Inverter Question (1 Viewer)

[Nigel&Debbie]

I am a ‘newbie’ to motorhomes, so I apologise if this is a daft question.
I have an Autotrail motorhome with 3 x batteries (vehicle plus 2 x 110amp leisure batteries). I have 80 watt solar panel on roof together with another 80watt free standing panel (when needed).
I have a 240v 500watt microwave from my caravanning days, which can easily replace the 900watt autotrail microwave.
The question is can I run the 500watt microwave through an inverter? If so, any advice/guidance on make/specifications. Any guidance on sourcing and fitting same would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Nigel

 

[haganap]

Yes, but you need an adequate inverter, I would reccomend a pure sine wave one .

 

[hilldweller]

replace the 900watt autotrail microwave.
Nigel

What powers the 900 watt unit ? Maybe you already have an inverter.

Otherwise buy a 1000w one.

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[haganap]

What powers the 900 watt unit ? Maybe you already have an inverter.

Otherwise buy a 1000w one.

Normally nothing Brian, they are for electric hook p, us Brit vans think of everything :thumb:

 

[Nigel&Debbie]

What powers the 900 watt unit ? Maybe you already have an inverter.

Otherwise buy a 1000w one.

Thanks for the reply. The 900watt microwave already fitted is powered by 240v only at the moment.

 

[Reallyretired]

Because of the big surge on startup I would suggest a 1500w inverter. Don't forget that it will draw up to 150A so big fuses needed along with very thick wires. A 110Ah battery fully charged will only run the microwave for around an hour, but most microwave things are only a few minutes so its quite practical.
Pure sine wave may not be necessary but there are some really cheap pure sine wave ones around now so might as well.

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[scotjimland]

The 500watt microwave would need a 1,000 watt (1kva) inverter..

Remember 500watt is 'cooking' power.. not power used which will be closer to 750watt

750 watt at 12vdc will pull 62.5amps .. you have 2 x110ah batteries which shouldn't be discharged below 50% , this gives a useable power of 110ah

this would power the microwave for about 1.75 hrs.. .. that's the theory, but in practice your batteries will be effective flat much sooner due to the high continuous load .. leisure batteries are designed to give low power for long periods .. not high power for short periods..

If you are serious about using it on battery power I would advise to fit traction batteries ... such as Trojan which are designed for higher loads for longer periods and occasional discharging below 50%

 

[hilldweller]

Thanks for the reply. The 900watt microwave already fitted is powered by 240v only at the moment.

Duh.

Why didn't I work that out.

I'm going outside now, I may be some time.