Low power from 12 volt outlets
Hi everyone, I'm having an issue with the 12 volt outlets (cigarette lighters) in my RV. It's a new-to-us 2004 Colorado 5th wheel, but we haven't used the 12 volt outlets until today. In our last r...
Forum Discussion
SoundGuy wrote:jayspi wrote:
I checked the voltage from both 12 volt outlets and they are fluctuating between 107 and 115 volts.
Presumably what you really mean is you checked the output voltage of these inverters with a voltmeter ... problem is, these readings are erroneous because these Bestek inverters you have are MSW - modified sine wave - rather than PSW - pure sine wave. You can't compare these readings to those you may get when you measure a 120 vac receptacle that's powered by your generator or campsite power post. Your problem is you're trying to draw too much power from cigarette lighter outlets that are only rated to perhaps 5 to 7 amps at best. The solution is to locate the inverters closer to the batteries and use heavy gauge cable to wire to those batteries.
Yes that is what I meant. I agree the way I was doing it wasn't the best; I'm way out in the mountains in Colorado so resources are limited :)
Fortunately I found a battery for my voltmeter. I checked the batteries and I'm getting 13.28 volts with the converter running. That seems about right.
I still have my 1500 Watt pure sine inverter from the last rig. I guess I'll connect that and just run an extension cord inside. I'll see about getting a transfer switch when I get back to civilization.
Thanks to all of you for your help!
