wouldn't work on generator either, would it?

Where physically are the transfer switches located on '96 36' U295?

How do you test inverter?
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: jhardman –
Where physically are the transfer switches located on '96 36' U295?

Under the foot of the bed.  The one on the bottom (as they are double stacked) is the one you want that swaps to the inverter.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
 

Re: Inverter, Transfer Switch, both? Or something else?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: jhardman –
If it were GFCI related, it wouldn't work on generator either, would it?

Where physically are the transfer switches located on '96 36' U295?

How do you test inverter?
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!