how to install inverter?

[Clay (Santa Cruz)]

Hi - does anyone have any experience installing an inverter? I have no experience with this type of work, and any help is appreciated.


Thanks!
Clay

 

[Barko1]

Hi - does anyone have any experience installing an inverter? I have no experience with this type of work, and any help is appreciated.


Thanks!
Clay


Well I'm an electrical ignoramus so I may be able to help
Do you mean just the inverter that you connect to your 12v battery so that you have 120 to plug into for small appliances etc? They run from the cigarette lighter type for charging your phone (but watch out for laptops - draw enough to overheat the cig lighter connectors, which tend to be crap). I have a couple connected, one directly to the vehicle battery (I have 2, diesel) which I use to recharge a segway that I at times carry on a front hitch. It;s about 400w, plenty for that job, and live in the engine compartment for now. I also have one connected directly to the FWC batteries (again 2) inside the camper for miscellaneous charging or whatever else is needed. I used to have one, 1500w, that was direct to the battery (of course that is the only way to go) that I used to power a microwave but it sucked juice so fast I ditched it. One plus or at least a feature to look for is the display of the current battery power. Most also have an alarm that goes off when you dip below a certain level of charge. I try to buy one that is rated about 50% more than I anticipate using.

The last one I bought, the 400-500w one for charging the Segway I got a Harbor Freight. Not know for the finest electronics but on sale I got it for under $30 when they were $50 at Walmart. Seems to be doing well.