Inverters

[MASH]

I need a small inverter for charging flashlight/tool/phone etc batteries - not for power hungry applications.

Are any types more or less suitable for this job? Any input / experience?

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[capt_courageous]

I just went to a local caravan shop to buy one. There are many manufacturers of these devices. Get one rated at least 100 watts - runs a portable tele. I should have bought one with an RCD for safety. Just because it runs off a battery does not mean it cant kill you.

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[redhot]

I think Maplins do a 150 watt modified sine inverter for £40. I use a modified sine and the only thing it wont power so far, is my laptop. Still, until pure sine come down from 3 times the price of modified, I'll stick with it.

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[Courageous]

Just thought I'd chip in (in my own inimitable way) to let you know that capt_courageous is NOT me, he's an imposter! I remain (hopefully for the moment) "First Officer Courageous"!

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[William_H]

Can you get an inverter with RCD? I would think that the square wave would really confuse sensing circuits. Yes it certainly can kill you though. It is highly likely however that all the devices you might use on your low powered inverter are so called double insulated with no earth connection anyway.
regards will

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[capt_courageous]

Acting First Officer Courageous
Your rank is now subject to review.

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[Courageous]

doh!......... me an my big mouth!

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[AndrewB]

We just connect our square-wave inverter direct to the shore-line RCD so as to power the mains circuits - no obvious problems and it tests OK.

I reckon its worth getting an inverter a little larger than you think you'll need as small ones I've had seemed pushed at full load. Check that its rating is at continuous output, it used to be the blurb stressed the maximum output. The battery cables to the inverter may need to be uprated, its no good thinking you can just plug a 300w inverter into a lightweight 10 amp yacht circuit. Remember there is a power overhead on using an inverter whenever it is turned on, even if nothing is plugged in.

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[Rick]

I hope the solution isn't quite that simple - I've seen a boat where the inverter was directly coupled to the onboard AC wiring - suggested a change that they adopted, as when the inverter was on, the male prongs on the shore socket were live - they now plug an extension lead from the inverter to the shore power socket.

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[MASH]

Thanks all, Maplin's it is then.

And capt courageous, sorry but as the marine world knows full well when challenged the captain of a ship only identifies himself with the ship's name, so courageous is, by definition, captain of courageous, and despite his natural self deprecating diffidence he aint no jimmy the one, he is the Main Man! Orlright??

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[Courageous]

Big smiles now! Hugs all round..... hehe!

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[capt_courageous]

The name refers to my personality and high moral values - not to a ship. I too tried an RCD and it worked ok. My inverter is a Sterling if that means anything - rated at 200w max 150w cont. It claims to have a 'near' sine output.

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[AndrewB]

Yes, very important point. On my boat I inserted a plug and socket between the shore-side inlet socket and the RCD, so the plug can be transferred over to the inverter, leaving the inlet socket out of circuit. But your way is just as good.

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[abraxus]

Hi guys,

I'm a returning visitor, after a bit of an absence.

I have a couple of additional questions as I'm also thinking about installing an inverter to power a tv/dvd, which is about 20ft from the batteries, and maybe a laptop too. I'm thinking of a 600w inverter, and would appreciate the advice of someone experienced so that I don't overlook anything.

To minimise the 12v cable run, I intend to install the inverter about 5ft from the batteries (in the aft berth) and connect the positive to the battery switch, rather than direct to the battery as stated in the instructions, is this ok/sensible? I intend to put a fuse a couple of inches from this connection but do I size this according to the inverter continuous output of 600w, ie a 75amp fuse, or do I size it according to the peak output of 1000w?

I will then connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the battery. Do I also need to run a ground cable direct to the engine block? My feeling is yes, but as these inverters dont seem to come with one I'm unsure.

Finally, to deliver the 240v to the appliances, rather than connect in to the shore power circuit I was thinking of using an extension cable and replacing the plug on this with an RCD plug to cover any items that are plugged in to the extension cable. Are there any reasons why this wouldn't be feasible?

Apologies for the long post but I wanted to give as much detail as possible so that I can do this properly, practically abd safely.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

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