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WTrippe's avatar
WTrippe
Explorer
Mar 08, 2018

Microwave Overloading my 3000W inverter

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
  • GordonThree's avatar
    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.
  • WTrippe's avatar
    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.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    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?)

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