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- 1). Find a location. Look for a compartment that has plenty of room for ventilation, there should be at least one inch space between the sides and top of the compartment and the converter.
Locate the converter close to the DC distribution panel and batteries.
Drill pilot holes and mount converter to compartment with screws.
Converters have relays in them that spark when switched, so make sure you never store gasoline or other flammable liquids in the same compartment---the fumes may ignite with the relay sparks.
Do not install batteries in the converter compartment. Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas when they are charged or discharged. They also give off sulfuric acid that will corrode the converter's electronic parts. - 2). Disconnect AC shore power. Make sure that all sources of AC power are disconnected before you start installation. If you have an AC producing inverter or generator, make sure it also is disconnected.
- 3). Disconnect all DC battery power.
- 4). Install a circuit breaker for the converter in your RV's AC panel. Run a 12-gauge cable to the converter compartment.
- 5). Install an AC junction box in the converter compartment by drilling pilot holes in the wall and securing with screwdriver and screws.
Cut the 12 gauge wire with the wire cutters. Strip off 1/2 inch of insulation with the wire strippers and connect the AC wires to the converter.
Connect the same color wires to each other: black to black, green to green, and white to white. Use wire nuts to secure the connections and secure all wires to the compartment wall with wire ties and screws. - 6). Install a two-way battery selector switch on the positive wire of the DC distribution panel. This allows you to switch between battery power and converter power.
- 7). Connect an 8 gauge or heavier ground cable from the converter to the chassis' ground.
- 8). Connect an 8-gauge positive wire from the DC distribution panel to the positive terminal on the two-way switch.
- 9). Make sure all DC appliances are off. Turn on AC power.
- 10
Use a voltmeter to measure the DC voltage across the inverter positive and negative terminals. The voltage should be 13.6 volts, plus or minus 0.2 volts. - 11
Put a DC load on the converter by turning on your DC appliances. The voltage should still read 13.6 volts, if not, you need to install heavier DC wiring between the converter and the distribution panel. - 12
If your converter has a battery charger, connect the positive and negative terminals to the battery terminals with wires of appropriate size for the amperage of the battery charger.
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