Seneca Inverter - what does it power?

[jposavatz]

Hey folks, just bought a 2015 Seneca FK, and took it out for its maiden voyage last weekend.

One question that arose was what the inverter actually provides power to? While on our drive home, I thought it might be nice to turn on the inverter so that (a) the kids could plug their phones into the AC outlets and keep them powered, and (b) possibly power the fridge.

But the fridge beeped at me saying "No AC", and the kids claim that their phones weren't being charged. The only things I was confident worked off the inverter were the TV (I saw the blue light on) and the microwave (I saw the clock on).

Am I don't something wrong? Or is the inverter just limited in the scope of what it can power?

[oldmanAZ]

Congratulations on the Seneca and welcome to the forum.


I have some general info, but it would be better for someone that knows Senecas with specifics address this topic.

[kurv]

The inverter probably only powers the outlet for the main tv.

A quick search and apparently it powers your tv and microwave.

[Robbbyr]

The microwave and the front and bedroom TV outlets are inverter powered. That's it unfortunately!

And the front TV outlet won't work when the ignition is on unless someone has previously disabled the interlock.

[glamisbound]

Don't feel bad, on the Greyhawks the only outlet on the inverter is the TV. In this day and age, I think it would be cool for the manufactures to install 12V USB plugs throughout the rigs so that everyone could easily charge phones and mobile devices.

[SloPoke]

Welcome to the Forum... from another 2015 36FK owner.

Here is what we learned... when the Inverter is turned on - these outlets are powered:
TV in overcab
One of the two Outlets in overcab cabinet to power the Satellite controller and a Dish/Direct box
Main TV in living area
Bedroom TV
Outside TV
Outlet in the cabinet above the Microwave

[WinnieView]

Originally Posted by jposavatz

Hey folks, just bought a 2015 Seneca FK, and took it out for its maiden voyage last weekend.

One question that arose was what the inverter actually provides power to? While on our drive home, I thought it might be nice to turn on the inverter so that (a) the kids could plug their phones into the AC outlets and keep them powered, and (b) possibly power the fridge.

But the fridge beeped at me saying "No AC", and the kids claim that their phones weren't being charged. The only things I was confident worked off the inverter were the TV (I saw the blue light on) and the microwave (I saw the clock on).

Am I don't something wrong? Or is the inverter just limited in the scope of what it can power?

That sounds like a job for 'electrical man'. ::
We would prefer to have the fridge powered as opposed to the microwave and would swap the wiring as needed.

[Milfordmarty]

What needs to be done to disable the kill switch? I am a newbie.

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by Milfordmarty

What needs to be done to disable the kill switch? I am a newbie.

I took the easy way out... I unplugged the TV from that wall socket and moved it to the other one a few inches away that is not switched.

[Milfordmarty]

Thanks

[RoWest]

On the Seneca, the electrical wiring for high and low voltage go in a false chase under the interior cabinet floors from end to end. Lots of staples, but no glue, so they do come up. I ran a 120 volt feed to an additional receptacle next to the under-counter plug and used a double outlet adapter at the microwave plug (single receptacle) . This is now inverter live and is used for making coffee, curling iron, phone charging, waffle maker, anything you want when boon-docking or don't want to fire up the generator. No, it doesn't get all plugs hot, but it fills a need. The OEM receptacles themselves are a Pass and Seymour RV type with push on connections between blade contacts. Bought the same.

[Milfordmarty]

Any fire concerns?

[RoWest]

The outlet uses the same 15 amp circuit breaker as the microwave. You don't make coffee in the Keurig and use the microwave at the same time. Secondly, the inverter will shut down if overloaded. Using the stock 3000 watt or 25 amp output Xantrex inverter. Can't see a fire hazard.

[Milfordmarty]

In the Redhawks the only outlet hot is the o.e the TV and satalite uses.

[Steve1152]

How do i power the fridge with the inverter

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by 2008Seneca

That sounds like a job for 'electrical man'. ::
We would prefer to have the fridge powered as opposed to the microwave and would swap the wiring as needed.

Powering the fridge on AC power is about 450W on AC power, that would kill the battery bank in a pretty short time. The unit uses two of the 220W heating elements.

[Steve1152]

I would only use it driving down the road

[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by Steve1152

How do i power the fridge with the inverter

To do it "permanently" someone qualified to work on such electrical systems would have to move the circuit the refrigerator is connected to an inverter-supplied circuit.

I have considered doing it to my Seneca, it would not be too difficult. I could replace one of my inverter-panel breakers with a 1/2-size double breaker so the refrigerator circuit would be supplied by the inverter when needed. As stated in earlier post, I would have to ensure that the inverter is not overloaded otherwise it will shut down to protect itself.

[Steve1152]

You think i should have someone do it for me.

[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by Steve1152

You think i should have someone do it for me.

Only you can determine that.

I was a professional firefighter for over 33 years and I saw many examples of incorrect AC wiring in structures causing problems, either fire hazards and sometimes electrocution dangers. Dealing with 120-volts AC can be deadly if done incorrectly, and can burn the RV to the chassis frame if something goes wrong. Heck, 12-volts DC gone wrong can cause enough of a fire hazard to burn up a vehicle!