are microwaves ok in campervan

[enuf]

will a small microwave work ok on hook up?? or will it blow the elecs?
sorry for very basic question so excuse my ignorance thanks

 

[scotjimland]

yes, ok

 

[Terran]

We use an 800w microwave on hook up, bearing in mind the fridge, the battery chargers, etc, all add up its best to switch your hot water boiler off while using your microwave else you could easily exceed 16AMP Cheers. Terran

 

[Granjan]

Ours works great ... we buy steam bags for veggies they cook really quickly and you don't need to take as many pans.

 

[tonka]

Main issue will be when abroad and if they state a 6amp supply.
That's running a bit close, however run the micro at a lower power and should be ok...
Ensure that it's fastened down as well !! Imagine having a crash and something that heavy flying out a cupboard onto your head .!!!!

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[scotjimland]

as Terran mentioned.. be aware of what other kit is also on, including appliances you may have in the van.. eg.. electric kettle, toaster etc..

you can check the data label of appliances for Wattage ..
on a 16A EHU you have 3,680 watts to play with..
on a 10 amp supply= 2,300 watts,
and 6 amp = 1,380 watts

another idea.. I posted this ages ago.. buy one of these... and never trip the site CB again..

Owl Wireless Monitor.. it measures everything that is using amps , charger, fridge etc. easy to fit a, it has a small clamp that is placed around either brown or blue (makes no odds) incoming supply at the mains box.. You can set the alarm to whatever level you want.. for example on a 16amp EHU = 3,680 watts I set mine to alarm at 3,000 watt ..

this image shows cost.. it can be set to show amps

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041H6VXI/?tag=mhf04-21

 

[big bertha]

Think our microwave is only 500w mostly used for veg, we just have to cook longer.

 

[Reallyretired]

500w is the output. There will be a rating plate on the back which will tell you the wattage that it uses. 500w output will probably be about 1100 w consumption, but bear in mind that there could be a surge on starting. Using a lower power setting will not help as all that then happens is that the microwave switches on and off to acheive the lower rate of heating eg 50% will be on half the time. Because of the switching there will be more surges so may be more likely to trip the ehu.

If the ehu is only 6a then you probably won't be able to use it. I have seen some in France that are only 4a.

What I do is run the microwave from the inverter even if on ehu, the batteries can then recharge in their own time without overloading the ehu. Works on solar too.

 

[Terran]

Out of interest what size inverter do you use?

 

[big bertha]

Thanks reallyretired but I'm totally confused now but do use it but not often and haven't tripped leccy yet and no plans for France.

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[Lenny HB]

A standard micro wave will take about twice the rate current on start up, a better quality inverter type microwave about one & third times the output current.
Also 3 amp hook ups are quite common in Italy.

 

[angusboy]

had one in my van no problem use sensible

 

[Puddleduck]

another idea.. I posted this ages ago.. buy one of these... and never trip the site CB again..

Owl Wireless Monitor.. it measures everything that is using amps , charger, fridge etc. easy to fit a, it has a small clamp that is placed around either brown or blue (makes no odds) incoming supply at the mains box..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041H6VXI/?tag=mhf04-21

We have one on the house supply so I know when the solar panels are working and if I am importing or exporting electric - that way I can run the domestic appliances at least cost

 

[funflair]

Out of interest what size inverter do you use?

We run microwave of 2kw pure sine inverter.