Inverters

Mr Cassandra

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Just came back from sailing in the med for 6 months Realy missed 240v power tools .So I have been looking for a12v to 240v inverter in all the sailing Mags 600wsine wave inverter cost in excess of £350 some as much as £600 called in to a retailer called Maplins lot of stores all over the place They had 150wDC-AC from £39.99And 800w sinewave inverters at £139.99inc VAt Just shows you get away from Yachting and the cost disapear Bob T No involvment with the Co
 
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I seem to remember an article about inverters in one of the mags a few months ago.

Apparently, the cheaper ones can suffer from variable voltage which can make some equipment difficult to use. Also there is a noise penalty on the cheaper ones.

However, I intend buying one to get some decent light down below. I like the idea of say a 60W bulb which should not be much of a drain so reading, cooking, eating and playing Scrabble is more of a pleasure.
 

Stemar

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Re: decent light

You probably don't need an inverter to get decent light. I have low voltage halogen lighting at home that is fed by a transformer. I don't see any good reason why they shouldn't work fine with 12v DC Both spots and downlighters are available, with 20 - 60 watt bulbs, The bulbs are a lot more efficient than ordinary 60w pearls, and you avoid the inevitable inefficiencies of turning 12v DC into 240 AC - and the shock potential. Just be a bit careful with the installation, because the bulbs do run quite hot.
 
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Re: decent light

Thanks Stemar !

Info is much appreciated.
 

Geoffs

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I don't know about the Maplin ones, but I bought a 300w inverter from Merlin Equipment of Poole (01202 697979). It is excellent, I've run it up to 300watts (three 100w bulbs), with little voltage drop, fan cooled and hardly gets warm. No load current 0.25 amp, 28amps on full load. Runs hedge trimmer, drill, small TV etc., all of which have quite high inrush currents. It cost £60. I think they do a 600w for about £100.
 
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Merlin Equipment have 600w units at £ 99.99 inc VAT good quality too 01202697979
 
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