Wiring inverter

IMHO a 500W inverter is not enough of a jump over the 400W plugins to be worth the install hassle.

On the 1500W use 4AWG wire. A 100amp circuit breaker (or fuse, but higher than 60 is hard to come by) should be within 12-18" of the battery. Don't forget to use loom or at least a grommet when going through the cab.

 

That's right, I forgot. Those ones advertised as 400's that plug in only get 130W or so when plugged into the 12V. They have to clamp or wire into the battery to get the full 400W. Yeah you're doing the right thing. 8 or 10awg wiring will get it.

 

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ing-a-power-inverter-pictures.html#post833020

 

The distance the invertor is from the battery, and the size of the invertor will determin the wire gauge. When mounting it within about 3 meters of the battery, this is about standard. 500w/1000w surge- 8 gauge, 800w/1600w surge- 6 gauge, 1200w/2400w surge- 4 gauge, 1600w/3200w surge- 2 gauge, 2000w/4000w surge- 0 gauge. 4000w/8000w surge- 00 gauge, 5400w/10,000w surge- 000 gauge.
Small invertors are normally internally fused, larger ones require an external fuse. 1500w/3000w surge requires a 200amp fuse, 2000w/4000w surge recommends a 400amp fuse. These fuses are available online. If you need info on where to buy, PM me, and I will research where my 400amp fuse was purchased from. I run a 2000w/4000w in my Freightliner.

Something to be aware of is the standby power consumption. The larger the invertor, the more power it consumes on standby.

I hope this helps.

 

Using jumper cables is a bad idea on anything bigger than a 400w, and really not a good idea with any sized inverter. Jumper cables are not designed to withstand prolonged use. I know guys do use them, but it's really not at all wise. Ask any electronics guru (which I'm far from) and they'll tell you the same. If they say you won't have any problems, then they don't know what they're talking about IMHO.

 

My 3000w inverter is internally fused. 20 30amp fuses to be exact.

 

Yep, I have MELTED jumper cables just jumping a vehicle.

 

Remember it is VERY important to fuse the power wire as close to the power source (Battery) as possible. It is useless to have it anywhere else, for example close to the inverter. If the fuse blows the wire that is routed thru-out the truck is still live. Can still arc and cause fire.

As for what guage wire to use, up to 1000 watts is good for 8 guage. 1000 and over i suggest 6 guage or even 4. The wires are not cheap, but with it being electrical and succeptiple to fire i would suggest spending the money and doing it right the first time.