Switching from shore power outlet to inverter

[fatjr12]

I have a 13 inch flat screen TV with a DVD player on my boat and I want to be able to run it from the 120v outlet when connected to shore power or from a 450 watt inverter when I am out on the water (I do not have a genset).

I want to avoid having to unplug from the inverter and plugging into the 120v outlet and vice versa when switching power sources. Is there a switch that will allow me to easily and safely switch from one source to another? Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Capt Frank

 

[glennwolf]

Re: Switching from shore power outlet to inverter

Just leave it pluged to your inverter and provide a charging sorce for your bateries on shore power.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Switching from shore power outlet to inverter

Install a second source breaker like on this panel...

with a lockout slide. Plug a 10GA extension cord into your outlet on your inverter, the wire the other end of it to the second AC source. Then all you have to do is turn off shore 1, turn on shore 2, and your hole panel is powered from the inverter. Of course, your usage is limited by the output of the inverter, but you already know that...

 

[fatjr12]

Re: Switching from shore power outlet to inverter

Do I have to replace my existing panel for that? How difficult a job would that be for someone that is handy but not an electrician?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Switching from shore power outlet to inverter

Do I have to replace my existing panel for that? How difficult a job would that be for someone that is handy but not an electrician?

Show me a pic of your existing panel, I'll tell you how to do it. Head electrician for Stamas Yacht for 5 years, it's no big deal, you can handle it. But take a good pic of your panel...and post it here, of course!