Looking for information on how to wire and install an inverter in a camper van? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will show you how to connect an inverter to your leisure batteries so that you can start charging your laptops and powering blenders, espresso machines, and many other normal 110V (or 220V) household appliances.
This post is a step-by-step tutorial that includes helpful inverter wiring diagrams and we will detail all the little products and components you will need to complete this installation process.
Specifically, this post will teach you how to connect an inverter to:
- Leisure batteries
- Power outlets
- Shore power
- A ground point
We’re also show you what wire sizes and breaker sizes you’ll need to ensure you have a system that is safe from overheating.
Free Wiring Diagram PDFs
For offline reading, download ourelectrical wiring ebook.They’re completely free to download with no email signups.
Lastly, for other information, visit our solar, DC charger, and inverter guides.
So if you’re ready, let’s dive into it.
Step 0:
Inverter Wiring Overview
In this post, we’re going to show you how to build the exact same diagram you see below. With all the different components involved it can feel daunting at first, but if you take a slow, methodical approach, we promise you can build this system.
Throughout this guide, we’ll introduce each of these components to you and explain their function.
If you’ve already read through our 12V install guide, the lower half of this diagram should already be familiar to you.
Step 1:
Anatomy Of An Inverter
Before beginning the installation process, it’s important to know all the connection points into and out of an inverter. You’ll need to become familiar with each of these points on your own inverter because you will be connecting wires to each of them.
Different inverters will look slightly different when you check their connection points. But no matter what, the vast majority of inverters have the following three (and sometimes four) connection points.
- Battery Connection: So that the inverter draws power from the batteries.
- AC Out: Supplies 110V (or 220V) power to AC devices.
- Ground point: Wire this point to your vehicle’s chassis.
- AC In*: For “inverter/chargers”, connect this point to shore power to charge the batteries.
*What Is An “Inverter/Charger”?
A standard inverter only takes 12V DC power from the batteries and converts it to 110V AC power. An inverter/charger does the same thing but ALSO takes 110V AC shore power and charges your 12V batteries. Inverter/chargers tend to be more expensive, however.
Let’s look at two popular examples and locate these four connection points.
Example 1: Victron Multiplus
We use a Victron 2000VA Multiplus inverter/charger. Below you can see the four connection areas.
Example 2: AIMS Inverter/Charger
The AIMS inverter/charger [Amazon] is another popular inverter model for camper vans & RVs. Although they look slightly different from the Victron unit, you can see that the AIMS inverter also has the same four connection points. The concept remains the same.
Now, let’s wire the whole inverter system together.
Download our FREE PDF to help build your van's electrical system; from batteries, to solar, to inverter, and more. 38+ pages of detailed diagrams, product recommendations, and links to additional resources.
Step 2:
Choose Your Inverter
If you haven’t already done so, the next step is to choose which inverter to get for your camper van. There are two factors that determine the size and type of inverter you need.
- Wattage Rating: The more AC power you require, the larger the inverter you need.
- Need Charging? If you like to charge your battery from shore power, you’ll need the inverter/charger.
Inverter Size Calculator
Below is a simple calculator to help you determine what inverter size & type you need. Just answer a few questions and the calculator will return a recommended inverter with several budget alternatives.
What We Have: We use a 2000W inverter/charger and it’s been perfect for our needs. It powers everything we use, including a hair dryer and Instant Pot. It wasn’t large enough for our hot water tank, but we ended up not really missing it.
Step 3:
Connect Inverter To Bus Bars
The first step when installing an inverter in a camper van is to connect the inverter to the bus bars. Technically, we won’t be wiring the inverter directly to the batteries. Instead, we will be connecting to bus bars, which will then be wired to the batteries.
If you haven’t already…
…pick up a pair of bus bars. They make your wiring simpler, easier, and cleaner. You’ll also use these to connect to your solar panels, DC charger, and 12V system.
Bus bars are power distribution centers that collect and distribute electricity to/from multiple sources. They simplify the wiring process and help keep electric wiring clean and orderly. Connects to batteries, solar charger, inverter, and DC-DC charger.
* Read our bus bar page for more product information and installation guidance.
Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Bus Bars
In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to the bus bars. And the bus bars and then connected to the 12V leisure batteries.
2/0 AWG Wire
Connects inverter to bus bars.
1 of 6Bus Bars
Distributes 12V power to inverter and other electrical devices
2 of 6Lugs (5/16″ x 2/0 AWG)
Connects 2/0 wires to terminal posts on inverter.
3 of 6Fuse (300A)
Protects 2/0 wire from overheating.
4 of 6Lugs (3/8″ x 2/0 AWG)
Connects 2/0 wires to bus bars.
5 of 6Power Inverter (110V & 220V)
Converters 12V from batteries to 110V/220V power for traditional household devices
6 of 6 Materials You'll Need
To complete this wiring step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the materials listed below in the above diagram.
Recommended wire size for up to 2000W inverter. Use 4/0 for 3000A inverter. Watch our product review on YouTube
Connects 2/0 wire to inverter and 300A fuse.
Protects 2/0 AWG wire from overheating and potentially catching on fire. Accepts 5/16" lug terminals.
Distributes and collects DC power to/from leisure batteries.
Tools You'll Need
Below are the tools you’ll need to complete the wiring process. These are common tools that you’ll need to install your entire van’s electrical system.
Cuts thick electrical wire (up to 2/0 AWG) to the length you need.
Strips away wire insulation jacket to expose metal conductors.
Crimps lugs on to electrical wire. Better than a hammer crimper. (Learn more)
How To Crimp Lugs Onto Electrical Wire
Our video below teaches you, step by step, how to crimp a copper lug terminal onto thick 2/0 wire.
Step 4:
Connect Bus Bars To Leisure Batteries
We also cover this step in our 12V install guide, but will repeat the step here as well.
Battery Monitor
Displays battery state of charge
1 of 82/0 AWG Wire
Connects batteries to bus bars
2 of 8Battery Switch
Disconnects batteries during maintenance & storage
3 of 8Bus Bars
Distributes 12V power to and from batteries
4 of 8Leisure Batteries
Provides power to all electrical devices
5 of 8300A Fuse
Protects 2/0 AWG wire from overheating
6 of 83/8″ Copper Lugs
Crimps onto 2/0 AWG wire and attaches to corresponding device
7 of 85/16″ Copper Lugs
Crimps onto 2/0 AWG wire and attaches to corresponding device
8 of 8 Unsure which batteries to get? Read our Li Time vs. Redodo lithium battery review to see which budget-friendly battery we recommend and why.
Step 5:
Wiring Inverter To Shore Power
In this section, we show about how to connect an inverter to shore power. This is only required if you specifically purchased an ‘inverter/charger’ model that is capable of charging batteries from an outside power source. Below are three inverter/charger models that we recommend.
Recommended Inverter/Chargers
Note: If you opted for a non-Inverter/Charger model, you can skip this step and go straight to step 3.
Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Shore Power
In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to a power inlet plug. You can then connect the power inlet to a shore power socket with an extension cord.
10/3 AWG Wire (AC In)
Recommended wire size for AC In wiring (when plugging into 15A shore power)
1 of 3Power Inlet (15A)
Power inlet socket that connects to a 15A shore power socket
2 of 3Extension Cord (Superior Quality 12AWG)
High quality extension cord. Recommend 12AWG cord to safely transmit 15A shore power to inverter
3 of 3 Materials & Tools List
To see the required materials and tools list, select your inverter/charger’s wattage rating. The recommended parts are tailored to the size of the inverter.
Installation Instructions
- 1 - With the wire multi-tool, cut an appropriate length of 12 AWG wire to connect inverter to power inlet.
- 2 - The 12 AWG wire we recommend includes three individual wires for positive, negative, and ground. With the same multi-tool, strip ~0.75" off the wire jackets for each of the three individual wires.
- 3 - Connect the positive, negative, & ground wires to the appropriate 'AC IN' terminals. (See note 1)
- 4 - Strip off the individual wire jackets on the other end of the 12 AWG wire and attach to the approprite terminals in the power inlet device.
Following the above process, your inverter/charger should now ready to connect to shore power to charge your house batteries.
Good To Know!
Get a high-quality 12AWG extension cord [Amazon]. Cheap cords come with thinner wire strands, which may not be safe to support large wattages for long periods of time.
Step 6:
Wiring Inverter To Power Outlets
In this section, we show you how to connect your inverter to power outlets so that you can plug in and run your 110v devices.
Good To Know!
Our tutorial shows how to wire an inverter to standard household wall sockets. But many inverters, like AIMS model, already have built-in sockets, which is much simpler, DIY-friendly, and cost-effective.
Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Power Outlets
In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to a 15A circuit breaker and then to the power outlet.
10/3 AWG Wire (AC Out)
Recommended wire size for connecting inverter to breaker box.
1 of 412/3 AWG Wire (AC Out)
Recommended wire size for AC Out wiring to power outlets
2 of 4Circuit Breaker Box
Houses the 15A circuit breaker
3 of 415A Circuit Breaker
Protects the 12/3 wire from overheating. Need one breaker per 12AWG circuit.
4 of 4 Materials & Tools List
To complete this step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the below listed materials in the above wiring diagram.
- AC Out wire: We recommend using 12/3 AWG wire, which will safely carry the current (amps) required to power all standard 110V devices.
- Circuit breaker box: This will house the 15-Amp circuit breaker.
- 15-Amp circuit breaker: This breaker ensures your 12/3 wire and all downstream devices stay safe during over-current situations.
- Electrical socket
Perfect for all 110V wiring. This 'marine grade' wire is perfect for all AC Out connections from the inverter to standard 15A outlets. The tough outer jacket resists cuts & abrasions and like that the copper wires are tinned to resist corrosion.
Holds the 15A circuit breaker for 110V circuits.
Sized to protect the 12 AWG wires in 110V circuits from over-current situations.
One of many standard wall socket designs you can choose from.
Narrow profile gang box for installing household-style switches and outlets.
Installation Instructions
- 1 - With the wire multi-tool, cut an appropriate length of 12 AWG wire to connect the inverter to the circuit breaker box.
- 2 - The 12 AWG wire we recommend includes three individual wires for positive, negative, and ground. With the same multi-tool, strip ~0.75" off hte wire jacket for each of the three individual wires.
- 3 - Connect the positive, negative, & ground wires to the appropriate 'AC OUT' terminals. (See Note 1)
- 4 - Repeat the wire stripping process for the other side of the 12 AWG wire, and attach to the circuit breaker box.
- 5 - From the circuit breaker box, thread the 12 AWG wires through the holes in the back of the gang box and connect to the power outlet.
- 6 - Screw the power outlet to the gang box and then screw the wall plate to the power outlet.
- 7 - Insert the 15A circuit breaker into the breaker box.
Download our electrical eBook (with diagrams) to learn how to wire an electrical system in a camper van.
Step 5:
Wiring The Inverter To A Ground Point
In the final step, we connect the inverter to a ground point. But because we are installing this power inverter system in a camper van, we don’t have the same traditional ‘ground’ point as in a house. Instead, we can attach the ground wire to a designated point on our vehicle’s chassis.
We explain how to find these ground points further below in this section. But first, we will explain how to do the wiring, as shown in the wiring diagram below.
Step 4 Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Ground Point
Materials List
To complete this step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the below listed materials in the above wiring diagram.
Recommended wire size to connect inverter to ground. What our 4 AWG wire review on YouTube.
Save money with this convenient lug terminal set. Includes 12 different lug sizes from 2-8 AWG wires with heat shrink. (Useful for other electrical sections)
Installation Instructions
- 1 - With the wire multi-tool, strip off ~0.75" of the 4 AWG wire jacket.
- 2 - With the same multi-tool, crimp a M8 lug and attach to the designated ground point on the inverter.
- 3 - Repeat the same process on the other end of the 4 AWG wire and attach the ring connector to a designated ground point on your vehicle's chassis.
How To Locate Your Vehicle's Ground Points
You can locate your vehicle’s designated ground points either in the van’s handbook or by doing a quick search online. Below is an image we found online with all the designated ground points for our Ford Transit van. We grounded our inverter by connecting to point #31 in the diagram below.
Were Our Inverter Diagrams Useful? There are more electrical diagrams in our eBook.
Alternatives To Heavy-Duty Inverters
Installing a large inverter in your camper is a big decision. Inverters aren’t cheap, they take up valuable space in your van, and they can take time to wire everything correctly.
If your only reason for installing an inverter in your camper is to simply power a laptop or other similarly low-wattage devices, getting a heavy-duty inverter may not be the right decision for you.
If that’s the case, there are several great, portable alternatives available on the market. Below are three portable inverter recommendations. They’re easy to set up, take up minimal space, and can be stored away when not needed.
This 300W portable inverter is the perfect solution for those who require only minimal 110V power and prefer not to hard wire a larger inverter in their vans. No additional wiring required.
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What We Like
- No wiring needed: Simply plug in or clamp to your batteries and it’s good to go.
- Portability: Simply pack the inverter away when you’re not using it. No wires, no fuss.
- Price point: Significantly less expensive than a larger inverter.
- Pure sine technology: Safe for your more expensive devices, like laptops & cameras.
What We Don't Like
- Cannot charge batteries: Meaning you cannot connect these inverters to shore power to charge your 12v batteries.
- Power limitation: Not suitable for anything above 1000-1200W.
Was This Article Helpful? We have more useful articles to help you build your van Electrical System!
Conclusion: Installing An Inverter Is Just One Piece Of The Electrical Puzzle
If you’ve gotten this far then congratulations on successfully installing an inverter in your camper van!
If you did it while also installing sockets into your van walls then that’s a fantastic achievement. The whole inverter installation process took us more than a week to complete and wasn’t easy!
But setting up the inverter is just one piece of the puzzle when putting together your camper van electrical system. For more, check out our other posts below.
Happy building!
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