Can two AC sources be merged?

[TimeOutside]

I have a small camper. Input to the AC distribution panel normally comes from a 30A shore power source. I can also feed the distribution panel from an inverter powered by an LiFePO4 battery. The inverter output taps into the distribution panel on the same bus bars to which the shore power connects. Thus, it is possible that the camper could be supplied by shore power, and if the inverter were plugged in then both shore power and the inverter would be supplying power to the camper at the same time. That seems like it could potentially be an issue. Am I wrong? What would be the outcome if it were to happen? I'm thinking it would be good to install a manual transfer switch, so that it would be impossible for both shore power and inverter power to be connected to the distribution panel at the same time. But I won't bother if it is unnecessary. Please advise.

 

[James]

Connecting shore power to the inverter output is likely to destroy the inverter unless it is a grid connected inverter by design.

An inverter like this is designed to work in parallel with your shore power or when disconnected from shore power.

MultiPlus 2000VA - Victron Energy

The MultiPlus, as the name suggests, is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter,...

www.victronenergy.com

 

[TimeOutside]

Connecting shore power to the inverter output is likely to destroy the inverter unless it is a grid connected inverter by design.

An inverter like this is designed to work in parallel with your shore power or when disconnected from shore power.

MultiPlus 2000VA - Victron Energy

The MultiPlus, as the name suggests, is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter,...

www.victronenergy.com

It is a Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. It has a UPS/pass through functionality, but only for a max of 15 amps input. With that limit, I cannot route 30A shore power through the unit. It seems like I'm correct that having both shore power and the inverter on the same circuit at the same time is an issue. I'll install a transfer switch, unless there is a better and/or easier solution suggested.

 

[Avo Mk8]

It is a Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. It has a UPS/pass through functionality, but only for a max of 15 amps input. With that limit, I cannot route 30A shore power through the unit. It seems like I'm correct that having both shore power and the inverter on the same circuit at the same time is an issue. I'll install a transfer switch, unless there is a better and/or easier solution suggested.

You should use a transfer switch, wired so that it disconnects the shore power cable when switched to inverter power, otherwise you could have hazardous voltage on the pins of the shore connector(s) when not plugged in!

 

[TimeOutside]

You should use a transfer switch, wired so that it disconnects the shore power cable when switched to inverter power, otherwise you could have hazardous voltage on the pins of the shore connector(s) when not plugged in!

Thank you! I will add a manual transfer switch.

I was hoping that I'd be wrong and it wouldn't be an issue. Sigh. I guess I'll dig out the wire strippers.