RVing message boards > Tech Talk

Inverters and Battery Cable Length?

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clemon:
Hi folks,

I'm looking at installing a 1000W modified sine wave inverter in my "92 Southwind, and am debating the best place to locate it in the rig.

I know it should be as close to the battery bank as possible, but how far away is too far? The batts in the rig are in the nose, basically behind the front bumper. The manual that came with the inverter (Eliminator 1000W from Canadian Tire) calls for a minimum of 2 gauge battery cables no longer than 5ft to connect the unit to the batts. Can I go longer with larger cable? Assuming yes, can anyone tell me the maximum length advisable for 1/0 cables?  I'm hoping I can reach the forward-most basement storage compartment if I up-size the cables to accommodate (about a 10ft run?).

Tom:
We have a wire size calculator in the Batteries and DC section of our forum Library - link in the toolbar above.

Gary RV Roamer:
There is probably a limit to the size the lugs on the inverter can accept, so check that as well.  If you can only get 2 ga or 1 ga wire onto it, you are limited in your choice of locations. However, you could run 1/0 to a new power terminal (bus bar) that you install, and then wire the inverter to that with whatever size cable the inverter can handle.

Tom:
Good catch on the lug size Gary.

BTW clemon, there are some caveats you might care to read in the reviews for that inverter on the Canadian Tire web site.

John From Detroit:
I won't tell you the place I recommend putting a 1000 watt MSW inverter (Ok I will, back in the store you got it from, I like TSW inverters).

However, the rule for inverters is "The compartment next door to the batteries"

Out of the weather, as close to the batteries as possible but isolated from them so it can't breath their fumes.

Use heavy duty wires (Read the manual, UP-SIZE one size) and a proper "T" fuse.

For as much of the run as possible tape the two (Positive and negative) wires together or use a wire loom.

Keep the leads as short as you practically can.

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