Putting 120vAC in my truck with an inverter.

[rhino56]

Originally Posted by waynejkruse10

lol, this is a noob question, what is an inverter and what does it do?

easy answer
it takes the 12 volts which most vehicles run in their electrical systems and makes it 110 volts which household plugs have in usa.

so you can plug things in that you would normally plug in to a house plug into your car.

see how-to here
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/161/45/

[waynejkruse10]

wouldnt it drain the battery really quickly?

[rhino56]

Originally Posted by waynejkruse10

wouldnt it drain the battery really quickly?

no not really, if you used it for a hair dryer or something at its max power it might but your still talking like 1 or 2 hours, a tv could go all night.

[Mark620]

Originally Posted by rhino56

no not really, if you used it for a hair dryer or something at its max power it might but your still talking like 1 or 2 hours, a tv could go all night.

So my tv wich pulls like 2000 watts could go all night while my hair dryer that pulls like 1600 watts would kill the battery faster

Rhino...you might think about quantifying your answers.

I know you meant a portable TV but I just had to razz you

[rhino56]

what kinda tv you got?

[Mark620]

on old inefficient one
i dont watch tv much

[Jon_k]

Got a new inverter that has mount holes so I can mount it.

The specs:
Max continuous power: 400W
Surge capacity: 800W
No load current draw: < 0.4A
Wave form: Modified Sine
Input: 10-15vDC
AC outlet: 110 AC 3 prong, ground
Fuse (2) 25 amp spade type fuses
Weight: 2 lbs
Picture:

Seems like it'll be easier to get mounted to the back wall of the truck cabin.

Question: I looked at some heavy duty long jumper cable, but I couldn't find any that had AWG listed (seemed like some kind of other measurement) -- so I'll go back on friday and ask about it. Is there any other place besides autozone that might have the jumper/battery cable I can use?

I also got the 70 amp fuse. I saw a 50 amp, but got the 70. Will this be good rhino? I couldn't find the socket distribution block suggested, but the way the fuse is designed it'll be easy to soldier it to the battery cable and then shrinkwrap. Picture:


Question: The book for this inverter says never use any cable except that which came w/ the inverter to connect to battery. Is this just so people don't use phone wire cable to make the connection, or should I worry about anything here if I use 4-7AWG wire like suggested on here?


Question: The book also the "inverter may be left connected to the battery for 3 hours." "It is recommended the inverter always be disconnected when not in use"
Does this mean that I'll have to put a switch in between the battery and inverter, or is this just talk to prevent them from a lawsuit if it runs your battery down?


Friday's the big install day!

[Jon_k]

For those curious of what the inside of the inverter looks like, here it is. The insides seem so much smaller in person than via a photo.

I'll need a razer blade to cut the shrink wrap on those connections. I figure instead of pulling the whole PCB out, I'll just solder on the existing wires coming off the board. It'll be to much trouble to soldier on the existing board (too small!) I'm fairly good at soldering, just doing it so close and in such a confined area will be challanging. They didn't put much slack on those wires!

Also, both hotwire and neutral on the AC oulets are black (Uhh?) so I'll have to mark them correctly with a silver marker. Ground is convienently colored yellow/green.

So my tv wich pulls like 2000 watts could go all night Twisted Evil while my hair dryer that pulls like 1600 watts would kill the battery faster Laughing

Rhino...you might think about quantifying your answers.

Inverters can get that big -- but I'd feel questionable using an inverter that big on my car without a seperate dedicated battery.

[rhino56]

most battery cables are rated as 10 or 12 awg, the number of strands has a lot to do with it.
i would suggest a high qualtiy stereo shop wire, unless you can get some off of a welding rig, that wire is always really good.
the fuse is fine but if it blows it will be a pain to have to change, but if done properly you shouldnt have to worry about it.


the reason they say dont use other wire is exactly that, they have to protect themselves.

the reason they say disconnect when not in use is for safety also.

if left connected and condensation forms, it could cause a short.
if a drink is spilled on it, rain, probably several reasons why not to leave it plugged in safety wise, but i dont think there are any other than that.


i used to have a 5000 watt inverter in my truck along with a 2000 watt fosgate stereo system.
i did have 3 batteries at that time, but i soon realized i prefer a backseat.lol

[Mark620]

Originally Posted by Jon_k

both hotwire and neutral on the AC oulets are black (Uhh?) so I'll have to mark them correctly with a silver marker. Ground is convienently colored yellow/green.

You could alyays use an AC socket tester to make sure you hook it up right.
They are not that expensive.