Inverter ventilation

[Colo_Native]

Has anyone with a FW added ventilation to the front compartment? It is open on both sides where the propane tanks are, is that enough? Installed a Magnum 2812 and it recommends 100cfm air flow to keep the temp from rising over 68 degrees, OR is this just a case of over thinking.

[Colo_Native]

OK, I am wondering if this thing gives off that much heat then why would you want it in the basement with little to no ventilation although mine is ducted with heat and maybe A/C. Mine seems to be set up like Roy B's. The other issue is this thing weights 50 Lbs. so putting anywhere could be an problem to support it. The battery issue is it the same with AGM's as they are sealed?

[wa8yxm]

landyacht318 wrote:
Cool electronics are happy electronics.

I like that... Very good, I may use it some day. (reason for quoting)


To the O/P. Propane and electronics not a good mix.. Just so you know.. Have seen what happens when just a small amount of Propane encounters a spark. (Impressive, but thankfully no damage as I said SMALL amount, very small)

However if you are willing to take that risk, The trick is to avoid sparks.. Many fans can be found with BRUSHLESS motors that run on 12 volts.. You may even have one (Either 12 or 5 volts) in front of you right now. since they are common in Computers. Very common in fact.

A few of these (I once got a 12 pack for 10 BUCKS, and use most of them scattered about the RV) can move a lot of air, Some of them a LOT of air.

One of them is bolted to the side of the compartment where my Inverter is,, It is fed via a T-Stat (Disc type) off the batteries, Behind it is a hole, and behind that an automotive air filter (keeps dust and **** out of the compartment and the wall of the next compartment (Nice tight fit)

In another spot is another hole, another air filter and a plywood flat to seal it off.

Moves just about the amount of air you cited.

[Colo_Native]

Inverter has 2 internal fans.

[2oldman]

My a/c is ducted into the basement where all my power stuff is.

[RoyB]

My Flagstaff 8528RESS has a front compartment door where my batteries are installed as well as two small side doors (one of each side) where propane tanks are installed. These three compartments are somewhat sealed from the basement area. These three areas all have open floor areas that will drain fluids directly onto the earth ground.


google image

However these areas will be prone to Battery fumes or Propane fumes and you would not want to install a Power Inverter in either of these three locations. Power Inverters may create sparks with its switching modes electronics and you are warned not to install close to batteries or any other dangerous flammable fumes that may be present...

If your front areas are like mine I would install a Power Inverter like you have referred to in the sealed basement area and use wall vents if one is needed...

Roy Ken

[2oldman]

Oh. Never mind.

[westend]

As was posted, cool electronics are happy electronics. A small fan blowing across the case is a good idea. As long as the compartment temperature is not very warm, say 150f, you should be fine. The discrete components that make up the inverter inside the case are all rated into the 100 C plus range. Depending on how high your loads are, I would monitor the case temperature with your hand. If you can touch or keep your hand on the case for a few seconds, that should be within operating range.

[Colo_Native]

2oldman wrote:
68°? I don't think too many of us can accomplish that. It's almost 90° in Quartzsite today.

I believe it is 68 over ambient. Here is it from the book: When mounted in an enclosed compartment, airflow must be ?
100 cfm in order to maintain no more than a 68°F (20°C) rise in compartment temperature.

[2oldman]

68°? I don't think too many of us can accomplish that. It's almost 90° in Quartzsite today.

[landyacht318]

Cool electronics are happy electronics.

Magnum inverter/chargers, are not cheap.

A 100 CFM computer fan, in comparison, is.

Actually 2 50 cfm fans, one pushing and one pulling would be more effective for less noise.

Look into Noctua NF-f12. Very quiet, ~53 CFM, and only consume 0.05 amps at 12v. 7 year warranty. Many fans will consume double this amperage to move less air at twoce the noise level.

They sell industrial versions that spin faster and are rated against dust and moisture intrusion.

In my opinion, Noctua computer fans are the best available.