INVERTER HELP NEEDED

[Gunslinger]

Hi all
I have just purchased a 500w continuos inverter. I dont have any experience with these at all. I have 240v hook up but wanted 240v when camping without hook up.
Can I permanently connect this to my leisure battery so that its a permanent fixture?
If so can I make up a plug lead to join the inverter up to a double socket fixed permanently to my bus?

Thanks
Stu

[1664]

Mine's permanently connected via a 50amp fuse and 10mm cables. Shouldn't be a problem as long as it's got an ON/OFF switch. You will need large cable if you're intending to draw a large load though...

[IMG]http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/ ... GP1009.jpg[/img]

[quagmire]

i have mine connected permanently exactly the same as 1664! no probs at all,my son runs his ps2 & 2 dvd screens off it practically all weekend.

[Gunslinger]

It looks similar to the one you have and comes with crocodile clips to connect direct to a battery. My intention was to remove the clips and permanently connect to the battery, then using a standard plug connected to the inverter wire up to a double socket, but as I said I'm no electrician!!

Thanks for your help

[Gunslinger]

Its a 500 watt device. Does that mean I could run 2 250 watt appliances, or 5 100 watt devices.....in theory....or am I over simplifying things ??

[Red Westie]

Good idea in principal but after its been fitted for a while you are likely to forget it's 500watt limit and plug something like a hair dryer or blow heater into the socket which will destroy it quicktime.
Also it really needs wiring with a warning light switch to the 12volt so it diesn't get left turned on and flatten your battery.
Martin

[Gunslinger]

Ok, this is helpful stuff guys thanks. Reading a little more about it, it says its 500w continuous output, 1000w maximum output. Does that mean I can use it to power something that is 1000w ?

[tonytech]

OK. Lets get real here.

the 500 w is the power the converter will supply continuously. Some devices will draw more power at switch on. (motors are a good example)

A device drawing 500 w will take about 45 amps from your leisure battery, probably flattening it in about an hour.

T

[lloyd]

the 1000w is probably for less then 1/4 second before it burns or pops fuse.

[ghost123uk]

If so can I make up a plug lead to join the inverter up to a double socket fixed permanently to my bus?

Thanks
Stu

Take great care here !!

Under no circumstances try and use the same mains sockets for the hook up AND the inverters mains output !!


If I read you correctly, the first time you use the hook up the result will be a BIG bang !!

Though of course I may have misunderstood what you meant

[Gunslinger]

No, the 2 systems would remain completely independant.
I have 2 sockets wired in to 240v hook up and wanted to add a double socket just for the inverter but wasn't sure it was viable to use what is efectively a two socket extension lead from the inverter. Hope I'm making it clear

[ghost123uk]

Ah that's OK then

[1664]

There's nothing to stop you plugging an extension lead directly into the inverter, or plugging a lead feeding a socket 'fixed' to your bus. As long as it's seperate from the other mains equipment and you don't overload it it should be fine. 500W is a continuous rating - theoretically 2x250W; 5x100W etc but remember that is just simple maths for resistive loads.

Some inverters 'continuous' rating drops after running for a hour. Best read the instructions. I'd never run mine right up to it's limit unless it was an emergency and only very briefly. Peak refers to how much it could take momentarily before the internal fuse ruptures.

[Gunslinger]

thanks so much for all your help. I'm much happier with all that now.

Thanks again
Stu