Master Volt inverter install 1980 hatteras 53 MY Our Getaway ll

[jfp]

I have spent the last two hours reading all I could find on the forum on inverters. I am planning on installing my 4kw master volt in series with my 120volt shore power input line, I will add a breaker for the input of the inverter. I will also install a breaker for the 120 volt output of the inverter. I realize that I will need to turn off hot water heater to conserve battery life. The inverter has a intelligent interface panel to monitor all operations eg. Battery level, temp settings etc. I will be installing (6)6volt 230 amp hour batteries wired to supply 12 volts at 690 amps available. The inverter will have a flashing light installed to remind me of the inverter being powered on I believe if I switch to generator after powering off Inverter I should not have any issues. Obviously I will use all marine hardware and wiring.Does anyone see any faults in my logic.Thanks for your input and knowledge

 

[MikeP]

There are varying views re inverter installation - manual vs automatic operation, pass thru vs no pass thru, using existing battery banks vs adding a new battery bank, etc. If you have read the numerous threads on the site, you have already seen the various opinions/made your decision on how you prefer the installation/operation to proceed.

From your description and if I read it correctly, your plan re connection will work fine. I might consider doing away with the flashing light/going to a constant-on unless it's behind a panel door and not visible until you open the door to make the necessary electrical switching to go to/from generator/inverter/shore. Otherwise I think the flashing will become quite annoying.

 

[Vincentc]

Like Mike said, there are different ways. On our 43 DC I ran the legs for the 3 outlet circuits From the breaker box to a sub panel with rotary switch. SP or generator it passed through and charges the inverter bank. Everything is automatic and seamless.

I prepared a detailed wiring diagram and submitted it to the inverter manufacturer Magnum, for review.

 

[Pascal]

I m not sure I understand the part about installing it in series on the shore power line. If you do that you won't be able to recharge using the generator...you need to have it beyond the rotary switch so that you can charge with shore or generator

The best way to install an inverter with automatic transfer is to add a breaker on the panel, send the output to the inverter and then send the power back to the panel. This also means that you can easily have your water heater and other loads not powered by the inverter I don't like manual selection because if shore power goes off, or if you're Genset stops, then the inverter will try to power everything that was connected at the time

 

[BOATER BOB]

I would separate the load so that a/c stove and HWH will not run on inverter only on shore or gen to easy to screw up otherwise.Also consider changing out all 120v to led bulbs as Lowes has them cheap now
Bob

 

[jfp]

Thanks allYou are right Mike, I used the flashing light in my airplane so I would not overlook the elec fuel pump. The inverter panel does have a constant light I'll use.Pascal, Great point on generator not being able to recharge batteries. I'll pull schematics this weekend and determine wiring after generator. Thanks to all for your inputs.. Isn't boating fun. Especially with a great bunch of knowledgeable fellow owners.