wiring for 12v and 110v use at same time

[dms2871]

hello all I got a good question im going to get the blue sea systems 12 circuit box for my 12v stuff
like fan interior lights etc.
so heres the thing if that requires a converter to power all that by means of shore power in 12volt
so how do I wire or is there some unit I can buy to run one plug and provide 12v and 110 using 110
outlets like for coffee pot,microwave, laptop,tv etc and use the 12v lights also

[dales133]

Alot of people run power converters but they are expensive here.
Ive wired everything up 12v but with 4 x 240v outlets and a 240v shore power inlet.
One of the outlets will have a battery charger perminantly hooked up to my batteries so everytime i plug in the batteries are charging and i have acess to mains power with no complex electrical componants as electricity isnt my forte at all .

[dms2871]

would this work

[Jdw2717]

This is similar to what I did. The shore power 110v comes into two 15amp circuit breakers. Then one breaker hooks to one outlet in the galley that powers the fridge. The other breaker has two outlets attached. One in the cabinet with all of the power hookups for the two converters and one in the cabin for the TV and DVD player. The converters power the fan (one dedicated to this) and the other for the lights and 12v jacks for charging phones. The 12v lines go through a fuse panel with cutoff switches before they connect to the lights and 12v plugs.



This picture is before I had everything hooked up and installed cleanly but it gives you an idea of how I set it up. Also, when I don't have shore power I bypass the 110v outlets and hook a battery to the fuse panel to run the 12v items.

[GuitarPhotog]

Using an all-in-one converter like the Progressive Dynamics PD4045 just makes putting all that together easier.

It contains the 120VAC circuit breaker panel, the 12VDC fuse panel, and a smart battery charger all in one box.

I like the automatic switch-over when you go from battery to shore power, or vice-versa. I don't have to do anything to change the power source.

There is nothing in a PD that you can't put together out of separate components.

<Chas>

[Vedette]

Using an all-in-one converter like the Progressive Dynamics PD4045 just makes putting all that together easier.

It contains the 120VAC circuit breaker panel, the 12VDC fuse panel, and a smart battery charger all in one box.

I like the automatic switch-over when you go from battery to shore power, or vice-versa. I don't have to do anything to change the power source.

There is nothing in a PD that you can't put together out of separate components.

<Chas>

I second that!
I am on my second build, and didn't even give a second thought to ordering the same Progressive Dynamics unit that I put in Miss Piggy.
Takes all of the worry out of wiring and lets you focus on enjoying your camping trip!!!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

Using an all-in-one converter like the Progressive Dynamics PD4045 just makes putting all that together easier.

It contains the 120VAC circuit breaker panel, the 12VDC fuse panel, and a smart battery charger all in one box.

I like the automatic switch-over when you go from battery to shore power, or vice-versa. I don't have to do anything to change the power source.

There is nothing in a PD that you can't put together out of separate components.

<Chas>

I second that!
I am on my second build, and didn't even give a second thought to ordering the same Progressive Dynamics unit that I put in Miss Piggy.
Takes all of the worry out of wiring and lets you focus on enjoying your camping trip!!!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[dales133]

I probably would have got one from the states but it wouldnt work here

[noseoil]

The PD4045 is really a good item to include in your build, I agree with the above statements. It does everything you mentioned, breaks the power into 110v & 12v, converts, charges the battery, gives you both fuses & breakers, & ties it all into one neat package. I did add a ground buss to tie things together (frame, skin & all the grounds) behind the PD4045.

The only thing I added to my trailer is a solar panel for day to day camping (without shore power) & two dc volt meters, one in the cabin by the entertainment center & one in the galley. This makes it easy to watch battery state of charge when things are running inside or outside.

[wiseguydirk]

Easiest and cheapest way to do it is keep your systems separate.. Run all your 12v direct from a battery through separate fuse holder next run all your 120v from a small panel to what you need.. Converters are expensive and a waste they constantly over charge your battery.. Unless it is a smart charger. Which is the best way.. You want to be able to take that battery out in the winter and keep it topped up every so often. Good luck

[dms2871]

This is similar to what I did. The shore power 110v comes into two 15amp circuit breakers. Then one breaker hooks to one outlet in the galley that powers the fridge. The other breaker has two outlets attached. One in the cabinet with all of the power hookups for the two converters and one in the cabin for the TV and DVD player. The converters power the fan (one dedicated to this) and the other for the lights and 12v jacks for charging phones. The 12v lines go through a fuse panel with cutoff switches before they connect to the lights and 12v plugs.



This picture is before I had everything hooked up and installed cleanly but it gives you an idea of how I set it up. Also, when I don't have shore power I bypass the 110v outlets and hook a battery to the fuse panel to run the 12v items.

Yeah good idea hooking that converter on the breakers

[GuitarPhotog]

Easiest and cheapest way to do it is keep your systems separate.. Run all your 12v direct from a battery through separate fuse holder next run all your 120v from a small panel to what you need.. Converters are expensive and a waste they constantly over charge your battery.. Unless it is a smart charger. Which is the best way.. You want to be able to take that battery out in the winter and keep it topped up every so often. Good luck

As I said, the Progressive Dynamics converters are smart chargers. As for taking the battery out and topping it up, mine lives in the trailer year round (does not hard freeze here), with power applied so the charger maintains the battery. As for topping up, AGM batteries are sealed and require no topping up.

I did not imply that using a all-in-one was better, just that it's easier.

<Chas>

[dms2871]

Using an all-in-one converter like the Progressive Dynamics PD4045 just makes putting all that together easier.

It contains the 120VAC circuit breaker panel, the 12VDC fuse panel, and a smart battery charger all in one box.

I like the automatic switch-over when you go from battery to shore power, or vice-versa. I don't have to do anything to change the power source.

There is nothing in a PD that you can't put together out of separate components.

<Chas>

Aren't those converters like expensive I was going this route cause I can do that a lot cheaper than 600$

[Graniterich]

Quick Google search says more like $160. I used separate 120/12 simple systems with a smart charger that is on all the time. No freeze here in California, sealed battery never removed. Never camp where there is 120, so no need for elaborate 120 system. Ac into a power strip with charger plugged in.

[dms2871]

Easiest and cheapest way to do it is keep your systems separate.. Run all your 12v direct from a battery through separate fuse holder next run all your 120v from a small panel to what you need.. Converters are expensive and a waste they constantly over charge your battery.. Unless it is a smart charger. Which is the best way.. You want to be able to take that battery out in the winter and keep it topped up every so often. Good luck

As I said, the Progressive Dynamics converters are smart chargers. As for taking the battery out and topping it up, mine lives in the trailer year round (does not hard freeze here), with power applied so the charger maintains the battery. As for topping up, AGM batteries are sealed and require no topping up.

I did not imply that using a all-in-one was better, just that it's easier.

<Chas>

I understand what you meant it freezes here in Ohio we sometimes have harsh winters id pull the battery anyway. so this converter you talk about has enough places to run 12v set up like lights interior, the fantastic fan, usb outlets etc. then it has the capabilities to provide a place to connect 110-120 circuits such as reg outlets. then just a cord to run to shore power and the converter does the rest? is this what that does and charges battery all at the same time?