Manual transfer switch,240v

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

Hi I want to connect my vans 240v system to inverter. So looking at fitting a transfer switch ,which has 240v hook up lead off site and inverter, so van will have 240v off grid.
Don't want run separate cables and sockets.
If any has done this please advise and recommend a transfer switch.

 

[wildebus]

I recommend mine
What can I say - if I need one, I make my own. Never bought one.

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

I recommend mine
What can I say - if I need one, I make my own. Never bought one.

How much for yours.

 

[wildebus]

Think they were around £50 when I used to make them to sell?

 

[Floydster]

I've been looking at one of these

Amazon.co.uk

Just trying to figure if it does all i need.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I did a very BAD version, a lead with a plug on each end into a socket behind a panel in the self-build, only the inverter plug was accessible.

 

[Wightman]

Instead of a switch that you have to remember to use/change why not use a relay? Have it wired that the "resting" contacts are wired for your inverter but when the relay "detects" mains it switches over, simples!!

 

[wildebus]

I did a very BAD version, a lead with a plug on each end into a socket behind a panel in the self-build, only the inverter plug was accessible.

That really is a BAD idea on multiple levels.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I know, but it did the job. I'd not do it now.

 

[Wightman]

Wildebus/Pudsey Bear are your replies in answer to my relay suggestion? Would be interested to learn why!! It was an idea I muted in my head before I managed to get all singing dancing inverter with automatic change over when it detected mains but certain I hear a relay click when it changes!!

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Wildebus/Pudsey Bear are your replies in answer to my relay suggestion? Would be interested to learn why!! It was an idea I muted in my head before I managed to get all singing dancing inverter with automatic change over when it detected mains but certain I hear a relay click when it changes!!

Not exactly, just what I did short term as I only needed this function to charge tools while I was building the van, and didn't want t run a lead from the garage, it got removed once it was finished

 

[wildebus]

Wildebus/Pudsey Bear are your replies in answer to my relay suggestion? Would be interested to learn why!! It was an idea I muted in my head before I managed to get all singing dancing inverter with automatic change over when it detected mains but certain I hear a relay click when it changes!!

My reply is specifically to Pudsey and his use of a "suicide lead" - maybe the collequial name for this type of lead tells you why they are a bad idea? Plus it does't matter how careful someone is handling this kind of lead, its use may not cause the death of the user but it will very easily kill the inverter.

 

[HTF]

A use a 230v motor contactor with 2 normally closed and 2 normally open contacts. All the 230v electrics is connected to the normally closed contacts fed by the inverter except for the on grid battery charger. This is connected together with the input grid feed and the contactor coil to the normally open contacts. When grid power is connected, the contactor switches on and everything is connected to the grid. The 12v loads are fed by the battery which has the charger connected as well.
A third normally closed contact cuts the 12v relay which disconnects the inverter.

My inlet power connection is an industrial type connector with extra pins that I use as a warning that it's connected when I switch on the ignition even if there is no 230v power on the extension cord.