wiring up inverter
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 15:38
ThreadID:
29050
Views:
3978
Replies:
9
FollowUps:
3
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Trevor M (SA)
Hi all,
I have a 300W inverter (pure sine wave) that I am looking at wiring direct from the battery. The booklet advises 30 Amp wire be used and recommends the unit is disconnected when not in use.
Even though it would be used infrequently, my intention had been to leave it permanently in the vehicle since specific wiring had to be put in place. In order to "disconnect when not in use" therefore I thought a switch would be the answer.
Finding a 30A switch has proven to be a problem. The only one I have seen is downright UGLY (a push - pull type). I assume if 30A wire is required the switch would also need to be the same?
Interested in what others have done in this circumstance. As I see it the options are:
1. Wire it up with no switch (meaning it is permanently on albeit not drawing much)
2. Include a 30A inline fuse and remove the fuse when not required
3. Switch it through a relay
4. When not in use disconnect the wires from the inverter and remove from the vehicle and "tape up" in some way the live wires that will still be there.
I am probably leaning towards #4 but would be interested in any comments.
Thanks in advance
Trevor
Reply By: 4145derek - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:15
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:15
Hi there, Derek
You have two options...
1) Use Anderson plugs and this way you can quick disconect the unit. (Easy option)
or
2) Wire the unit through a 100 amp continuous duty solenoid and have a switch on the dash to switch it on. (Hard work)(More expensive)
Does the inverter have its own power switch ? Most units when switched off draw very small amps and will not drain the battery. Fit an Anderson plug if the car stands around and is not driven often.
Anderson plugs are $10.00ea (This would be my option but I would use 50amp twin core wire $3.50/m not 30 amp)
Regards Derek.
Merry Christmas
AnswerID:
144880
Follow Up By: Member - Trevor M (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:42
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:42
The unit has an on/off switch (and an LED to show status). Since this sits above the 240V socket I guess I was thinking it was switching the 240V output on / off. I gather from what you and others are saying that it actually switches off the 12V in (in which case as you say nothing else is required).
Per the booklet the "no load current draw" is <0.6A. In line with the above, I assume that refers to when the switch is ON but with nothing running from it rather than when the switch is OFF?
FollowupID:
398425
Follow Up By: samsgoneagain - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 22:07
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 22:07
just put it through a RELAY and let it SHARE the load
FollowupID:
398469
Reply By: revhead307 - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:18
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:18
Gday,
most
inverters have:
1) a switch on the unit itself to turn it on or off...in which case it could be permanently wired to the battery and not draw anything when turned off on the inverter.
2) spade or inline fuse on unit itself or on the positive 12V input already.
If there is no switch on the unit (or not easily accesible)...then get a $5 normal switch...and run it through a 30A relay.
There should be some instructions on what amperage fuse to use..and use the same strength relay. most relays have a simple wiring diagram on them..or on the packet, that shows how to wire them.
Regards
Rev
AnswerID:
144881
Reply By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:48
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 16:48
My 500W PSW inverter still _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx quite a bit when switched off. It _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx a hell of a whack for a brief millisecond or ten when connected - far more than 30A, so a very good multi-pole relay is required. Idle current is about 1.5A, so I'm not happy leaving it on even overnight, let alone permanently.
Even a 30A relay (and wiring) on yours is a bit light. A 300W inverter is capable of drawing a constant 25A, and will probably allow a peak surge of 600W which at 12V is 50A.
AnswerID:
144883
Reply By: Member - Raymond - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:12
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:12
Hi Trevor
The other thought is to use a circuit Breaker which is available in 30 amps
Ray
AnswerID:
144886
Reply By: desert - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:21
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:21
Use a relay and switch it through a 100 amp solenoid. Fuse it using a 50amp Holden fuse (wreckers for the fuse holder) $5 for the fuse, $35 for the solenoid etc, etc.
AnswerID:
144887
Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Thursday, Dec 22, 2005 at 16:53
Thursday, Dec 22, 2005 at 16:53
50c for the Holden hehehehe
FollowupID:
398608
Reply By: Original Banjo (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:50
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 17:50
Trev - not being a electrotechnophile, I keep a simple klutzproof approach, mainly because I know what I"M capable of ! My preferred option would be to skip the switch and use the fuse as you've mentioned - I'd run the meaty twin cable straight from the battery if possible. Drop the fuse holder in right down at the battery end - remove the fuse when not in use - you have a fuse - you have a master switch - you have safety. BTW - for mounting of the inverter, I glued some hooky type velcro strips to the back of the case - sticks like hell to any loop-carpeted surface - pulls away if you need it out or relocated -
mine is on the marine carpet covered false floor/cargo shelf I built in the rear.
AnswerID:
144889
Reply By: Mike DiD - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:20
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:20
You can get a 60 amp relay for $9 - this allows you to run thin wires to the switch, rather than running heavy wiring to it.
www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?FORM=KEYWORD
. . . . not that you need a relay in this particular application.
AnswerID:
144909
Reply By: 4145derek - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:43
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:43
The Anderson plug via 50 amp twin core is still the best option. I don't like pulling fuses. Fuses are not switches. Anderson plugs are designed for quick and safe removal.
Regards Derek.
AnswerID:
144914
Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:52
Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 at 19:52
Trevor,
For what it is worth, my inverter is bolted to the cargo barrier and wired directly to the second battery. It has been there for over 12months in the Troopie and 2 years in the 80 series before that.
To date I have not had any trouble or have the battery run flat. I mainly have it on when the motor is running to charge camera batteries but have also used it to power a drill and a soldering iron.
Wayne
AnswerID:
144916