Can I run my microwave off of battery power?
I'm almost afraid to ask this, because this might just break the space-time continuum and cause irreparable harm to the ozone layer. But, ... using my 2000 watt inverter, can I run my 1000 watt mic...
Forum Discussion
I suspect that a few of the comments about GC’s are just guesses (WAG’s) and not from hands-on experience, or where equipment is marginal to begin with...
First off, not all inverters of ‘equal advertised wattage’ perform or see the loads the same - aside from MSM and PSW, surge ratings (as well as surge time) will vary depending on how robust the innards are ($$)...For some 2000w inverters are fine for light loads or resistance type loads, but will struggle with inductive or capacitive type loads...Costlier low freq inverters tend to be more robust that high freq models.
Second off, one must consider the AWG gauge and length of cable runs to the inverter. I only have room for two batteries... Cables are 7’ (round trip+ to -) 0004 ought...copper lugs are silver soldered and crimped...
Thirdly, MW ovens present a reactive load on an inverter...So why try to run a 1500w MW from a 2000w inverter? Is a 1500w oven truly needed for a camper?? Its far better to get by with a lower powered oven... Ours is a 800w (net cooking watts) Panasonic, but the actual gross wattage is likely closer to about 1050w or so...
Fourthly, We run our MW off of a 2000w PSW Inverter regularly from two 6v GC’s without a hitch...Inverter is capable of a 4500w surge for up to 5 sec... This set-up is even capable of running the 11kbtu air cond during brief roadside stops...
I hope this might clear up some of the mythology I often read about GC’s, as many of the perceived issues have more to do with a configuration (often overlooked), rather than the GC’s...
BTW, I’m running Costco sixers rated at 210 a/hrs total...(say it ain’t so - lol!)
3 tons
First off, not all inverters of ‘equal advertised wattage’ perform or see the loads the same - aside from MSM and PSW, surge ratings (as well as surge time) will vary depending on how robust the innards are ($$)...For some 2000w inverters are fine for light loads or resistance type loads, but will struggle with inductive or capacitive type loads...Costlier low freq inverters tend to be more robust that high freq models.
Second off, one must consider the AWG gauge and length of cable runs to the inverter. I only have room for two batteries... Cables are 7’ (round trip+ to -) 0004 ought...copper lugs are silver soldered and crimped...
Thirdly, MW ovens present a reactive load on an inverter...So why try to run a 1500w MW from a 2000w inverter? Is a 1500w oven truly needed for a camper?? Its far better to get by with a lower powered oven... Ours is a 800w (net cooking watts) Panasonic, but the actual gross wattage is likely closer to about 1050w or so...
Fourthly, We run our MW off of a 2000w PSW Inverter regularly from two 6v GC’s without a hitch...Inverter is capable of a 4500w surge for up to 5 sec... This set-up is even capable of running the 11kbtu air cond during brief roadside stops...
I hope this might clear up some of the mythology I often read about GC’s, as many of the perceived issues have more to do with a configuration (often overlooked), rather than the GC’s...
BTW, I’m running Costco sixers rated at 210 a/hrs total...(say it ain’t so - lol!)
3 tons
