DC Inverter to run power outlets

Originally posted by Tonii87 The main reason I want the inverter is to power the tv and be able to charge our phones when we are not connected to 120v. It seems easier to just wire the inverter straight to the shore power wires instead of running wires to install a couple of new outlets. But just want to make sure that the easy route is not the worst way.

Thank you all

Depending on what you need to do, would it be easier to get a dual source - propane or gas - generator?  Then all you have to do it pull a rope.

You cannot connect the inverter at the same time as your shore power, you would quickly find where they hid the smoke in your inverter and maybe in your appliances as well.

You would need to install a transfer switch or relay so that the two sources could not be connected in parallel. That is more complicated than just putting in a new receptacle or two.

But again, if you really only want to run a TV and charge your phones, swap out your TV for a dual voltage one. They aren't expensive and the mounts are standard so it will mount easily.

Install a 12v receptacle (cig lighter socket/USB combo), and power that from 12V. Plug the TV into the cig lighter socket and the phones into the USB ports. Much more efficient than an inverter which changes DC to AC only to be changed back to DC again to run the electronics.

Ok, I see where the question comes from.

First, why do you want to try to power all the outlets from the inverter? You don't have enough energy storage in your battery to power the air conditioner, microwave, or water heater electric element. Even powering something like a coffee maker or hair dryer is going to use too much, unless you are very very careful. Really in practice you only have enough stored energy to run the TV and a laptop of phone or two, which you can do without an inverter by getting a dual 12v/120v TV and a couple USB charge ports. All your lights, fan, heater, water heater, fridge, radio etc already run on either 12v or propane or a combination of the two.


If you really must have an inverter then it's best to install a dedicated receptacle or two and run those to the inverter output. Use a different color receptacle and wall plate so you can readily remember which ones are which.

Get something like a 1kw inverter at the most so you can keep your battery to inverter wire size reasonable, even a 1kw inverter will draw around 100 amps and you will need at least 2 gauge wire for it. Also, put an appropriate fuse at the +12v battery end of the cable to the inverter.