Inverters

Poppy

Hi, how do I would out what size inverter I need? I know it's something to do with volts or wattage. Also, does anyone know the correct cable size I will need?
It's only going to be for things like, lights, laptop, phone/camera chargers & maybe microwave. I still haven't worked out yet what size leisure batt's I need, oh & if I get 'sealed' one's...do I still need to ventilate?
Thanking you in advance :cheers:
 

sparrks

For items like laptops, lights, phones etc you want to avoid using an inverter - run direct from batteries or use a 12/24v charger depending on your MH voltage.

What wattage microwave are you looking at using?
 

Poppy

Huh, I didn't know that....I thought all sockets etc, had to run through a converter! As for voltage, I don't know, I was planning on being totally under the raydar, with no need to visit camps with hook ups. But, the more I think about it, the more I think it wouldn't hurt to fit one (just in case). Microwave, I was going to a new one for home & use the old one...which says on the back 230v~50HZ output 700w & the consumption 1150w.
Thanks
 

jellybean

HI i used to sell inverters and i agree with the first thread try and run as much as you can on 12volt on my motorhome i run my laptop all phone chargers and my tv on 12volt . i do have a 1000.00 watt inverter to run my wifes low voltage hairdryer ,It is very difficult to run everyday things that we take for granted and to produce the correct power.getting back to your microwave it would need to be as lower power as possibile ie 700 watt ish and some model microwaves dont like inverters, They are very good but they hammer your battery good luck :dance:
 

Viktor

Run your laptop, camera, and lights from the 12 volts sockets (fit extra if needed). You can buy a custom 12 volt transformer to power them from Maplins with variable connectors to attach to the devices.

I rarely use my inverter now in the van except to recharge an electric toothbrush or torch batteries.

I thought originally the same as you about microwaves Poppy. The only way you are going to run a microwave successfully in a small van or T5 type campervan is using a generator as the Wavebox's don't work well and empty the battery fairly quickly, and other microwaves even when they settle to 700 watts will quickly drain a battery, (there is a larger current tempory drain on startup).

For a generator you are looking at the Honda Range in particular the 2kw one which is over a £1000 new and ideally should be gas converted to prevent fumes inside the vehicle and as it is becoming more popular for campsites to allow only gas converted ones on site. Mine plugs into an external BBQ point but the conversion also adds about £250 to the purchase price.

Alternatively most sites EHU are 16 amp which is more than 2000 watts so you can use the microwave on a site with EHU. For wildcamping as a preference you will need a generator period.
 

Neckender

I have 150watt invertor to run our 19" 240volt tv, and a 1000 watt invertor which we run our slow cooker. 12 volt dyson vacuum cleaner which we charge through our 150 watt invertor, 160watt of solar panels and 330 amp leisure batteries, we are totally self sufficient no hook up at all and no need for generator.

John.
 

outtolunch

My motorhome came with a microwave in it and it gets used as a cupboard, it has been used only once in the past year when I pinched a supply from a site generator, only fair before the generators arrived my batteries and inverter where charging many phones and some power tools ( one we could not charge as my inverter is a cheap one and not a pure sine wave ), so I would not bother with a microwave and get either a gas oven fitted or look at alternatives such as stove top and dutch ovens, a griddle pan will make toast if as like me you don't have an oven or grill ( typical German van ) I also carry a gas bbq, have cooked a sunday roast in it and which after the first burnt attempt had a themometer fitted into the lid.
Do away with a microwave and you only need a small inverter a lot of laptops will run on a 100w inverter
 

Poppy

Gosh...what a lot of information to take in!! Sounds like I need to get a sparky to do it all. As for the microwave, I do believe I'll manage without it lol. Just thought it would make life easy, but I guess not!

Thank you all very much, I know I'll be reading this a few times, before it sinks in ;)
 

jakekelly

inverter

I have 180 amp leisure batteries,(100+80) & 2100 watt ring inverter, does everything ,tv, vacum cleaner,& most important of all drives the wifes1500 watt. hair drier, my advice run the engine while useing it & buy a good make & make sure its rated for continuse use min.4hrs. no problem, size of cable is dependant on length of run req.d, ask an auto eletrician he /she will give you proffesional advice.& make sure that you have an inline fuse at the battery!
 

sparrks

Poppy said:
I was planning on being totally under the raydar, with no need to visit camps with hook ups.
Click to expand...

Try and cut your usage to a minimum, try for a min size battery bank of 170Ah (2x85Ah batts) if you've got the space on the roof get yourself some Solar panels. (might not be totally under the radar though)

Poppy said:
Microwave, I was going to a new one for home & use the old one...which says on the back 230v~50HZ output 700w & the consumption 1150w.
Thanks
Click to expand...
As the consumption is 1150w that would be the min size constant output inverter you would need - expensive and would best be used with engine running. Alternatively forget the microwave and use recipe's that are quick and simple to make. Will be much better for you as well as being cheaper.

Paul

PS I have a couple laptops that require 19V to charge - I use a Maplin 12>19V inverter (car charger). If I were to use the mains charger then I would be going from 12v > 240v > 19v an extra step that just wastes power, I think the best inverters are about 80% efficient.
 

barnybg

Inverter ?

Inverters suck up power ( ie they need power to run themselves) so a small one is best,forget microwaves unless using hook up on sites...leasure batteries,try to keep them the same size/power and same age,otherwise they will fail quicker,the more batteries (storage )you have ,the more 'electric' use,solar panel a must ,100 w plus,again the bigger or in tandum,the more /quicker the recharge of use....put the batteries in tandum,and somewhere 'out of the way' preferably with acccess and ventilation to outside,as batteries give off fumes etc.
As said,try use as many items that are 12v,and use inverter 'for must' item,and short periods (hairdryers/kettles,microwaves )lol are for home,go gas or 12v when travelling/wild camping.
I use a small inverter,only when needed via cig lighter/fuse,or crock clips,connected to leasure batteries,and disconnect when finished,and as quickly as possible.
(Barny the bearded leg - end )
 

Poppy

I'm finding it hard to work out the wattage of my laptop!! But my coffee machine is 1100w :( but I do NEED my coffee
 

sparrks

Poppy said:
I'm finding it hard to work out the wattage of my laptop!! But my coffee machine is 1100w :( but I do NEED my coffee
Click to expand...

Laptop will have a rating like DC 19v 3.5A (on the bottom)

Coffee machine think gas - just a matter of getting the water to the correct temperature.
 

Poppy

sparrks said:
Laptop will have a rating like DC 19v 3.5A (on the bottom)

Coffee machine think gas - just a matter of getting the water to the correct temperature.
Click to expand...

spose instant coffee won't hurt me! But I do love my espresso machine!
I looked on the bottom, but couldn't find it, just the serial number etc...will take out the batt' & see if it's on there
 

sparrks

Poppy said:
10.8v
4180mAh
47wh
Click to expand...

That will be the battery voltage and not the charge/input voltage. The DC charge voltage and current will also be on your charger. Wouldn't be an Acer would it? as far as I kinow they are all 19V.
 

Bigpeetee

sparrks said:
As the consumption is 1150w that would be the min size constant output inverter you would need - expensive and would best be used with engine running.
Click to expand...

Not good using the inverter with the engine running, the alternator is a higher voltage from the batts so the inverter trys to use the alternator as a power source 1150w for appliance plus 20% inverter overhead of 230w = 1480w or approx 110Amps at 12v, the inline fuse will be about 15-20A so will pop and just leave you running on your batts, then not charging them because the feed had now gone.

The voltage on your leisure batt drops, and when you realise what's happened, the voltage drop on the cable is so great, it takes forever to charge up, even on hookup.

PS, my charger is rated at 12A, but I've never seen it charge at that rate as the length of cable from charger, via control panel to batt is usually far too long on most MH's so never get a good charge. Think I'll relocate mine to as close to batts as possible, I've got it topping up my batts during this cold weather and the volts drop is far too much.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Top