When installing fixed 240V AC mains wiring in a vehicle or setup with a RS or RS2 inverter, Australian regulations require the use of an RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection) and a 3-pole mains changeover switch to safely switch between shore power and inverter power.
The RCBO must be installed after the switch, and all wiring, plugs, and sockets must comply with relevant Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3001 and AS/NZS 3112. All AC wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician, as incorrect installation can create safety hazards and violates Australian wiring rules.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
Please note, this information is only applicable to REDARC's RS and RS2 range of pure sine wave inverters.
In situations where you would like to add permanently fixed low-voltage alternating current a.c. mains wiring (often referred to as “240V mains”), it is required to install it with an approved Residual current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection (RCBO).
If you wish to include the option to switch between either “shore power” or the inverter, then you are required to include a mains changeover switch.
Australian Standard AS/NZS3001:2008* (or later edition) provides a great reference to a variety of installations. The following diagram shows only one example of a common installation and highlights some aspects to be considered. Consult the Australian Standard for the many other options of installations available.
The RCBO must be installed after the changeover switch. The changeover switch must be 3-pole and wired such that a Mains Earth-Neutral (MEN) connection is included in-circuit when switched to the INVERTER position, and not in-circuit when switched to SHORE POWER (the house or caravan park service pole should provide an MEN link and RCBO). All plugs and sockets should be compliant with the appropriate Australian Standard (e.g. AS/NZS 3112:2017). Wiring should be of suitable current amperage rating for the circuit.
WARNING: All Alternating Current (a.c.) mains wiring must be installed by a licenced electrician in accordance with Australian wiring rules. Applicable standards may include AS/NZS 3001. This guide is intended to help you consider some of the aspects required when installing an inverter with fixed a.c. wiring. It is not a substitute for following the Australian Wiring rules, and if conflict or uncertainty arises, the Australian Wiring rules take precedence. REDARC accepts no liability for incorrectly installed wiring – in all cases the licenced electrician is the ultimate responsible person.