Inverter Wiring Question

[ekrauska]

First, I'm sorry if this isn't the correct board for this question.  Please advise if it should be moved somewhere else.

I have recently purchases a modified sine wave inverter for my RV.  It's a 1200 watt continuous, 3200 watt peak.  I need this installed inside my RV and my batteries (2 12 volt in parallel) are on the tongue of the trailer.  The wire will need to be approximately 20' in length.  What size wire or type should I use to run this?

Thanks!

[sk windpirate]

Hi ekrausa

All my power inverters clearly state.. NO more than 5FT of wire between the battery and the inverter. Check the instruction manual that came with your inverter. That will give you the info you will require. I have a 1500 watt that can heat up a 0 gauge welding cable after a good work out. And remember these inverters will draw your battery down very fast.

 

[ghurd]

Your best chance may be placing the inverter in the front storage area, then run the AC longer distances.

That 1200W is a lot of power.  I'm guessing you were thinking microwave or coffee pot or?  Pretty much need to forget about those heating devices.  The batteries don't have enough `umph' to run that stuff long enough to be worth the bother of trying to keep them charged.

If you are just thinking small TV and DVD player you will be happier.

G-

[ADMIN]

Yep - keep the inverter close to the batteries, but in a separate compartment to avoid problems with explosive gasses from the batteries. With that inverter, I'd be comfortable with going 10 feet on #0000 welding cable, but that's expensive wire at over $3 a foot for both the + and - wires. I'd go 5 feet on #00. 20 feet is way too far--your power losses would be tremendous, and it could be dangerous for heat buildup and fire danger. You'll hardly ever need to access your inverter, except turning it on and off, there's got to be somewhere near the bulkhead you can mount it. Then you can run plain old #12 romex any distance you want at 120 volts AC out of the inverter.

ADMIN