Can A Progressive Dynamics Power Center Be Used Together With An Inverter

Question:

Can the progressive dynamic rv power control be used with an invertor? I have heard that the invertor would cause the battery charger to run when on battery power and cause a huge draw on the battery.

asked by: Jake B

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center # PD4135K can be used with an inverter. The power loop that you're referring to all comes down to how you wire in the inverter to your RV's electrical system. With an inverter like the Progressive Dynamics Pure Sine Wave Inverter # PD64FR the converter wouldn't be getting power from the inverter while it's in use.

Since the # PD4135K only has one hot bus bar you'll need to pick up a sub panel from your local hardware store. Everything that you want to power by the inverter you'll need to wire to the sub panel. You'll have a 20 amp circuit breaker in the # PD4135K for the inverter for "AC in" and a 20 amp breaker in the subpanel for the "AC out", which will act as the main for the subpanel and power the rest of the breakers in the subpanel.

When connected to shore/generator power the automatic transfer switch in this unit will turn the inverter off and allow power to flow through the unit to the subpanel powering it like normal. There's a complete disconnect from the converter and inverter so that you never have to worry about a power loop draining the battery.

You will want to keep in mind that this is only a 2000 watt inverter so you will need to ballpark the wattage draw of the items you plan on powering with the inverter so that you don't overdraw the unit and pop the circuit breaker. There's a lot of specifics when it comes to the wiring gauges and lengths needed to install an inverter so I highly recommend reviewing the instructions and checking the requirements for your specific model.

I've attached a video below where I installed one on a motorhome to help give you a better idea of what an installation would require so that you can properly plan the installation for your RV.