Recommended Control Center And Automatic Transfer Switch For School Bus Conversion

Question:

I need advice on where to start for the parts needed to put 12v, 120v, shore power/generator/solar for school bus into rv makeover. I would like 50 amp shore power with automatic switching to generator, also the possibility of solar power/inverter technology. I see there are numerous choices on your page. Thank you

asked by: Steven L

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to make some recommendations for adding 12v and 120v power to your school bus conversion.

I recommend the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center with AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger # PD4560K18LS8 which will be the central power hub for all of your electrical connections to be made. You will be able to hook up your shore power connector, generator connection, and will even work with solar power as you mentioned wanting to add in the future. The built in converter will convert the AC power from the shore power or generator to DC and send it to your batteries for powering any DC appliances, and will automatically charge the batteries when they get low.

To automatically switch from shore power to generator I recommend the Furrion Automatic Transfer Switch # F50ATS which is designed to only allow one power source to be used at time, and will automatically switch between shore power and a generator depending on which is available.

You will also need a 50 amp plug # A10-50INVP.

Now determining which solar panel system will be dependent on the amp hours that your conversion is using, I included a helpful article that goes over how to determine you electrical usage for you to take a look at.

I included a video for the Progressive Dynamics # PD4560K18LS8 for you to take a look at.