Xantrex Pro Inverter install?

rbryn

Member
May 27, 2009
254
Wilmington, NC
Boat Info
2003 260DA
Engines
350Mag MPI Bravo® III (re-powered 2013)
I'm getting ready to purchase and install the XM 1800 inverter (no charger) on my 260da. What I would *like* to do is wire the output of the inverter into the main system so that...

1. It only runs when enabled via a rocker switch in the electrical panel (I do want the auto transfer switch enabled for safety in case we forget to kill it before plugging into shore power).
2. It runs through all existing outlets instead of running a seperate GFCI outlet just off the inverter.

The intent of the inverter will be to only run cell phone chargers, or a laptop while underway or at anchor and a CPAP machine (pulls only 200W) for overnight on anchor stays.

None of this appears to be a problem but I'm wondering about any pro's/con's before we start the project?
 
I'm not clear as to why you want to add another switch. If it has an auto-transfer switch, you're covered. When you're plugged in to shorepower, the inverter passes through the current. If you're not, the inverter will automatically energize your panel. If you're concerned about someone turning something on (like A/C) inadvertently, just switch the main breaker "off" (there's your second switch).

What am I missing?
 
Count that one as a "Blond moment", you are correct. I was trying to avoid accidentally leaving the inverter on and running the AC/fridge when I disconnect shorepower but I realize now, it's no different if I forget to turn off the inverter anyways.
 
I recenty installed one of these units in my '89 340da. My reefer is 110v only and I wanted power to it when I am under way or on the hook.

I did not want to run all electrical through it as I have too much load for that inverter. This inverter does have an AC pass through so you can run AC into it and out and it will provide AC power when the inverter is not on.

I put a new 20amp breaker in my panel and AC from the panel to the AC input on my inverter. From the inverter AC output I ran dedicated wire to my refer and TV/DVD. With this unit you have the ability to hard wire all of that. I also detatched the panel from the inverter and mounted it remotely.

I leave the inverter on all the time. It works great. We were away from the boat for a week and someone tripped my main shore power breaker to the boat. The transfer switch did its job and took the load for the refer as advertised....until the battery got to it's low voltage limit and then the Xantrex performed again by shutting down, and sounding the built in alarm, to save the batteries. I still had to throw away a bunch of stuff that went bad in the refer but it saved the batteries. BTW I used 2 6 volt golf cart batteries that I bought at Costco for $80 each.

Here's a couple of pics taken during installation. The loose wiring has since been cleaned up.
HPIM0886.jpg


HPIM0884.jpg


HPIM0883.jpg


HPIM0877.jpg


Let me know if you need more info.

Shawn
 

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