Forum Discussion

RichieW's avatar
RichieW
Explorer
Jun 20, 2016

Inverter Causes Quick Surge

I just got a MicroSolar 1000W inverter. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4TP3AE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I added a cigarette lighter connection, so I can plug the inverter into a cigarette lighter connection in the trailer. The connection is right next to the built-in radio/CD/DVD player in the trailer.

I plugged it in, and turned the power on. When I do, there is a quick surge (or something) that causes my radio to reset to "12:00 blinking", and the inverter doesn't switch to "ON".

Then, I push the "on" button again, and it powers up just fine. I have run the TV off the inverter for over an hour without any other problems.

But after shutting down and trying to use the inverter again a day later, the same process happens.

Any ideas what is going on?
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2016
    Next trick will be to figure out how to cleanly bring the power from the battery all the way to the back of the trailer where the TV is.


    It is easier/better to connect the inverter close to battery and bring the inverted 120V closer to the TV.

    If you find which circuit is used, typically, to power the TV's receptacle, a single circuit transfer switch can be used and isn't that expensive.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2016
    RichieW wrote:
    2oldman wrote:
    And it's not a very good one, either.
    Why not?
    Price. Weight. Low cost inverters work fine, for a while, or until you hammer on them with a big load.

    The ratings are likely to be highly exaggerated.
  • RichieW's avatar
    RichieW
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2016
    That's a big inverter to be using a 12v socket, and just powering a TV.


    I got the big one, in case I needed more power in the future. I figured since I was only using for a low powered device, it would be fine in the 12v socket. That it would only pull additional power if I plugged something heavier in.

    Next trick will be to figure out how to cleanly bring the power from the battery all the way to the back of the trailer where the TV is.

    2oldman wrote:
    And it's not a very good one, either.


    Why not?
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 20, 2016
    It has 1000W/12V = 83A draw capability. You have it connected to a 8A plug?

    Connect it directly to the battery.
  • Shadow_Catcher's avatar
    Shadow_Catcher
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2016
    That it comes with 7AWG wire that is to be connected to the battery is a good indication it needs more.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 20, 2016
    Yes. There are big capacitors in there that need a blast of current to start. At least that's what my 4kw inverter does. At first I thought the thing was shorting out.

    You may have better luck connecting it directly to the battery. That's a big inverter to be using a 12v socket, and just powering a TV. And it's not a very good one, either.

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