Inverter problems?

[snowycreek]

How do you test an inverter to see if it's bad??? What are some things to look for?

Electric bill is horrendous. Everything seems to check out ok in the camper itself.

[billmac]

When I question the amount of electricity use, I grab this simple meter.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/P3-International-Kill-A-Watt-Electricity-Usage-Monitor/14282370

[Me_Again]

snowycreek wrote:
Thanks, everyone! I'm not savvy when it comes to ac/dc and electric things.
But I'm still open for more ideas. Maybe it isn't the inverter. Maybe it's the batteries? Something is drawing way too much juice. I'll go check the meter when the dryer is running. Please keep the ideas coming.

You could start by correctly calling it a convertor! Chris

[snowycreek]

Thanks, everyone! I'm not savvy when it comes to ac/dc and electric things.
But I'm still open for more ideas. Maybe it isn't the inverter. Maybe it's the batteries? Something is drawing way too much juice. I'll go check the meter when the dryer is running. Please keep the ideas coming.

[HappyKayakers]

snowycreek wrote:
Thanks, HappyKayakers, for posting the elec. usages...it gives us something to go on. We have the refrigerator and WH both on electric. I have a washer/dryer that I use quite often. Other than that, we use the tv more in the winter, less in summer....and a computer off and on. That's it. Tooo much??

Here's a site to check average consumption: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use
My guess would be your clothes dryer is the culprit. A quick way to find out is looking at your electric meter (how fast it's spinning) with the dryer off, then on.

[avvidclif1]

Can we get the terminology straight, my mind is reeling.
Inverter: Runs on 12VDC and puts out 120VAC
Converter: Runs on 120VAC and puts out 12VDC

Continue on,

[larry_barnhart]

The inverter does not have to be on the inverter position but to test it have it on and plug the plug at the power box. Light stay on it works if lights go off it is not working. The inverter can make electricity but not charge the batteries. This would be another problem of course. We had our inverter stop charging the 4 batteries so I ran a cord from the power box to my 15 amp charger I carry and charge the batteries and use the inverter for electricity. Not good if it is hot.
chevman

[time2roll]

snowycreek wrote:
How do you test an inverter to see if it's bad??? What are some things to look for?

Electric bill is horrendous. Everything seems to check out ok in the camper itself.

Check the battery but I think you have other stuff that is wheezing the juice.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

If it is an absorption fridge, it may use about 5 kwh per day.

The water heater, if no water is drawn off may cycle every four hours and run for about 15 minutes. That would amount to a further 2 kwh per day--plus any time the hot water is actually in use. If water is drawn off twice per day that may account for a further 3 kwh per day.

The tv probably draws well under 100 watts--so it would take ten hours use to get to 1 kwh per day.

Daily Summary:

5 kwh fridge
5 kwh water heater
1 kwh for tv, computer and etc.

11 kwh per day x 30 = 330 kwh per month.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

If it is an absorption fridge, it may use about 5 kwh per day.

The water heater, if no water is drawn off may cycle every four hours and run for about 15 minutes. That would amount to a further 2 kwh per day--plus any time the hot water is actually in use. If water is drawn off twice per day that may account for a further 3 kwh per day.

The tv probably draws well under 100 watts--so it would take ten hours use to get to 1 kwh per day.

Daily Summary:

5 kwh fridge
5 kwh water heater
1 kwh for tv, computer and etc.

11 kwh per day x 30 = 330 kwh per month.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

If it is an absorption fridge, it may use about 5 kwh per day.

The water heater, if no water is drawn off may cycle every four hours and run for about 15 minutes. That would amount to a further 2 kwh per day--plus any time the hot water is actually in use. If water is drawn off twice per day that may account for a further 3 kwh per day.

The tv probably draws well under 100 watts--so it would take ten hours use to get to 1 kwh per day.

Daily Summary:

5 kwh fridge
5 kwh water heater
1 kwh for tv, computer and etc.

11 kwh per day x 30 = 330 kwh per month.

[snowycreek]

Thanks, HappyKayakers, for posting the elec. usages...it gives us something to go on. We have the refrigerator and WH both on electric. I have a washer/dryer that I use quite often. Other than that, we use the tv more in the winter, less in summer....and a computer off and on. That's it. Tooo much??

[HappyKayakers]

Yep, probably need to look at your electric usage if the bill is horrendous. Mine is $40/mth without using AC, and running frig and WH on propane. Next door neighbors (in similar size 5er) run $100/mth running the AC a lot and all appliances on electric.

[Allworth]

The inverter changes 12Volts DC from the battery to 120Volts AC for appliances.


Not sure what that would have to do with the electric bill.