On Fri, 01 Apr 2005 07:08:07 -0600, Tamaroak
wrote:
The inverter I am interested in only has regular 110V outlets, not a
hardwire option. Why couldn't I make up a cord with male plugs on each
end to go from the inverter to my A/C system?

That's known as a suicide cord because the exposed prongs are hot with
110 AC if it becomes unplugged.

This would wire up my
whole system from the inverter, right?

It would but it is not the right way to go for safety reasons. If
there was a fire or electrocution, you would be seriously liable.

And what happens when I forget to unplug it and hook up to shore pwer?

You would fry the inverter because of the backfeed.

Inverters of that type are not designed to be hard wired. If there is
no other choice, the best option would be to have the connecting cord
terminate in a junction box, and mechanicaly secure the plug at the
inverter end to prevent removal. That is still a risky installation
however because you can inadvertantly back feed the inverter from
shore power if you forget to turn off the junction box breaker.