I connected a 2000/4000 watt inverter to my boat and it works just fine as a stand alone unit.

When I connect the inverter outlet to the dock side power cord to deliver power to the 110acv outlets on the boat the electrical control panel main switch shows red as reversed polarity.

Can you explain what causes this condition and how to correct it.

Thanks, Bill Mcmonagle

Bill, why not post this is a new thread.

I have not idea how you backfed an inverter to shore power, but the whole concept worries me.

I did not back feed to the shore power itslef. I used the boat power cord, pliugged it into the boat inlet on the side of the boat and then plugged the adaptor into the outlet on the inverter so power will flow from the inverter to through the cord to the boat.

<Moved to it's own thread and I cleaned up the yelling - all caps>

Best guess, the dockside power cord is wired incorrectly.

I'll assume 120.

Black to brass screw on dock cords. White to silver screws.
Green to green.

Make sure dock is wired correctly for polarity. Plug a polarity tester in the dock and even the boat outlets.

You may have to make a neutral to ground bond when operating standalone. e.g. output of inverter to boat power.

i did not back feed to the shore power itslef. I used the boat power cord, pliugged it into the boat inlet on the side of the boat and then plugged the adaptor into the outlet on the inverter so power will flow from the inverter to through the cord to the boat.
I cannot picture what you are doing. WHAT adapter?
If you are on shore power why do you need the inverter.
I am confused. :(

Here is what I think he's talking about. Generic Application Error Test JSP (Item) (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?Ns=Most%20Popular|0)

The equilivent of a generator input connector.

But there is still some confusion.

12V comes from where? (probably boat)
Output of inverted goes to Boat Input connector.

Nothing should be wrong with that EXCEPT, there is no connection to neutral and ground coming out of the inverter. That needs to be provided.