Help Identify This Electrical Box

[wsp2]

There's a box located in the salon cabinet where the stereo and entertainment system is (was). Looks like it has a couple of incoming wires but the output is going to a 120V outlet inside the cabinet. Can someone help identify what this box is for?

The breaker for it in the circuit panel is labeled "SPARE". It makes a loud humming noise when turned on. Could this have been for an old A/C system or something?

[g36]

This is a auto transfer switch for an inverter. My 405 had this and a 600w inverter oem from carver. Basically ran the home stereo,/audio equipment they had installed.

[wsp2]

Did the inverter kick in when on battery power then? I actually found an inverter manual when we bought the boat but I think it must have been removed at some point. I'm wondering if I can just remove this switch. The switch is pretty loud so is distracting when we try and watch TV.

[waybomb]

The switch should only make a noise when actually making the switch. If its buzzing just sitting there, replace it, assuming you are using it.

[g36]

Yes you could remove it or maybe just turn off the breaker thats feeding it. Can't remember for sure its been 12 yrs ago. I have installed my own larger inverter and do not use this . I just left it in place. I think i had to hard wire the circuit and I used that box as a Junction box since it was already there., You may need to manually connect the wires to the load now since you are going to disable it. my electric panel was labelled inverter on one of the breakers. Just verify that outlet by the stereo is still powered when your done, use a volt meter and be careful.