Question on accessory outlet for inverter
I got a small pure sine wave inverter to use for sensitive electronics; I'm planning to do a fair amount of video and audio work in the rig this summer. It's a 400W unit, which is enough to power the...
Forum Discussion
HI,
#8 wire can safely be fused at 40 amps, and #6 wire at 60 amps. Your inverter is rated for 50 amp input fuse, and you can use any wire size larger than #6 and fuse it at 50 amps. #4 wire will offer less voltage drop, and that can matter if the cables are more than say 6 feet long.
It is much better to have a long 120 volt extension cord, than to extend the 12 volt wiring. However it is nice if you can have the inverter in a place that you can turn it on and off, to save battery power by leaving it off as much as possible.
I would also recommend a non-lighted power distributor. 6 plugs with a 4-6' long power cord that plugs into one receptacle of the inverter. That way you can plug in several things. Your 120 volt output is limited to about 4 amps.
Your 400 watt input can use about 40 amps at 12 volts (480 volts in X80% efficiency). So it 'could' be fused at 40 amps, but you might accidentally trip the fuse when a larger surge is put through it. 50 amps is better.
If your RV mechanic is not 'comfortable' with installing some #6 wire and a 50 amp fuse, I would find another mechanic or electrician to do the job. For me, it is a really simple 2 hour (maximum) job.
Good luck,
Fred.
#8 wire can safely be fused at 40 amps, and #6 wire at 60 amps. Your inverter is rated for 50 amp input fuse, and you can use any wire size larger than #6 and fuse it at 50 amps. #4 wire will offer less voltage drop, and that can matter if the cables are more than say 6 feet long.
It is much better to have a long 120 volt extension cord, than to extend the 12 volt wiring. However it is nice if you can have the inverter in a place that you can turn it on and off, to save battery power by leaving it off as much as possible.
I would also recommend a non-lighted power distributor. 6 plugs with a 4-6' long power cord that plugs into one receptacle of the inverter. That way you can plug in several things. Your 120 volt output is limited to about 4 amps.
Your 400 watt input can use about 40 amps at 12 volts (480 volts in X80% efficiency). So it 'could' be fused at 40 amps, but you might accidentally trip the fuse when a larger surge is put through it. 50 amps is better.
If your RV mechanic is not 'comfortable' with installing some #6 wire and a 50 amp fuse, I would find another mechanic or electrician to do the job. For me, it is a really simple 2 hour (maximum) job.
Good luck,
Fred.
