Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 09:07:01 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Power inverter selection
In-Reply-To: <48efb0$5terbk@out02.roch.ny.frontiernet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
When it comes to inverters you need to think in watts and then how they
relate to current at 12 volts. Your battery, and if used while driving, the
charging circuit needs to handle the load of the inverter, charging the
battery, and any other loads on it. Figure every 100 watts needs close to 10
amps. You need to consider the complete charging circuit all the way from
the alternator. Truly supporting a 600 watt inverter load means a 60 amp
charge circuit, #6 wire to avoid voltage drop and this is more than 1/2 your
alternator capacity. You also need to consider battery size. For long time
use you want the battery A/H rating to be at least 2, preferably 4 or 5
times the expected 12 volt load. Discharging a battery too fast will cause
the voltage to drop rapidly and shut the inverter down.
You do not want to back feed the outlets in the van. It is a code violation,
dangerous, and just should not even be considered. If you are going to do
any type of permanent installation on the 120 volt side than the inverter
needs to be designed for that purpose and UL listed for use in a
recreational vehicle. You will also need some type of transfer switch, plug
arrangement, something to ensure the male plug outside cannot feed into
inverter or the inverter can not energize the outside plug. Same (listing
requirement), also goes for permanently installed chargers. This mostly due
to neutral connections and grounding requirements and reasons I cannot
quickly explain. The Vanagon is small enough that a cord can easily be
placed from the inverter to whatever you are using.
The space behind the driver's seat is a good location. Protect and secure
the wires.
Dennis
----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jonce Fancher
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 7:18 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Power inverter selection
Hi all
I have been wanting to do some add ons to the westy vanagon that I have and
need to know if others have spent way to much time researching the
installing such items.
The power inverter.
I have a cigarette style power inverter that gives like 6-7 amps maybe in
110v ac.
But wish to have approx 12-15 amp converter that will be reliable AND semi
compact.
Planning on installing behind the driver seat ( Unless better suggested
elsewhere ). Also could mount and remote the cords to a better location with
a gfci if needed. Looking for a clean look and dependable. Already have
plans for the dual battery ( have the set up, But need to go get another
battery). I have installed a power strip behind the drivers seat that I will
be changing to a cleaner looking one.
I will use the inverter to Back feed the outlets in the Vanagon when driving
to let the kids plug in their stuff in travel mode. Also have installed a 2
gang outdoor plugs by the back hatch in the rear cabinet as well as low
voltage interior lighting and a switch by the sliding door for turning
lights on and off with another 2 outlets at the slider. I also have a wizard
charging system partially installed to charge and maintain the batteries
when plugged into exterior power.
Not planning on running massive amounts of 110 items in the Westy but want
to have it IF needed. Sorta like having to much and never need it then Not
enough.
So, has anyone played with or installed such a thing? This is going to by my
winter project as well as some fun stuff on my bay and 56 single cab but for
now I want to get all the power goodies in line for the Vanagon! So I
thought I would ask up for ideas and suggestions.
Thanks Jonce