Heli_av8tor
Well-known member
Eventually I want to add solar and a whole house inverter. But for this winter's trip I'll be using a couple small inverters for the TV's and a 400 watt one mainly to power a crockpot (250 watt on hi) while on the road. The two for the TV's run fine connected to existing wiring at each location. The 400 watt inverter will require heavier wiring.
I'm considering a couple placement options for this inverter.
A. My batteries are under the entrance stairs. Thinking of running from the batteries to some type of jack close to the stairs. This run would be less than 5 feet so #8 wire should be adequate. The inverter could be plugged in as needed and a short extension cord to get to the crockpot. I'd need to find a suitable plug and jack for this that could handle 40 amps and a way to make it look good.
B. My converter (battery charger) lives under a cabinet that houses the washer/dryer. The back of it adjoins the kitchen/dining area. It is wired to the 12 volt load center about 6 feet away then on the the battery. I've not sure of the wire gage, but I'm guessing 4 or 6. I could mount the inverter close to the converter and wire to the 12 volt connections on it. A standard 120 volt outlet could be installed in the cabinet. This would still require an extension cord to the crockpot. This would be a cleaner look and no need to store the inverter someplace when not in use. The downside I see is the inverter power current would be added to whatever other 12 volt loads are on. Also, the inverter draws 70 ma. when turned off.
All suggestions welcomed.
Tom
I'm considering a couple placement options for this inverter.
A. My batteries are under the entrance stairs. Thinking of running from the batteries to some type of jack close to the stairs. This run would be less than 5 feet so #8 wire should be adequate. The inverter could be plugged in as needed and a short extension cord to get to the crockpot. I'd need to find a suitable plug and jack for this that could handle 40 amps and a way to make it look good.
B. My converter (battery charger) lives under a cabinet that houses the washer/dryer. The back of it adjoins the kitchen/dining area. It is wired to the 12 volt load center about 6 feet away then on the the battery. I've not sure of the wire gage, but I'm guessing 4 or 6. I could mount the inverter close to the converter and wire to the 12 volt connections on it. A standard 120 volt outlet could be installed in the cabinet. This would still require an extension cord to the crockpot. This would be a cleaner look and no need to store the inverter someplace when not in use. The downside I see is the inverter power current would be added to whatever other 12 volt loads are on. Also, the inverter draws 70 ma. when turned off.
All suggestions welcomed.
Tom