Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- electrical:shore_power [2024/04/30 12:43]
frater_secessus [ports]
+++ electrical:shore_power [2024/09/08 15:11] (current)
frater_secessus [power testers]
@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
-Shore power ("grid power", "mains", "wall outlet power") is AC power derived from the electric grid.  Shore power can run AC loads directly in campers so equipped, but more commonly it powers a [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] that runs the [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house system]].
+Shore power ("grid power", "mains", "wall outlet power") is AC power derived from the electric grid.  Shore power can run AC loads directly in campers so equipped and/or power a [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] that runs the [[electrical:12v:intro|12v house system]] and charges the battery bank.
 The most common places RVers use shore power is when plugged in at someone's house  or at an RV park with full hookups (FHU).
@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 ==== ports ====
 [[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|{{https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81HoORya9rL._AC_UL436_.jpg?75 }}]]
-A //shore power port// is designed to let you plug power cables into the side of your van or RV.  As discussed above, RVs typically use 30A/50A service -- they use [[https://amzn.to/2TCV4WJ|this kind of port]].
+A //shore power port// is designed to let you plug power cables into the side of your van or RV.
-Vans typically use [[https://amzn.to/2VUwDAI|15A ports]].   [[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|Some are pre-cabled]] so you can plug the inside cable to a [[https://amzn.to/2F7sZxI|power strip]], [[https://amzn.to/2VWXHPQ|breaker box]], or other distribution device.  A [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] can then be wired to the distribution point.
+Vans typically use [[https://amzn.to/2VUwDAI|15A ports]].   Smaller RVs and some vans use 30A service -- they use [[https://amzn.to/2TCV4WJ|this kind of port]].
+[[https://amzn.to/2F8SChD|Some are pre-cabled]] so you can plug the inside cable to a [[https://amzn.to/2F7sZxI|power strip]], [[https://amzn.to/2VWXHPQ|breaker box]], or other distribution device.  A [[electrical:converter|converter/charger]] can then be wired to the distribution point.
   - use a [[https://amzn.to/2EZka7E|hole saw]] to bore the hole in the van wall to the port's specification
   - sand the edges to remove sharp edges
   - treat edges with paint, primer, rust preventive, etc to prevent rust.  The edges will not be visible once the port is installed
 === adapters ===
@@ Line 83: / Line 87: @@
 ==== power testers ====
-Before plugging into shore power the RVer may want to test the receptacle for "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage."((http://50amppowerpal.com/pages/faq))
-Note that the tester reports conditions at the time of testing;  it might tell you if voltage is too high right now but not protect the RV if the voltage spikes later on.
+[[https://amzn.to/47kk73h|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uvkjHKLvL._AC_UL320_.jpg?125}}]]
+A power tester can check for the presence of power, "good ground, open circuits, reversed polarity and safe voltage."((http://50amppowerpal.com/pages/faq))
+The one shown here is for 120vac outlets but others are available [[https://amzn.to/3zeRJTx|for 30A outlets]] and [[https://amzn.to/4e03XPe|for 50A outlets]].
 ==== surge protectors ====
 [[http://amzn.to/2iE3CWR|Dogbone surge protectors]] are inexpensive, but they are generally only good for one surge (or maybe several small ones).
 More [[http://amzn.to/2iwu7Ra|full-featured surge protectors]] will disconnect power to the RV in over/undervolt conditions and will reconnect after a certain period of stability.
+==== transfer switches ====
+A //transfer switch// allows you to run AC loads off the inverter, but switch to shore or generator power instead when that source is available.
+  * inverter output -> transfer switch AC source 1 (default)
+  * shore power -> transfer switch AC source 2 (use grid power when you have it)
+and
+  * transfer switch output -> AC loads
+Since RVs spend more time on pedestal power than campervans such devices are more common on RVs.
+The switches can be manual or automatic.  On the latter, the switchover time is measured in milliseconds.
+[[https://amzn.to/3SmFYk6|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71K2Jip49DL._AC_UY218_.jpg?100}}]]
+examples:
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3SmFYk6|15A automatic transfer switch]]
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3LFDqKp|15A manual transfer switch]]
+  * [[https://amzn.to/3LEuG7o|30A automatic transfer switch]]
 ===== Europe =====

RV and vandwellers wiki

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools