GENERAL ELECTRICAL QUESTION

[16109065186]

We just purchased a 2015 R27, waiting on trailer title. When the engine is running (in driveway, with cooling water supplied) I have no 110 AC. Is this normal? Does alternator provide DC ?

 

[dgiles]

The alternator only provides DC. To get AC you need to either be plugged into shore power or turn on your inverter to convert DC to AC.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

If your Inverter configuration is similar to mine on a 2012 R27 then follow this procedure from the power source to the power consumer:
1. Get your motor running... (but don't head out on the highway)
2. Turn the Inverter RED service switch ON (in battery locker on my boat)
3. Turn the Inverter remote switch ON (under helm seat on my boat)
4. Turn the AC selector switch to INVERTER (under helm seat on my boat), should see some voltage on AC panel volt meter
5. Turn AC panel main breaker ON
6. Turn on your AC device breaker (Outlets, Microwave, Water Heater or AC. Do not turn on Battery Charger or you will drain them in a negative feedback loop.).

HTH, GF

 

[16109065186]

Thankyou both for your help. I knew how to convert DC to AC via the inverter, just was unclear regarding the output of the main engines alternator. I now understand it supplies dc to the batteries. My inverter is a 1500 watt model, do either of you know, is that adequate to run the boats air conditioning? I was hoping that I wouldn't have to run the generator when underway on a hot day. Still no trailer title.

 

[Texas Tuggernaut]

I wondered the same thing so I did some math. Our AC uses about 15 amps AC when running. That’s about 1800 watts, so a bit more than what our inverter will supply. However, when the alternator is putting out 14.2 volts while underway it would need to make 127 amps just to cover the AC load. I’m not sure what our alternator is rated at, maybe 125, possibly 150, it would be hard pressed to supply that much current constantly.
And so we run our generator when we want AC underway. It would be nice if we didn’t have to but the genset is made for powering big loads and the alternator and inverter just aren’t.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CaspersCruiser]

…….My inverter is a 1500 watt model, do either of you know, is that adequate to run the boats air conditioning? I was hoping that I wouldn't have to run the generator when underway on a hot day……

Your inverter is not capable of running the air conditioner. It is barely able to power the microwave. The generator is the only onboard electrical source of AC power that will run the air conditioner.

Another problem you may encounter if you run the air conditioning under way is that the air conditioner water pick up may not be able to supply enough water to the air conditioner at speeds above about 10mph. I’ve run my A/C underway only a couple times on my 2012 R27 and I kept my speed below 10mph. There were no water supply problems.