Question on Running Inverter to Electrical Panel

I apologize if this is somewhere else on the forum, but I've done searches and came up empty, so here it goes: I am doing a separate 24v setup at my cabin with 4 GC batteries that will be used to run a refrigerator only. I am thinking of getting a Giandel 24v 2,000 watt inverter for the setup, but I would like to have the inverter power a small electrical panel, which then runs the refrigerator. However, the Giandel doesn't have an AC Output for wiring, it only has a three prong plug. So, my question is, is there any way to have a three prong plug that brings power to an electrical panel?

Maybe I'm overthinking this and don't need a panel, but I would prefer to have the inverter power an outlet for the refrigerator and have the inverter well away from that outlet, in with the rest of my solar setup.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

cohunter14 said:

I apologize if this is somewhere else on the forum, but I've done searches and came up empty, so here it goes: I am doing a separate 24v setup at my cabin with 4 GC batteries that will be used to run a refrigerator only. I am thinking of getting a Giandel 24v 2,000 watt inverter for the setup, but I would like to have the inverter power a small electrical panel, which then runs the refrigerator. However, the Giandel doesn't have an AC Output for wiring, it only has a three prong plug. So, my question is, is there any way to have a three prong plug that brings power to an electrical panel?

Maybe I'm overthinking this and don't need a panel, but I would prefer to have the inverter power an outlet for the refrigerator and have the inverter well away from that outlet, in with the rest of my solar setup.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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I wouldn‘t worry about a panel. I would just use an appropriate length 14 gauge extension cord. Cut the refrigerator end off from it. Route it though the cabin to where you want it and then mount and wire a 15 amp wall receptacle where you want it.

Me, personally, I would want to do it properly, and wire it through the main electrical panel. I would plan ahead for the day when you want to power more than just one refrigerator, and want the simplicity of just plugging into a wall socket. Take a look at this Samlex, which is designed with both NEMA sockets, but also can be hard-wired. https://ressupply.com/inverters/samlex-pst-1500-24-pure-sine-wave-inverter
They make a 2000W version too, which is just ~100$ more.

If you want to go with a higher quality inverter, that has automatic generator charge input, take a look at this Conext 4024, which is what I have.
It's a low-frequency inverter that's designed for hard-wiring ONLY. It does NOT have NEMA sockets. It does though handle the starting surge of all my power tools, which is why I installed it in my workshop. It's also split-phase, so it can produce both 120 and 240VAC

2000W is a lot to force through a nema-14, it can work, but it can also cause issues. Just powering a fridge likely won’t hurt anything, but since you are attempting to power a sub panel, issues could arise where you pull more and more load.

Assuming you're in the US, you can get an Eaton MLO panel and a couple of breakers for under $100, but I would prefer a larger inverter with split-phase output, so I could hook up a pump or AC to it. AIMS Power has a 4kW split-phase 24Vdc inverter, UL Listed that would work nicely for this, but it's overkill if all you need to power is a refrigerator at 120V. I can provide a simple design and BOM for you. You are welcome to message me.

Supervstech said:

2000W is a lot to force through a nema-14, it can work, but it can also cause issues. Just powering a fridge likely won’t hurt anything, but since you are attempting to power a sub panel, issues could arise where you pull more and more load.

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I personally would only do this for a refrigerator and maybe one other small item. I have a small cabin setup like this now. Runs a TV Xbox and a phone charger.

Jack Rabbit Off Grid said:

I personally would only do this for a refrigerator and maybe one other small item. I have a small cabin setup like this now. Runs a TV Xbox and a phone charger.

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If that's all I needed to power, I would probably get an EcoFlow Max or Pro and put it in the kitchen.

@cohunter14 some vids found on youtube (not very safe, best to hire an electrician)

*** caution *** some inverter models will be damaged with neutral bonded to ground

Inverter to breaker box

wiring inside breaker box

How NOT to Connect an Inverter to Your House Mains - Xantrex ProWatt Inverter part2

Thanks for all of the responses! I should have prefaced this that this is a separate setup from the rest of the cabin, which will be on a larger 48v system. I don't think that system is quite large enough to run the fridge, and I'd also like to be able to keep the fridge on while turning everything else off when I leave, which is why I am leaning this route.

I thought I had a good deal on the Giandel lined up, but that isn't going to happen now, so any advice on a pure sine wave 24v inverter would be appreciated as well!

cohunter14 said:

Giandel

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That’s a good low-priced brand, as is Reliable/QZRELB. There’s a lot of junk for equal money

cohunter14 said:

4 GC batteries that will be used to run a refrigerator only. I am thinking of getting a Giandel 24v 2,000 watt inverter

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since you mentioned having a 48 volt system for 2000W I’d use 12V instead and use some 12V lighting for redundancy. You’re buying stuff anyway, buy flexible. The RV sub market has given us so many fantastic lights at 12V for extremely low cost (unless you go to an online rv place or worse: an RV dealer

cohunter14 said:

my question is, is there any way to have a three prong plug that brings power to an electrical panel?

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I have a 10ga cord feeding a GFCI outlet that then feeds a 30A rv panel which feeds outlets. 10ga female plugs into whatever inverter I’m using, and the other end is ring-terminals screwed to the GFCI. Extension cord is expensive- you could use a short one to a JB by the inverter and romex to your dedicated breaker box.

Jack Rabbit Off Grid said:

14 gauge extension cord

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Insufficient for 2000W. Need at least 12ga

cohunter14 said:

Maybe I'm overthinking this and don't need a panel,

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i think you need a breaker

ncsolarelectric said:

If that's all I needed to power, I would probably get an EcoFlow Max or Pro and put it in the kitchen.

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that’s a lot of money for little power and then it’s in the way

cohunter14 said:

like to be able to keep the fridge on while turning everything else off when I leave, which is why I am leaning this route.

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I’m with you. Plus a smidge of redundancy and always available DC lights - I totally advocate for that. I’d rather hit a switch than find a flashlight myself

I used a manual transfer switch so I could do grid/generator or inverter power. I can choose which breakers to be on inverter or solar.

12VoltInstalls said:

...

that’s a lot of money for little power and then it’s in the way

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It's dirt cheap compared to hiring an installer to add solar and a battery backup simply to power a refrigerator. Just put the EcoFlow on top of the fridge, it will keep it running for days. The only thing on top of my fridge is dust, so it won't be in the way.

ncsolarelectric said:

It's dirt cheap compared to hiring an installer

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Hi

This is DIY Solar Forum

Just so as you know.

cohunter14 said:

I apologize if this is somewhere else on the forum, but I've done searches and came up empty, so here it goes: I am doing a separate 24v setup at my cabin with 4 GC batteries that will be used to run a refrigerator only. I am thinking of getting a Giandel 24v 2,000 watt inverter for the setup, but I would like to have the inverter power a small electrical panel, which then runs the refrigerator. However, the Giandel doesn't have an AC Output for wiring, it only has a three prong plug. So, my question is, is there any way to have a three prong plug that brings power to an electrical panel?

Maybe I'm overthinking this and don't need a panel, but I would prefer to have the inverter power an outlet for the refrigerator and have the inverter well away from that outlet, in with the rest of my solar setup.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Click to expand...

One thing to consider is the fact that many but not all inverters do not supply the advertised wattage to any one outlet but split the wattage to each outlet. I have seen people buy an inverter that has enough total wattage to do what they want but since it is split between the outlets the only have half what they need and end up wondering why the fridge won't run. Read the manual for the inverter and see how many watts goes out to each outlet........