Need help choosing a pure sine wave inverter

[joanw2947]

I am planning to replace my current modified sine wave inverter (Xantrex PRO XM1000 MSW). Xantrex has quit making the PROsine 1000 that I was considering. I am now looking at a COTEK ST1000-112 or a WFCO WF-5110H. Do you have any experience with these units or any information that would help me make a decision? Thanks.

[time2roll]

Hardwire solution for smallish inverter with only an outlet:

http://www.donrowe.com/KISAE-TS15A-Automatic-Transfer-Switch-p/ts15a.htm

[Tequila]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

You may wish to look at the cheaper Xantrex Prowatt line.

http://www.bestconverter.com/Prowatt-SW1000-Sine-Wave-Inverter_p_374.html#.VlkNcF7k-1t

$287 for the 1000 watt and $347.50 for the 2000 watt.

I'd go with the 2000 watt as the extra capacity means the inverter won't often be working hard.

Ok I used to be an electrician and I have to comment on this. First of all, inverters do not work hard. If they have the capacity, they can handle more draw on them. a 1000 watt inverter feeding a 200 watt draw is no less efficient than an 2000 watt inverter doing the same. The big thing is that the larger the invertor, the heavier the guage of wire you require to feed them from The Battery, and the closer to the battery it probably needs to be. I am sure there are plenty of do it yourself instalations out there that are a fire waiting to happen. A 2000 watt inverter requires a pretty heafty battery feed, something like #4 depending on how far away the battery is. Good idea ot load up your inverter with all the stuff you could conceivably run off it and feel that battery feed wire. If it's warm you have an issue.

[joanw2947]

Thanks for all of the information you have provided. It is so helpful to have concrete data to follow up on. I can hit the internet now and make a decision.

[pianotuna]

None of mine have been hard wired on the 120 volt side. Instead they have fed an outlet into which I plug in the shore power cord. This allows for maximum flexibility and means that when I come across an extra sensitive GFI outlet, I can by pass the inverter quickly and easily.

2oldman wrote:
All my inverters have been hard-wired.

[allen8106]

Magnum MMS1012, because Handy Bob said so.

[2oldman]

joanw2947 wrote:
Sorry. I forgot to include that the inverter has to be hard wired.

All my inverters have been hard-wired.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

So add a male plug to the "hard wire" and insert it into the output of the inverter.

joanw2947 wrote:
Sorry. I forgot to include that the inverter has to be hard wired.

[WNYBob]

I have a Samlex SSW-2000-12A in my pickup, with a remote status/on off panel. Very satisfied. Site has many wiring diagrams, to help with instalation.

[dahkota]

bbaker2001 wrote:
best converter.com Randy will give good advice
I have a 350 watt. trying to figure why would one need 1000 or even 2000
all my lights are 12volt.

Our coffee pot takes 900W and various other appliances need 300 - 750W. So we have a 1200W.All our lights are also 12V.

[12thgenusa]

With a little ingenuity the ProWatt can be "hard wired". I used a standard three-prong plug with a short piece of 14-3 power cord to a j-box located close to the inverter. From there ran standard 14-3 Romex to the manual transfer switch located next to the power distribution panel.

[bbaker2001]

best converter.com Randy will give good advice
I have a 350 watt. trying to figure why would one need 1000 or even 2000
all my lights are 12volt.

[joanw2947]

Sorry. I forgot to include that the inverter has to be hard wired.

[time2roll]

I have and recommend go power brand. Not exactly the low cost solution.
What ever you choose I also recommend separate components.

1000 always seems like an odd size. Usually suggest 300 or 2000. If 1000 is what you need then it is fine.

[2oldman]

I've run a Prosine (excellent),a Samlex (decent) and now running a Cotek 4kw inverter. It's only been in a couple weeks, but so far seems fine.