Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2009 16:39:05 GMT 10
I have commenced my own research which may at some time 'down the track' result in some clearer recommendations on this fairly complex topic. 
However here is a web link some useful advice. The article was written around 2002 with updates in 2003. It is no longer maintained, but remains relevant.
A quick summary of this article:
1. If you are in any doubt as to your inverters specifications.
a. Only use it with double insulated 240v appliances.
b. Don't connect it to the 240v distribution in your van ie the shore power connection. Your entire van could become live in a fault situation.
c. Only use it in a 'free-standing implementation' ie battery to inverter to appliance ie all plug and play connected.
2. Most cheap units will not work with a plug in RCD (residual current or earth current detector).
a. Do not replace the existing 240v socket with an integrated 240v GPO/RCD.
So this advice is basically no, no and no. But that's OK.
This and this supplier provide pure sinewave inverters that comply with MEN (multiple earth neutral or earth and neutral connected), installations. They should also work with an RCD in circuit. Contact their technical departments for any queries
These two suppliers inverters are more expensive for a very good reason. Do consider what you are getting for the extra dollars. You'll note that the writer of the referenced article, dumped his original selection and installed one of the above inverters.
If you only need a cheap and cheerful 300w modified sinewave inverter, (e.g. powering a 2-way fridge etc) you won't go wrong with the Jaycar or Dick Smith products around $80.
If your not sure if a cheap and cheerful modified sinewave inverter will work for your application, simply ask here or drop me an email and I will either
1. test it, or
2. give a considered response of any likely issues.
However here is a web link some useful advice. The article was written around 2002 with updates in 2003. It is no longer maintained, but remains relevant.
A quick summary of this article:
1. If you are in any doubt as to your inverters specifications.
a. Only use it with double insulated 240v appliances.
b. Don't connect it to the 240v distribution in your van ie the shore power connection. Your entire van could become live in a fault situation.
c. Only use it in a 'free-standing implementation' ie battery to inverter to appliance ie all plug and play connected.
2. Most cheap units will not work with a plug in RCD (residual current or earth current detector).
a. Do not replace the existing 240v socket with an integrated 240v GPO/RCD.
So this advice is basically no, no and no. But that's OK.
This and this supplier provide pure sinewave inverters that comply with MEN (multiple earth neutral or earth and neutral connected), installations. They should also work with an RCD in circuit. Contact their technical departments for any queries
These two suppliers inverters are more expensive for a very good reason. Do consider what you are getting for the extra dollars. You'll note that the writer of the referenced article, dumped his original selection and installed one of the above inverters.
If you only need a cheap and cheerful 300w modified sinewave inverter, (e.g. powering a 2-way fridge etc) you won't go wrong with the Jaycar or Dick Smith products around $80.
If your not sure if a cheap and cheerful modified sinewave inverter will work for your application, simply ask here or drop me an email and I will either
1. test it, or
2. give a considered response of any likely issues.