Question on MSW vs PSW inverter
I have a Lance TC and am looking at installing a GoPower 600W modified sine wave inverter that I have had for about a year, never installed. I want to be able to power small items like phone charger ...
Forum Discussion
burningman and a few other get it.
A large enough either MSW or PSW inverter turned on to provide 110 AC to your highest demand electrical item or even the lesser demand electrical items for a short run time like a microwave etc when using the higher output inverter, then turn off the large inverter and it draws zero watts. Period! Not wise to use a hairdryer off an inverter's battery bank unless the battery bank is HUGE as they are a direct high resistance short of the AC current and are usually 1800+ watts draw and will usually be run for over 5 to 10+ minutes and will deplete an average battery bank fast. Especially if more than one person uses it. Even worse than using an inverter to run an electric heating cube that is 1500 watts (5,000 BTU).
If wanting to charge low watt draw items, buy a cheap 100 to 400 watt inverter which has a much lower slave wattage draw and nearly all can be plugged into a 12V type lighter outlet. Smart to turn even them off also when not actually being used for AC use. No one says you can't also hardwire to your larger inverter's incoming 12V and have it right next to it so you can use the right tool for the task at hand.
This way you'll have the best of both worlds and the wisest use of your batteries stored energy.
A large enough either MSW or PSW inverter turned on to provide 110 AC to your highest demand electrical item or even the lesser demand electrical items for a short run time like a microwave etc when using the higher output inverter, then turn off the large inverter and it draws zero watts. Period! Not wise to use a hairdryer off an inverter's battery bank unless the battery bank is HUGE as they are a direct high resistance short of the AC current and are usually 1800+ watts draw and will usually be run for over 5 to 10+ minutes and will deplete an average battery bank fast. Especially if more than one person uses it. Even worse than using an inverter to run an electric heating cube that is 1500 watts (5,000 BTU).
If wanting to charge low watt draw items, buy a cheap 100 to 400 watt inverter which has a much lower slave wattage draw and nearly all can be plugged into a 12V type lighter outlet. Smart to turn even them off also when not actually being used for AC use. No one says you can't also hardwire to your larger inverter's incoming 12V and have it right next to it so you can use the right tool for the task at hand.
This way you'll have the best of both worlds and the wisest use of your batteries stored energy.
