Inverter Output Power Question

[KenS999]

Hello,

If for example, an RV pure sine wave inverter is rated at 2,000W continuous output power and is equipped with three electrical outlets, would each individual outlet be limited to only 1/3 of the available 2000W or... can a single outlet draw the entire 2000 Watts of available output power, if the remaining two outlets are not used?

Thanks, Ken

[pianotuna]

Definitely the welding cable.

[ktmrfs]

KenS999 wrote:
What gauge wire would you recommend between 12v batteries and inverter using a 2000 watt inverter? Length of cable run should be under 10 ft. A 900 watt microwave will be the largest appliance I will be running on the inverter. Thanks, Ken

go with 4/0 welding cable for that length and current. Voltage drop is your enemy. welding shop can make up cable and lugs for you.

[time2roll]

2/0 minimum. 4/0 and 400 amp/hr minimum for lead-acid batteries.
Otherwise what does the manual say? 6-10 feet is getting a bit long.

900 watt is probably cooking power. Input power is closer to 1300 to 1500 watts.

[KenS999]

What gauge wire would you recommend between 12v batteries and inverter using a 2000 watt inverter? Length of cable run should be under 10 ft. A 900 watt microwave will be the largest appliance I will be running on the inverter. Thanks, Ken

[ktmrfs]

unless the inverter outlets are 20A outlets, you won't be able to plug in anything that draws 2000VA anyway 20A, one vertical, one horizontal blade. Very uncommon for home appliances.

[KenS999]

Thank you, Ken

[MrWizard]

I have 2000/4000 PSW watt inverter , i use one socket of the duplex outlet and can power anything i choose, i often use the inverter to heat up food or coffee, i don't know of any home/RV MW that uses more than 1675 watts input for 1100 cooking watts,
In short "you are good to go"
I have run the mw, vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, even my electric impact wrench, 1800w heat gun, hair dryer,
You just need enough battery capacity to supply the needed power

[wa8yxm]

KenS999 wrote:
Hello,

If for example, an RV pure sine wave inverter is rated at 2,000W continuous output power and is equipped with three electrical outlets, would each individual outlet be limited to only 1/3 of the available 2000W or... can a single outlet draw the entire 2000 Watts of available output power, if the remaining two outlets are not used?

Thanks, Ken

Most outlets are only rated for 15 amps short term 12.5 long or 1500 watts if you like RV outlets about 2/3 of that safely due to the way they are built. But if you have upgraded to 12 ga wire or bigger feeding 15/20 amp outlets then you can plug a 2,000 watt load into a single outlet and it will be OK.

NOTE: If they are daisy chained like this.
Inverter=====Outlet1=====Outlet2=====Outlet3

Then the first outlet (Outlet1) carries the FULL load of all 3 thorough it's punch down connector.. at 2,000 watts this can start a fire.

Also note that where the inverter puts out Watts. the wires and outlets deliver amps.. Most folks think watts/volts = amps that is not correct for inductive loads like motors IS for resistive loads like heaters. but not for motors (The fan in a forced air heater is not big enough to make a serious difference)

Watts = Volts * Amps * Power factor I've seen some seriously LOW power factors.

[time2roll]

There are a few that will split the power where there is 50% available at each of two outlets.
Best to post the make and model number before you click and buy.

A top brand will supply full power from a single outlet.

[KenS999]

Okay, thanks for confirming that .

[deltabravo]

KenS999 wrote:
Thanks for the quick reply. So if I understand correctly... Each outlet is not relegated to 1/3 of the total power output? Is that correct? I would need to have that available 2000w to only one outlet, to run a microwave.
Thanks, Ken

Correct. You can run a microwave.

I do.
My inverter is wired so it can power all circuits in my electrical panel.

Here's my installation video

[pianotuna]

a very few may combine three small inverters, which does limit the output per plug.

None of mine do that.

[Roger10378]

I don't think that any outlets are made that are not capable of 15 amps(1800 watts) or more. If there is a single breaker or fuse on the output then the total would be available to any or all outlets. If there are 3 breakers or fuses then they might be divided equally.

[KenS999]

Thanks for the quick reply. So if I understand correctly... Each outlet is not relegated to 1/3 of the total power output? Is that correct? I would need to have that available 2000w to only one outlet, to run a microwave.
Thanks, Ken