question Isolator for invertor

[timetochill]

connecting an invertor from leisure batteries is it good practice to connect through a battery isolator has well has fuse in red lead or is this uneaded belt and braces

 

[mjltigger]

I suppose it depends on how much you will use it and how long it will be stood unused. I switch mine off but it isn't hard wired to the battery anyway and goes off when I switch the 12v off. They do drain the battery a little when not in use I suspect.

 

[funflair]

I dont think it needs an isolator as such but it does need a means of switching it on/off as required as leaving it powered up and running all the time will waste battery power. The inverter should be hard wired as close as possible to the batteries and then my preference is to have a wired remote control for switching inside the van.

 

[timetochill]

Yes it has an integral on/ off switch and going close to batteries but in another compartment via fuse

 

[TheCaller]

I can give you a second hand answer as to what Dave Newell would do. What Dave would do is usually accepted as the definitive answer!

I asked Dave to install wiring for a 600W inverter which had its own on/off switch. He put a fuse in the cable close to the battery end, but didn't fit any other switch.

As others have said - unless you have more 12v power available than you ever use, switch the inverter off when not actually using the 230v it produces, because they do use some power all the time they are turned on, even if everything connected to it is turned off.

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[Techno]

My inverter is 4k peak and yes I have a 300 amp switch next to the fuse.
It is not essential but the switch ensures it really is disconnected when the van is in storage and I can mess with the cables either side without fear of a stray short too.
Your choice

 

[TheDogMan]

When my invertor was fitted they put a 3 way switch in , invertor / van / mains, I have to remember its in the right place at the right time

 

[Techno]

 

[timetochill]

Thanks Andy what are you measuring? Is that a marine type isolator?
Very neat job also

 

[laird of Dunstan]

I've only had marine type isolators on boats ,they are very useful as they separate the leisure battery's from the starter battery's

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