Steve wrote in :

I would like to wire up the inverter on my boat to be very simple to
switch on and connect into the boats mains wiring. Ideally I want just
one switch. I am happy for this to be a big battery switch. I want the
plugs and other mains appliances (microwave, some lights etc) to just
work when I flick the switch. This is further complicated by the need
to not run other things - the battery charger is the only one that
comes to mind - from the inverter.

Aren't your lights 12V? How big is this boat?

The microwave is easy. Just run it on a dedicated cable plugged into the
inverter all the time, even at the dock. I have ours wired this way and it
works great. I installed separate outlets in the galley and at the nav
station (41' ketch) for small appliances and our nav computer/printer's AC
dongles. Noone can accidently plug the shore power into the inverter when
they're not hooked together.


I am thinking about using a relay which will automatically disconnect
the inverter from the internal cct breaker and fuse panel if shore
power is connected. The same relay can also connect up the shore power
only circuits.

Quick, contact your INSURANCE agent! Ask him about installing non-code,
homemade AC power modifications. I was going to do the same thing until
they told us it would void our insurance policy.

In order to satisfy the insurance company, we would have had to install an
NEC-approved genset transfer panel and transfer switch like:
http://www.4lots.com/index.asp?PageA...ROD&ProdID=493
It will do what you want. You must buy the 50A model to service your 50A
shore power connection. The unit must be a commercial, approved unit to
satisfy your insurance boys.

If you don't have insurance on the boat....what you've written will work
great if you use a 50A relay with 50A wiring. Have at it.

A quick word on inverter remote control......

We're using a 1000W Radio Shack inverter to power
computer/printer/microwave and small appliances on Lionheart. Having the
fan running inside the living space wasn't much of an option because of the
noise it makes. If you open any of the inverters, you'll see the power
switch is a very low current little switch, because it only switches the
electronic drive on and off, not battery DC at 100A. To connect a remote
control to mount it in the engine compartment, next to the batteries, I
soldered a small, 2-conductor cable across the inverter's internal power
switch and pulled the wire to our nav station where a previous owner had a
hole we needed to fill. At the panel I installed a little aluminum plate
over the hole with a simple SPST mini switch hooked to the other end of the
cable, simple on-off. Next to the miniswitch, there is a neon indicator
light that runs off the nearby AC power outlet hooked to the inverter. The
light lets you know, yes the inverter is on and it's putting out AC power.
Just flick the little switch on and cook dinner...even at the dock...