Why is 700 Watt microwave shutting down 2,000 Watt inverter?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by JC1971, Mar 2, 2025.

  1. sbaumann14

    sbaumann14 Road Train Member

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    I’ve got 2 gauge cables going to my 3000 watt inverter. I run the truck on high idle, about 1000 rpms while I use my 1000 watt microwave and have no problems. I’m thinking you either need new batteries ($475 for 4 960cca at the Freightliner dealer in Richmond VA last week) or u need bigger cables.
     
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    As above - the 700W unit will demand up to 2100W at peak - the 2,000w inverter SHOULD handle the work IF the batteries and connections are up to the task.

    You could buy a 3k inverter and run into the same issue if connections are compromised.
     
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  4. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    The beep is coming from the inverter, not the truck like I thought. I just bought the microwave so I'm pretty sure it's been doing it from the beginning.

    Xantrex Freedom 2000. Have no idea of what the cable size.

    No. You have to take off the side step. I don't want to do that. I don't have the tools or know how. I'll ask the shop to check it next time the truck is in.

    Yep. Chicken pot pie for more than ten minutes. I didn't know you couldn't run the microwave that long. I just figured 2,000 Watt inverter, 700 Watt microwave, everything is fine. Guess not.

    I know that electrical devices pull more current when starting. It doesn't shut off right away. All the other stuff like testing is beyond my capabilities.

    I don't even think this truck has high idle. I've never been able to do it.
     
  5. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Confirm the exact model of the inverter.
    Some electronic devices do not like cheaper modified sine wave inverters. Some things will only run right on pure sine wave inverters.
    Some Xantrec Freedom lines are the modified, some are pure sine wave.
    If it is a pure sine wave one, then it must not be getting enough power from the batteries. Too small supply wires, not enough output from the alternator at low idle, etc.
     
  6. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

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    It's supposed to be a Pure Sine Wave as far as I know.
     
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  7. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    more than likely it’s a loose/dirty connection. When it does it grab the cables and see if they are getting warmer than normal(hot). It could also be like someone else mentioned the cables could be two small. Stepping up a cable size would fix that. Also check the cable ends. If they have a lot of corrosion it creates resistance which will cause this problem. Either way you are going to have to open the battery box.
     
  8. Gridaxe5588

    Gridaxe5588 Light Load Member

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    I can tell you this from my experience, I have what I think is one of the best inverters you can buy the Magnum MS2012-20B pure sine wave, it's what Bolt sleepers puts in their big bunk sleepers, with brand new batteries/165 amp alternator and running down the road at 70mph, if my wife needs to run ours for any length of time she has to fire up the generator to keep it from dragging the batteries down to the point of ours throwing the low battery warning.
     

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