converter/inverter question

[ericcarr2000]

I have a converter and a inverter switch on my panel. Can someone explain to me what the difference is between the two, which one should I switch on to charge the batteries?

 

[Westie]

In Searay terms the converter is the battery charger. it converts AC to DC.
The inverter switch controls the inverter, converts DC to AC.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Oh, ok, so when im charging my batteries I need to make sure I only turn on the converter then?

In Searay terms the converter is the battery charger. it converts AC to DC.
The inverter switch controls the inverter, converts DC to AC.

 

[mwph]

I don't have the two switches like your set up, but I'm pretty sure the converter will run the battery charger, the inverter will power the electrical outlets on the boat. You can have them both on at the same time, and, provided you have adequate power source, using one will not affect the other.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I don't have the two switches like your set up, but I'm pretty sure the converter will run the battery charger, the inverter will power the electrical outlets on the boat. You can have them both on at the same time, and, provided you have adequate power source, using one will not affect the other.

Huh? Converter requires AC shore power that powers not only the charger circuit but also other AC circuits all via AC distribution panel. Note converter is on output side of distribution panel.

Inverter draws DC from batteries and feeds AC to AC distribution panel.

If both shore power and inverter are feeding distribution panel at the same time the net effect will be 220 volts.

A proper set up for an inverter is the same as a genset with an isolating lock out switch so that distribution panel sees only one AC source. In that case running the converter from the inverter source seems a pointless task as the losses of conversion will never make up for the battery drain.

Eric, If you do not have an isolation switch on your inverter, you MUST remember to never run the inverter with shore power otherwise you will be running 220 through the system.

Henry

 

[Westie]

Oh, ok, so when im charging my batteries I need to make sure I only turn on the converter then?

Yes

 

[PMC]

can you post a picture of the power panel? If you have an inverter back-feeding the AC side of the panel, you have some very important procedural steps to take. If not properly isolated, that shore power cable can be energized (Male ends), and we don't have to spell out the dangers of that.....

 

[mwph]

Huh? Converter requires AC shore power that powers not only the charger circuit but also other AC circuits all via AC distribution panel. Note converter is on output side of distribution panel.

Inverter draws DC from batteries and feeds AC to AC distribution panel.

If both shore power and inverter are feeding distribution panel at the same time the net effect will be 220 volts.

A proper set up for an inverter is the same as a genset with an isolating lock out switch so that distribution panel sees only one AC source. In that case running the converter from the inverter source seems a pointless task as the losses of conversion will never make up for the battery drain.

Eric, If you do not have an isolation switch on your inverter, you MUST remember to never run the inverter with shore power otherwise you will be running 220 through the system.

Henry

Sorry guys. I spoke out of line. I let my typing get ahead of my brain. I should have read the question more carefully.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Well for some reason I cant even put a picture up here.........

can you post a picture of the power panel? If you have an inverter back-feeding the AC side of the panel, you have some very important procedural steps to take. If not properly isolated, that shore power cable can be energized (Male ends), and we don't have to spell out the dangers of that.....

 

[ericcarr2000]

, heres the setup I have.

 

[PMC]

I cannot get a clear enough view on the words. Is that all ac, 110v breakers? Do you have any 12v on the panel?

 

[ericcarr2000]

Not sure what you mean, how can I tell?

I cannot get a clear enough view on the words. Is that all ac, 110v breakers? Do you have any 12v on the panel?

 

[ericcarr2000]

Well from the top down they read, outlets, stove, converter, water heater, microwave, inverter. Above that it says 120 vac 30 amp control center.

I cannot get a clear enough view on the words. Is that all ac, 110v breakers? Do you have any 12v on the panel?

 

[PMC]

Im speculating....But I think what you have here is an inverter that was instaled by a previous owner wired into a spare breaker. This is back feeding the panel similar to plugging into an outlet on the boat. It is not safe in the way that you can get hurt, and damage the boat if you are not careful. My suggestion is to install a transfer switch where it will automatically switch on the presence of shore power. In the meantime DO NOT EVER have both shore power and inverter on at the same time. This is regardless of being plugged into shore.