Inverters

[Rebel 4x4]

Looking to buy an inverter...... Don't want to overcompensate (buying 1500W etc), but what "size" inverter do you need for general camping equipment, couple of energy saving lights, blow up bed, hairdryer for SWAMBO etc.

Buying brands? Motoquip seems to be the cheapest, does it mean the crappest?

Thomas

[OOOOMS]

Thomas, carefull of the cheapies, usually controlled by elecronics.

You will feel it in the weight. The wire-wound inverters are better quality and will last longer.

Carefull of any heat-exchange unit like hair-dryers, toasters, kettle's etc. They consume lots of power. Check your equipment they will have a wattage output usually marked somewhere.

A small hair-dryer consumes about 1500 watt, the larger ones up to 3000 watt. A haircut is cheaper...... Kettle ave 1300 watt and so on.

Lights are 60 / 100 watt but use energy savers where possible

Alternatively buy everything 12Volt

[yotaman]

Thomas, carefull of the cheapies, usually controlled by elecronics.

You will feel it in the weight. The wire-wound inverters are better quality and will last longer.

Carefull of any heat-exchange unit like hair-dryers, toasters, kettle's etc. They consume lots of power. Check your equipment they will have a wattage output usually marked somewhere.

A small hair-dryer consumes about 1500 watt, the larger ones up to 3000 watt. A haircut is cheaper...... Kettle ave 1300 watt and so on.

Lights are 60 / 100 watt but use energy savers where possible

Alternatively buy everything 12Volt

Good advice

[JohanM]

So what would be then an ideal invertor to run a laptop, charge camera batteries ect from... Nothing big running of the Invertor that is seriously power hungry.

[OOOOMS]

So what would be then an ideal invertor to run a laptop, charge camera batteries ect from... Nothing big running of the Invertor that is seriously power hungry.

I would consider a 800 - 1000 watt unit, starting up a laptop specifically you need 500 watt.

But if you are at 800 - 1000 watt you are 80% there, so why not go all the way....get the 1500 or 2000 watt as you will have so many more uses for it! Around the home, use for a baby grnder, drill even the microwave so you can warm up your woolies meal

[Royco]

even the microwave so you can warm up your woolies meal

Now I know what the inverter is used for....
I have one (700w), but have never found a use for it... although I guess this one is too small for a microwave.

[OOOOMS]

even the microwave so you can warm up your woolies meal

Now I know what the inverter is used for....
I have one (700w), but have never found a use for it... although I guess this one is too small for a microwave.

Small microwave 700 - 800 watt, medium about 1000 - 1400 watt, so I guess it's McD's :roll:

[Royco]

hhmm... could be worth getting a 700w microwave and testing at home... with fire extinguisher in hand!

[OOOOMS]

hhmm... could be worth getting a 700w microwave and testing at home... with fire extinguisher in hand!

Just check the start-up ie. max output of the inverter, as most appliances have a start-up usually higher than the ie. 700 watt stipulated on the box. So if your inverter has max power of say 1000 watt you should be fine.

[Royco]

OK, I'm in the market for a small 700w microwave...
My inverter is rated at:
500 watt 2.15a continuous
700 watt 3.05a for 5 min
1000 watt 4.3a surge

So if the meals need to be cooked in under 5 min!

OK enough from me - I think I've hijacked your post Thomas... but hopefully while I was learning, you managed to get some ideas.

[pietpetoors]

Mark, I want to import some inverters to test, so what you are saying is that i must rather go for the 2,000w than the 1,000 watt?
My supplier only have 1000, 2000 and 3000 watt

[OOOOMS]

Mark, I want to import some inverters to test, so what you are saying is that i must rather go for the 2,000w than the 1,000 watt?
My supplier only have 1000, 2000 and 3000 watt

For me personally, I would buy a 2000 watt inverter, but that is me personally, as when I am out of the country I take a welding machine, drill, angle grinder that require more 'watts'

For the average camper 1000 watt will do, as it can be used for most general things (except mom's hairdryer.....)

Speak to a farmer or someone building a house, 3000 watt would be great :!:

So it's very much up to the individual, but imo 1000 watt will be most popular

[Family_Dog]

Anything greater than 1000W is not going to do your battery any good. A dual battery system with two identical batteries and heavy cabling should be used for large inverters .

Personally, I only make use of a small 300W inverter for small items and even that can draw in excess of 25A from a battery when running at full power.


-F_D

[mytruck]

Ok, so confirm if my train of thought is correct. I have a COLD STAY 220volt chest type freezer with thermostat, which I want to use as a fridge. The metal tag says 120 watt. My idea is to install a 1000w inverter and use it to power this fridge whilst traveling. I do have a duel battery set up. To which battery would one connect the inverter? Would this set up work. Also can I let he inverter carry on running when not running the vehicle ie overnight stop.
Thanking in advance

[Maddoglips]

Stefan

Basic outlook, this will work for you.

You'd be best connecting it to the 2nd battery and having an isolator/controller seperating it from the main battery if running over night so as to prevent the main from running flat.

How ever, gents on here are going to ask what type of compressor ect does your fridge/freezer have, thus due to the fact that it may not work as effiecently as wanted and last as long due to the terrain/bumps ect... all the fridges/freezers for off road have special comps designed and meant to handle the bumps/inclines ect... while in use.

But the guys in the know, will help out shortly I'm sure.

[OOOOMS]

Ok, so confirm if my train of thought is correct. I have a COLD STAY 220volt chest type freezer with thermostat, which I want to use as a fridge. The metal tag says 120 watt. My idea is to install a 1000w inverter and use it to power this fridge whilst traveling. I do have a duel battery set up. To which battery would one connect the inverter? Would this set up work. Also can I let he inverter carry on running when not running the vehicle ie overnight stop.
Thanking in advance

In theory your it will work, however not ideal. The 220v fridge will 'cold stay' will prob only make it through the night and if you do not have 220v municipal power you have a good chance the next day or two the battery will not make it.

Best is to always run a test, weeks before leaving, saves you the embarrasment when on hoilday

[Rebel 4x4]

What Brands should I look at? Maybe will go for the 500W/550W, will check whats the price difference between 300W and 500W.

[legend35]

I would go for the waeco inverters,pricy,but never had a problem with mine.