inverter problems? Forums

ozwhit

hi every one, im trying to avoid buying a new tv for the van,so i normally use our 19 inch flat screen when on electric .its `50w ,so i bought a 150w powering inverter.I connected it to tv it fired up and before i could get a picture tuned in, the alarm on the inverter went off,the battery was reading 14 before i plugged it in ,but rapidly dropped to 12.8 .i havent used the van for a couple of weeks ,but it has a 45 w solar panel .Am i expecting too much ,or is the tv too much for it to cope , your help is much needed regard gary

RichardnGill

I am no expert and I am sure one will be along soon.

But I would check the wiring to your inverter, it needs to be as close to the battery as possible or use suitable wiring for longer lengths. I had problems with ours using the Hymer 12v supply. I solved this by getting a supply direct from the battery.

Richard...

trevorf

I had a similar problem in my van. Check out the wiring to your 12V socket, it is probably too thin and causing a voltage drop under load. You will need to re wire with heavier gauge cable direct to your leisure battery (via a fuse of course).

Trevor

edit - Richard beat me to the answer by one minute Laughing

CliveMott

You should connect the inverter directly to the battery using the cables supplied with the inverter. Shorten them if you like but never make them longer. Keep the fuse in line. If this does not overcome your problem then your battery is probably creme crackered!.

Alemo

Different problem but still with Inverter.
I have wired in an 1800w inverter joined to 2 x 100ah batteries with an auto changeover switch should I be on an EHU.
All van sockets working fine from the inverter and tested MOH 1500w hair dryer with no problem.
Why when all appears in order will a simple 700w microwave 800w - 1200w power consumption refuse to work? The light came on and then it started to smoke so I turned it off quickly.
I plugged the van into an EHU and it operated perfectly so wiring in van is ok.
It's a Belling and I asked their customer support the question they said ask an electrician (customer help?).
Any experience anyone.
Alec

trevorf

The microwave power rating is the cooking output power. It will actually be consuming much more actual electrical power which is why it is overloading your invertor.

Trevor

Alemo

Hi Trevor,
Microwave is 700w cooking.
800w - 1200w power consumption.
Inverter is 1800w.
I think it is possibly a modified sine wave problem.

Alec