Hi,So my generator quit working on me the other day. Until I can find some help to pull it out of my RV and change the starter I've been using my inverter.I've got a 3000W GoPower pure sine wave inverter. 8x 6v AGM batteries wired as a 12V bank with around 1k AH. Everything is wired with 4/0 gauge wires.It connects to a transfer switch along with the shore power cord. It also has a relay in there that shuts off the converter when the inverter is on.It should surely be enough to run my microwave. It's only 800W or 1200W at most. I run the engine to compensate for the voltage drop.When I try running the microwave the OUTPUT on my remote display maxes out and the inverter shuts off with the overload protection.Any input is greatly appreciated.Thanks,William

The usual suspects are:- depleted/old batteries- inadequate wiring. 2/0 should handle it, but you might check for heat buildup- poor connections- 12v wiring too long- something else is on. Water heater? (is this a whole-house install?)

2oldman wrote:The usual suspects are:- depleted/old batteries- inadequate wiring. 2/0 should handle it, but you might check for heat buildup- poor connections- 12v wiring too long- something else is on. Water heater? (is this a whole-house install?)Batteries are less than a year old.2/0 wires and I believe 10/3 within the transfer switchForeman grill, coffee maker, rice cooker all work fine but I think the load displays higher than it should.whole house? Yes, it connects into my converter so all my outlets have power.With everything off it takes about 3A on standby according to my remote display. Water heater only uses about 6A but yes it's off.

X2 on 2oldman's suggestions.My humble opinion, 2-0 isn't enough for that size inverter, but I'm a pessimist and wire for worst case and then some.

Microwave is a heavy inductive load, compared to the other items you listed which are resistive. 1000w could need over 2000 surge to start up.

WTrippe wrote:Foreman grill, coffee maker, rice cooker all work fine .Those are also high draw items, the only difference being MW's have a startup surge. It is possible the 2/0 won't take that.Try running the air conditioner.

Microwave Overloading my 3000W inverter | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2018
The usual suspects are:
- depleted/old batteries
- inadequate wiring. 2/0 should handle it, but you might check for heat buildup
- poor connections
- 12v wiring too long
- something else is on. Water heater? (is this a whole-house install?)
WTrippe
Explorer
Mar 08, 2018
2oldman wrote:
The usual suspects are:
- depleted/old batteries
- inadequate wiring. 2/0 should handle it, but you might check for heat buildup
- poor connections
- 12v wiring too long
- something else is on. Water heater? (is this a whole-house install?)

Batteries are less than a year old.
2/0 wires and I believe 10/3 within the transfer switch
Foreman grill, coffee maker, rice cooker all work fine but I think the load displays higher than it should.
whole house? Yes, it connects into my converter so all my outlets have power.
With everything off it takes about 3A on standby according to my remote display. Water heater only uses about 6A but yes it's off.
GordonThree
Explorer
Mar 08, 2018
X2 on 2oldman's suggestions.

My humble opinion, 2-0 isn't enough for that size inverter, but I'm a pessimist and wire for worst case and then some.
GordonThree
Explorer
Mar 08, 2018
Microwave is a heavy inductive load, compared to the other items you listed which are resistive. 1000w could need over 2000 surge to start up.
2oldman
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2018
WTrippe wrote:
Foreman grill, coffee maker, rice cooker all work fine .
Those are also high draw items, the only difference being MW's have a startup surge. It is possible the 2/0 won't take that.

Try running the air conditioner.
MrWizard
Moderator
Mar 08, 2018
fridge ?
wiring ?
inverter failure ?
MW is on its way out ?

is that 3000 peak watts? or continuous watts

try (2) electric heaters on different circuits
heater and foreman grill
any combo over 2000w and see 'how' it functions
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2018
“I run the engine to compensate for the voltage drop.”

So when you...need...to microwave...a real need...you are running your generator AND your TV or MH engine? How about your toad? Kick that engine too. Should be enough.
WTrippe
Explorer
Mar 09, 2018
MrWizard wrote:
fridge ?
wiring ?
inverter failure ?
MW is on its way out ?

is that 3000 peak watts? or continuous watts

try (2) electric heaters on different circuits
heater and foreman grill
any combo over 2000w and see 'how' it functions

Fridge runs off the propane.
I started up the coffee maker without the engine running so I could see the draw.
I'm using about 900W, 75A with it running and batteries holding at 12.4 V
remote display on the inverter is showing a 50% output which is too high.

http://gpelectric.com/products/3000-watt-pure-sine-wave-inverter

3000W continuous, 6000W surge.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Mar 09, 2018
My 2000 watt MSW inverter runs my big microwave just fine.
I agree with all suggestions above.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 09, 2018
Yes very odd. You are certain there are no other loads on before you hit go on the MW?

My GP 2000 SW runs my Dometic MW just fine at about 1700 watts. 4x GC2 no assist unless the sun is shining.

I would be checking actual power draw with a clap-on ammeter. Check both the AC out and the DC in. Also verify DC voltage on the actual inverter terminals.

Has it run the MW previously?