Microwave Overloading my 3000W inverter
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Mar-08-2018 02:59 PM
So my generator quit working on me the other day. Until I can find some help to pull it out of my RV and change the starter I've been using my inverter.
I've got a 3000W GoPower pure sine wave inverter. 8x 6v AGM batteries wired as a 12V bank with around 1k AH. Everything is wired with 4/0 gauge wires.
It connects to a transfer switch along with the shore power cord. It also has a relay in there that shuts off the converter when the inverter is on.
It should surely be enough to run my microwave. It's only 800W or 1200W at most. I run the engine to compensate for the voltage drop.
When I try running the microwave the OUTPUT on my remote display maxes out and the inverter shuts off with the overload protection.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
William
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Mar-08-2018 05:25 PM
Are the batteries wired in a balanced manner?
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Mar-08-2018 05:17 PM
WTrippe wrote:GordonThree wrote:
X2 on 2oldman's suggestions.
My humble opinion, 2-0 isn't enough for that size inverter, but I'm a pessimist and wire for worst case and then some.
Manual suggested 4/0 so I stepped it up to 2/0.
sorry 4/0 is much higher capacity than 2/0. 4/0 wire is larger cross section than 2/0.
BTW I use 4/0 with my 1000W sine wave inverter to run my panasonic true inverter microwave. draws about 800VA at 50% power.
and a 1200W microwave refers to the output power of the magnetron. with a 1200W microwave, actual VA draw is likely close to 1600 or even 1800VA. you have the power supply efficiency and the fact it is not a resistive load but an inductive load.
But, with proper wiring and 4 or more 6V batteries, I would expect you should be able to run the microwave.
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Mar-08-2018 05:06 PM
SidecarFlip wrote:
I don't believe your wiring is heavy enough. I use welding cable myself.
I have no problem with my MW pulling 120 amps with four feet of #1 AWG (8 ft round trip) staying above the 11 volt alarm with the batts down near 50% SOC. (0.6v drop) He has way fatter wiring than that (don't know how long though).
His readings with the coffee maker are very good, so can't see the inverter-battery wiring as an issue. Something about the complicated installation set -up as to what is wired to what is my guess.
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Mar-08-2018 04:33 PM
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Mar-08-2018 04:29 PM
What is the 3a on standby compared with the 6a water heater? 3a 120v??? Makes no sense. Inverter on standby, no load, would have maybe 1/2 an amp DC although inverter/chargers seem to have more what with their extra "features".
What is the "output" all about? Not following. 😞
Like the others, I have no problem running the MW with a 2000w inverter. But I don't have a remote display and transfer switch and relay etc. I plug the shore power cable into the Inverter and shut off the converter etc manually.
on Ford E350-460-7.5 Gas EFI
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Mar-08-2018 04:27 PM
GordonThree wrote:
4/0 is a lot heavier than 2/0
my mistake, I checked my amazon orders.
This is the wire I used.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIB60WW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
TEMCo WC0342 - 50' (25' Blk, 25' Red) 4/0 Gauge AWG Welding Lead & Car Battery Cable Copper Wire BLACK + RED | MADE IN USA
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Mar-08-2018 04:22 PM
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Mar-08-2018 04:21 PM
time2roll wrote:
Yes very odd. You are certain there are no other loads on before you hit go on the MW?
My GP 2000 SW runs my Dometic MW just fine at about 1700 watts. 4x GC2 no assist unless the sun is shining.
I would be checking actual power draw with a clap-on ammeter. Check both the AC out and the DC in. Also verify DC voltage on the actual inverter terminals.
Has it run the MW previously?
Yes it has run the MW before. I remember making popcorn with it when I only had 4 batteries and it would drop the voltage down to below 12V but the output would be around 50% at most. After I got 8 batteries I tried it again and the voltage stayed above 12V with a 50% draw. I didn't use it for a long time I've been using the generator to make coffee and cook with until now.
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Mar-08-2018 04:18 PM
GordonThree wrote:
X2 on 2oldman's suggestions.
My humble opinion, 2-0 isn't enough for that size inverter, but I'm a pessimist and wire for worst case and then some.
Manual suggested 4/0 so I stepped it up to 2/0.
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Mar-08-2018 04:12 PM
My GP 2000 SW runs my Dometic MW just fine at about 1700 watts. 4x GC2 no assist unless the sun is shining.
I would be checking actual power draw with a clap-on ammeter. Check both the AC out and the DC in. Also verify DC voltage on the actual inverter terminals.
Has it run the MW previously?
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Mar-08-2018 04:12 PM
I agree with all suggestions above.
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Mar-08-2018 04:08 PM
MrWizard wrote:
fridge ?
wiring ?
inverter failure ?
MW is on its way out ?
is that 3000 peak watts? or continuous watts
try (2) electric heaters on different circuits
heater and foreman grill
any combo over 2000w and see 'how' it functions
Fridge runs off the propane.
I started up the coffee maker without the engine running so I could see the draw.
I'm using about 900W, 75A with it running and batteries holding at 12.4 V
remote display on the inverter is showing a 50% output which is too high.
http://gpelectric.com/products/3000-watt-pure-sine-wave-inverter
3000W continuous, 6000W surge.
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Mar-08-2018 03:52 PM
So when you...need...to microwave...a real need...you are running your generator AND your TV or MH engine? How about your toad? Kick that engine too. Should be enough.
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Mar-08-2018 03:44 PM
wiring ?
inverter failure ?
MW is on its way out ?
is that 3000 peak watts? or continuous watts
try (2) electric heaters on different circuits
heater and foreman grill
any combo over 2000w and see 'how' it functions
But I Can Not understand it for you !
....
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Mar-08-2018 03:34 PM
WTrippe wrote:Those are also high draw items, the only difference being MW's have a startup surge. It is possible the 2/0 won't take that.
Foreman grill, coffee maker, rice cooker all work fine .
Try running the air conditioner.