1500 watt inverter "open ground" fault on tester

[sportcoupe]

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.

[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.

[16ACE27]

Did you connect the inverter to ground IAW the manual's instructions?

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.

[sportcoupe]

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.

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.

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Did you connect the inverter to ground IAW the manual's instructions?

Yes, the case ground is connected to RV chassis with a 12 AWG stranded copper wire.

[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.

[waynetaylor55]

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.

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.

[sportcoupe]

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.

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.

[waynetaylor55]

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.

I only have a Greystone 900w microwave. Should be no problem.

[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.

[taylorbob1]

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.

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

[sportcoupe]

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.

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.

[sportcoupe]

I fixed the open ground fault by making a custom bonded neutral plug.