Inverter leads (1 Viewer)

[PJGWiltshire]

About to install a 1500W inverter. All going well until I have been forced to secure it about 1.25 m from batteries. The leads that came with the inverter are now to short. Some advice from you experts would be most grateful . Am I correct in working out that I now need to run the cable in a thicker grade as the distance from the batteries has now increased. If that is the case would 8mm thick be ample

 

[jonandshell]

No it wouldn't!

Your inverter is rated at 1500 watts, that would normally be a constant rating. You should assume double that for peak current.
An inverter is also rarely more than 90% efficient, that means you should add 10%. Therefore you should calculate peak current for 3300 watts.

At 11 volts, the voltage your batteries will be at under heavy load, the DC current could be as high as 300 amps!
This is a worse case, but 35mm cable would be a safe bet, given the length required.
I reckon you would be OK with 25mm though.

 

[Zains Pops]

http://www.the-testament-of-truth.co.uk/truth/images/wire.jpg
Try the above site for a 12v cable size chart. I guess your 1500 watt inverter at 12 v will draw 125amp but could be higher at peak load as above. Cable size depends on load and distance.
Hope your batteries are in good nick!!

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[Techno]

I expect the OP means 8mm diameter which is not a recognised way of sizing cable in relation to current carrying capacity. John is referring to 25mm cross sectional area of the copper conductor.

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Thanks for your help, have also tracked down an old post where Andy states 35mm, so I will go with that. I have worked out the fuse as 125A (1500/12v) would this be be suitable or should I get a 300A mentioned by John

 

[Techno]

I only have a 250 amp fuse in my 2000/4000 inverter. As long as the fuse is smaller than the cable can carry it is OK. The smaller the better though.

25mm will take 230 amps
Broken Link Removed

I did use 35mm originally on a 1800 watt inverter
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I now use 70mm

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[SUGGY]

My inverter is 3kw peak 2.5kw constant running ,
i conected it up using 100 amp unipren cable .
When using the Remoska it takes around 50 amp from the batteries ,

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Many thanks Andy and everyone else. Shall get on and order.

 

[rapido convert]

Hi, i use heavy duty jump leads to connect my batteries and inverter, it is much cheaper to buy a set off fleabay then cut the clamps off, the last set i purchased were 30mm copper and 2.8 meters long they cost £14·00 delivered, ps my inverter is 2000w /4000w peak power pure sinwave and is 1.5 meters away from the lead battery in my battery bank.
This set up has served me well without over heating /power loss for many years i have a 1kw solar system and only camp without hook up.
Cheers
Andy.

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[Techno]

I use the Blue sea brand fuse holder, very substantial quality kit.

 

[Techno]

 

[Techno]

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[PJGWiltshire]

what is the switch over junction for

 

[Techno]

what is the switch over junction for

300amp isolator

 

[PJGWiltshire]

300amp isolator

Everything ordered, should be here midweek. Looks simple enough to clip together and the photograph guide is a dream. Is that four(4) batteries I can see and are they the cables for the solar panel

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[Techno]

yes

 

[PJGWiltshire]

looks very tidy

 

[Steve]

25mm ok but 35mm better.

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[PJGWiltshire]

Looks like I have made an error when buying the inverter. Checking it again I now note that it is a duel supply type. Not sure why this is so. Is it a case of running a positive and negative to both terminals from the battery or can I go through a junction box for both + and -, with one single feed to the battery via a 200A on the + (Intend using 25mm2 (230A) cable and Isolator.

 

[Techno]

Picture?

 

[pappajohn]

i have a 1kw solar system and only camp without hook up.

1000watts worth of panels......bloody hell, how big is your roof ?

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[PJGWiltshire]

 

[PJGWiltshire]

 

[Techno]

The terminals are obviously common to each other but how big the conductor is between them internally I don't know. Not one I would have chosen myself. See what the installer book says when you get it.

Without knowing what goes on inside I'd be tempted to link them with a flat copper bar and wire to one post each

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[PJGWiltshire]

Didn't initially spot the terminals, the book does not give specifics, this is going back I thinks, probably now get the Stirling 1600w Pure sin. Thanks again for your help on this. If I get the 1600W Stirling will the 25mm2 cables that I have ordered along with 200amp fuse and holder be sufficient. I work the Amp as 133

 

[Techno]

I initially tried the sterling but found a much better and cheaper UPS by luck so swapped it.
25mm is ok but I did use 35 myself

 

[Techno]

Comparison

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[Techno]

 

[PJGWiltshire]

It looks like something out of NASA

 

[rapido convert]

Hi pappa john,
I have upgraded my panels to the latest lg 350w 24v, they are nearly half the size and a quarter of the weight of conventional panels, i also have a few panels of the same make and type but lower wattage to fit inbetween the sat dish and roof windows, the actual motor home is 8 meters long.
There are a total of 5 panels giving a combined wattage of 1020 watts.
I have never run out of leccy even with wify using hair dryer straighteners every day and the washer every outher day.
We winter out every year in portugal / spain for 4 to 5 months off grid.
Cheers Andy

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