Terminals for inverter (1 Viewer)

[Munchie]

We have bought a 600w inverter from Maplins (£45).
It connects to a battery via two "clamp clips"
I don't want to lift the bonnet and also the battery terminals are not easy to get at.
So, i am thinking of running a lead from the + on the battery and one from the engine block into the m/home (we have a route) and connecting them to two "studs" inside the van that I can clip the inverter to.

Any comments or help please?

 

[MikeandCarolyn]

Just wondering about the rational for connecting to the engine battery? Our invertor is sat next to our leisure batteries and connected via short lead.I then put a 13amp socket on wall
near the invertor and connected it's 13amp outlet to that.

Mike.

 

[Munchie]

Leisure batteries are under the bonnet at either side Mike.
Engine battery is under the floor.

But I like your system, I could mount the inverter in the engine compartment wired direct to the battery and run a 240v extension from the 3 pin socket on the inverter to a 3 pin socket in the van. :thumb:

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[haganap]

Nothing wrong with that Ken,. Obviously as long as they dont touch each other, but Im sure you know that, and that there somewhere nice and safe so you cant drop some metal between them..

First thoughts, were that it would be great to run from the Cab battery as obviously its charging system is simples. But a word of warning would be, how are you going to ensure you remember to turn your inverter off? or ensure that the drain from the battery is not too much that you can't start your engine?

far better IMO to go via the Hab batteries,will still of course be charged whilst you run the engine.

 

[haganap]

Leisure batteries are under the bonnet at either side Mike.
Engine battery is under the floor.

But I like your system, I could mount the inverter in the engine compartment wired direct to the battery and run a 240v extension from the 3 pin socket on the inverter to a 3 pin socket in the van. :thumb:

typed whilst I was writing, I do this very thing.^^^^^

Thought you were going to the engine battery :Blush:

 

[Munchie]

He he just to clear things up. I will be connecting to the leisure batts as i have 2 x 80w solars and would only use the inverter when sunny. It is only to run Steph's little washer when not on hookup.

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[haganap]

. It is only to run Steph's little washer when not on hookup.

Women :Nowink::Nowink:

 

[GJH]

He he just to clear things up. I will be connecting to the leisure batts as i have 2 x 80w solars and would only use the inverter when sunny. It is only to run Steph's little washer when not on hookup.

Go green. Chuck that washer out and get one like ours - Broken Link Removed

 

[andyman]

I would use one of theese.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/dell751/m...&_odkw=&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3911.c0.m270.l1313
Just look on Ebay for anderson connector. You can also buy covers for them. If you can find an old UPS from a server there is nearly always 2 inside.

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[haganap]

Go green. Chuck that washer out and get one like ours - Broken Link Removed

You still sending the Mrs down the stream with a couple of rocks then Graham

 

[JeanLuc]

Just one thought - is the area under the bonnet where you want to instal the inverter sealed from road spray? I don't think inverters like damp.

 

[Munchie]

On reflection I will just mount the inverter in a cupboard and wire it to the leisure batt.

Didn't want to mount it at first but thinking about it it will be the easiest way.

Thanks for comments. :thumb:

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[GJH]

You still sending the Mrs down the stream with a couple of rocks then Graham

No, she has to find her own rocks when she gets there

 

[canopus]

Ken - did you say a washer? Is there such a beast that draws less than 600 Watts? Suspect there must be no heating element in it if thats the case ! :thumb:

 

[jhorsf]

What are you babbling at man​

SIMPLES
Broken Link Removed

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[Wildman]

loads of cold water soap powders around these days so a cold water wash is fine. But it does sound like a good way to flatten your batteries very quickly. Even with solar.

 

[TheBig1]

Just a couple of points....
make sure you use heavy guage wire between battery and inverter suitable to carry peak current and fuse it accordingly
keep the length of the wire used to a minimum, preferably under 1m but not over about 3m. The longer the cable the greater the resistance and voltage drop
if mounting in a cupboard allow plenty of ventilation to keep the inverter cool and prolong its working life
wherever possible fit a high current isolator in the battery feed, as most inverters draw quite a current on standby, when you think they are off. Alternatively use an anderson type plug and socket so it can be unplugged to save your battery/ies

 

[scotjimland]

make sure you use heavy guage wire between battery and inverter suitable to carry peak current and fuse it accordingly

Indeed..

this is very important.. and the longer the cable, the larger the cable needs to be to minimise volt drop .. If the cable is too small, it can be very dangerous as the cable will heat up and potentially cause a fire. Undersized cables also waste energy.
Conversely, too large a cable and you are simply wasting your money on good copper.

to illustrate .. and using your example, a 600watt inverter at 12v pulls 50Amps

A 1mt run should have 25mm cable..

A 2mt run should have 35mm cable

A 3mt run should have 50mm cable..

A 4mt run should have 75mm cable

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[goldwinger]

If I am telling you how to suck eggs I am sorry I have fitted the same inverter maplin expert informed me to fit a 60 amp fuse close to the battery on the positive lead.