We regularly carry out this kind of install when we install the inverters we supply here, but have always suggested on not having the auto-transfer switch when the
inverter size is below 800w constant output. If you think about it logically, most travel gear that's 240v is normally about 750w and above, so things like a kettle you want working in a safe place like your kitchen top, but if your using a small
inverter just to charge say your e-bikes on the move, then you would normally just have that to hand near the leisure batteries as and when you need it. We find this can take away the temptation/forgetfulness of plugging something in that is over the
inverter's rating and overloading/damaging the
inverter.
Carrying out this kind of transfer equipment isn't a 5 min thing and when you are using big inverters, we would always have the output from the unit protected by some means of an RCD along with the equipment we use to have the mains sockets switched over when using the
inverter. We have also found that early Euro built M/H's only have MCB's installed, so normally recommend to upgrade them at the same time.
Now with the use of the
inverter then comes high consumption of the leisure batteries, in which you should be monitoring them with a good
battery computer, one that shows you an AH counter along with percentage that is coming directly from the batteries using a
shunt metering device (not relying on factory equipment that can be very basic with some m/h's).
Putting power back in...………………………… well that's a whole different topic, one that you may want to look at other posts discussing things like VSR relays and B2B/DC-DC chargers along with
solar recommendations.
Off Grid should always be looked at like a pyramid:-
- Foundations are your Leisure
battery Bank and Monitoring them,
- Power demands, whether you're just needing to attend to tech equipment, or bigger demands like Microwaves/Hair Dryers/Kettles etc,
- Replenishing the power, assessing if you're a Sun Chaser and
Solar is your poison, or you're an all-rounder so you need better engine charging support, with
solar assistance or you want to use a generator.