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10-25-2021, 10:02 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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1500 watt inverter "open ground" fault on tester
I bought a Voltworks pure sine wave 1500 watt inverter for installation in my Vegas. Connecting the heavy 4 AWG positive and negative cables to my house battery and the inverter case ground to my RV chassis. I tested the outlets directly on the inverter using an outlet tester and was surprised to see “open ground” on the handheld tester. The inverter does operate electric items despite the fault.
Testing the RV 120vac without the inverter connected tested normal with outlet tester.
RV installation is a hardwired surge protector installed after the transfer switches. I have two transfer switches because I now have three AC sources. The surge protector will not allow the inverter power to pass through, presumably because of the open ground fault.
Google picture for reference.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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10-25-2021, 10:49 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Sumtin’ isn’t right…
- have you tried to connect to a “stand alone” 12v battery, not part of your Vegas? Just to make sure that it’s not the inverter
For my Vegas inverter…
- I followed the standard process as illustrated in the diagram below
- Positive (+) from the Converter panel, Negative (-) from the buss bar near the Converter panel.
- Then the Outlet line (non-GFI) is spliced and connected as shown
I added a non-GFI outlet behind the cabinets for my outside TV that we use frequently with our Winegard Trav’ler & DISH.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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10-25-2021, 11:02 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,359
THOR #7035
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Did you connect the inverter to ground IAW the manual's instructions?
Quote:
1. Grounding
The power inverter has a terminal on the rear panel marked " Grounding "or " ".
This is used to connect the chassis of the power inverter to ground. The ground
terminal has already been connected to the ground wire of the AC output receptacle through the inverter.
The ground terminal must be connected to the ground wire, which will vary
depending on where the power inverter is installed. In a vehicle, connect the
ground terminal to the chassis of the vehicle. In a boat, connect it to the boat’s
ground system. In a fixed location, connect the ground terminal to earth.
The ground wire must be 14AWG (2.08mm2)or larger,and make sure the
connections are well.
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__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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10-25-2021, 11:19 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1
Sumtin’ isn’t right…
- have you tried to connect to a “stand alone” 12v battery, not part of your Vegas? Just to make sure that it’s not the inverter
For my Vegas inverter…
- I followed the standard process as illustrated in the diagram below
- Positive (+) from the Converter panel, Negative (-) from the buss bar near the Converter panel.
- Then the Outlet line (non-GFI) is spliced and connected as shown
I added a non-GFI outlet behind the cabinets for my outside TV that we use frequently with our Winegard Trav’ler & DISH.
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The inverter is directly connected to the 12v house battery. The DC side is two wires, 4 AWG positive and negative.
The AC side are house outlets and a case ground ( 12 AWG attached to RV chassis), and a remove controller input.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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10-25-2021, 11:20 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
Did you connect the inverter to ground IAW the manual's instructions?
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Yes, the case ground is connected to RV chassis with a 12 AWG stranded copper wire.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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10-26-2021, 09:10 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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A neutral bonding plug cured the inverter open ground problem and the surge protector is happy.
I am happy because I can make morning coffee while boondocking and no need for noisy generator.
Sadly, I can't microwave popcorn using the 1500w inverter, the in-rush current is just too high on the High Pointe microwave.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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10-26-2021, 10:19 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds 28A
State: California
Posts: 431
THOR #21941
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportcoupe
A neutral bonding plug cured the inverter open ground problem and the surge protector is happy.
I am happy because I can make morning coffee while boondocking and no need for noisy generator.
Sadly, I can't microwave popcorn using the 1500w inverter, the in-rush current is just too high on the High Pointe microwave.
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That's what I had to do when I plugged my MH into a portable generator. The EMS didn't like the "open ground".
That is exactly what I want to do with an inverter. I'll be getting one that will take the "bump" from the microwave. I also like the fact that the absorption refrigerator will run on the inverter when I travel and not use the propane.
__________________
Wayne & Elissa
2021 THOR Four Winds 28A
Fallbrook, CA
Watchdog hardwired EMS, Alignment, Roadmaster front sway bar, vent covers, Dew Gutter
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10-26-2021, 10:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waynetaylor55
That's what I had to do when I plugged my MH into a portable generator. The EMS didn't like the "open ground".
That is exactly what I want to do with an inverter. I'll be getting one that will take the "bump" from the microwave. I also like the fact that the absorption refrigerator will run on the inverter when I travel and not use the propane.
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You might find it would be cheaper overall (and safer) to replace the microwave with a lower wattage unit capable to be run off a reasonable 1500 watt inverter.
An inverter that is large enough to start the High Pointe is expensive and the larger copper cables required are costly. Then there are the safety circuit breakers and such. High current at 12v is dangerous and can cause fire from one loose connection.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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10-26-2021, 10:55 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds 28A
State: California
Posts: 431
THOR #21941
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sportcoupe
You might find it would be cheaper overall (and safer) to replace the microwave with a lower wattage unit capable to be run off a reasonable 1500 watt inverter.
An inverter that is large enough to start the High Pointe is expensive and the larger copper cables required are costly. Then there are the safety circuit breakers and such. High current at 12v is dangerous and can cause fire from one loose connection.
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I only have a Greystone 900w microwave. Should be no problem.
__________________
Wayne & Elissa
2021 THOR Four Winds 28A
Fallbrook, CA
Watchdog hardwired EMS, Alignment, Roadmaster front sway bar, vent covers, Dew Gutter
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12-07-2021, 01:55 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.6
State: Minnesota
Posts: 1
THOR #25473
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Sportcoupe, you mention you bought a Voltworks 1500w inverter. From your block diagram it seems like this is an inverter with an integrated transfer switch.
I am looking for exactly this, but I can’t find a 1500w Voltworks with an integrated switch.
Can you provide model number?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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12-07-2021, 04:44 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSJ
Sportcoupe, you mention you bought a Voltworks 1500w inverter. From your block diagram it seems like this is an inverter with an integrated transfer switch.
I am looking for exactly this, but I can’t find a 1500w Voltworks with an integrated switch.
Can you provide model number?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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I'm not familiar with Voltworks...
But many of us on the Forum have had success adding the AIM's Brand with Auto Transfer Switch to our rigs.
There are many write-ups about it, and it's fairly easy to self-install as an integrated system for your RV
Unfortunately, with the current "Transitory" inflation, the price has nearly doubled in the past 24 months.
Here's the Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/AIMS-POWER-PWRIX120012SUL-Pure-Inverter
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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12-08-2021, 12:30 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSJ
Sportcoupe, you mention you bought a Voltworks 1500w inverter. From your block diagram it seems like this is an inverter with an integrated transfer switch.
I am looking for exactly this, but I can’t find a 1500w Voltworks with an integrated switch.
Can you provide model number?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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I never posted a block diagram in this thread.
No, the voltworks 1500W does not have an integrated transfer switch.
I went with a regular transfer switch added to the factory one. See this diagram.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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12-08-2021, 12:38 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Georgia
Posts: 476
THOR #21919
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I fixed the open ground fault by making a custom bonded neutral plug.
__________________
- 2022 Vegas 24.1
- Former US Marine - 1988-1996
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