[C38] Invertors

[Tom T.]

I have enclosed a simple diagram of how to cheaply connect gensets or
inverters to your 120v system.  This is a foolproof and easy way to do it. 
If your combined loads exceed the rating of a simple 3 way light switch,
you can make multiple switches in parallel with each switch operating a
single load.  A good heavy duty 3 way light switch will safely carry 15
amps which is plenty to operate my refrigerator and microwave at the same
time but it's easy to add another switch if needed.

I have used this technique to hook up gensets to houses  for over 40 yrs
and never had a problem.   My last house had 12 switches, each operating a
single load.  In a power outage, we had just about every light available. 
My using multiple switches, it stages the load unlike a single heavy duty
transfer switch which can stall a genset when too much load is applied all
at once.  With multiple switches, the generator can keep adding fuel as
more load is applied allowing a rather small genset carry a pretty hefty
load without harm.  The same staging technique will work on our boats also
with as few as two switches which is a consideration if you ever plan to
use this technique with a genset on board.

Tom Troncalli
Renata hull #95
St. Pete, Fla


> [Original Message]
> From: Charles <charles at finn.ws>
> To: Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
> Date: 1/23/2009 2:44:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [C38] Invertors
>
> I have an Aims 2500 watt inverter that I have been using for the past 
> two years with no problem.  I paid about $240 for it and installed it in 
> under the drawer (under the sink), so it would be very close to my 
> battery bank.  Aims does not have the reputation in the sailing world 
> that Xantrex has, but at the time an equivalent Xantrex was 
> substantially more!   This inverter ran at least 12 hours a day for 2 
> 1/2 months last summer as I cruised the Great Lakes charging laptops, 
> cellphones, powertools, etc.   With 195 watts of solar and a 400 watt 
> wind generator, I had all the electricity I needed.  I will be 
> installing a small microwave this summer and this inverter has no 
> problem supporting this option.
> Now for my confession.  I rigged a double male electric jumper cord that 
> I store with my shore power cord.  When I am on the water, I simply plug 
> the inverter into the AC power system (keeping the main breaker switch 
> off and being sure to turn off the water heater and shore charger).  My 
> shore power cord is tied and stowed with a large note telling me to 
> uninstall the jumper cord before untying the shore cable.  I am out for 
> days and this works great, but I don't see it as a good solution.  Too 
> many places where I could forget and too complicated for someone not 
> familiar with the boat.   Any ideas out there?
>
> Charles Finn
> Mighty Quinn #114
> Great Lakes
>
> Max Soto wrote:
> > I´m using a Xantrex Heart inverter/charger hooked up to the AC system, 
> > it is almost 10 years old and has worked flawlessly.It is only 750w, 
> > so I bought another Xantrex 1500w without charger that is directly 
> > hooked up for my microwave only. The freedom series are supposed to be 
> > a great option.
> > If I have to replace them, I'll go for xantrex again, that's for sure!!
> > Hope this helps,
> >  
> > Max
> >
> >  
> > 2009/1/22, PAUL NOTTE <panotte at shaw.ca <mailto:panotte at shaw.ca>>:
> >
> >     Hi All :
> >       Iam going to buy an invertor for Impulse in the 2 to 3 thousand
> >     watt range ,any input from any one would be appreciated as I am
> >     suffering from info overload and a great fear of making the wrong
> >     choice.
> >      
> >        Paul
> >
> >     _______________________________________________
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> >     http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -- 
> > Max Soto C38 #198 ESTANCIA Puntarenas, Costa Rica
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
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> >   
>
>
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