RVwiki for vanfolk and others who live in vehicles

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====== RV electrical power ======

//"It is easier and much less expensive to use less electricity than it is to create and store gobs of it."// -- Sternwake


Access and use of electrical power is crucial to RVers, whether plugged into RV park hookups or boondocking off-grid.

===== shore power =====
[[electrical:shore power|Shore power]] is 110v AC from the grid.  This term is borrowed from the marine world where boats would be hooked to grid power when docked.((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorepower))

Shore power feeds the [[electrical:converter|converter]] and any 110v circuits in the RV.  High amp draw appliances like electrical heating and air conditioning are only practical on shore power.


===== House batteries vs starting batteries =====

RVs usually have more than one battery;  these are divided up into starting and [[electrical:12v:intro|house batteries]].  Starting batteries are what is used to start a motorhome or towing vehicle engine.  House batteries power the living area. 

An [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] can be used to turn 12v DC into 110v AC.
===== solar power =====

Solar power uses [[electrical:solar:panels|Photovoltaic (PV) panels]] and a [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controller]] to charge batteries.  
===== dual-battery (alternator charged) power =====

[[electrical:12v:alternator|Dual-battery systems]] use the alternator to charge both the house and starter battery.  An isolator or solenoid is used to keep the house from depleting the starter battery.
===== wind power =====

RVwiki for vanfolk and others who live in vehicles

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