After using the inverter for a while, should i turn off the inverter if I stop using it for 5-15 minutes or just leave it on? Used with marine batt
152755
The inverter just changes DC to AC current. As long as whatever AC device you have it connected to is off, there is no power drain. I have use them for mechanical props for theater for years and sometimes we leave them connected and on for a weekend at a time.
152756
The standby current draw is slight, so leaving the inverter on when it is not supplying power won't significantly drain the source battery over a period of a few minutes.
152757
I would turn it off if not using it for more than about 10 minutes. I don't recall if I measured the stand-by amps, but it will continue to draw some from your battery when switched on and not powering anything.
1421897
I have only used mine for several short periods. Time would depend on whether you run it continuously or turn it on and off.
2033695
I have read somewhere you should connect the inverter to the battery. Because of the potential load you are pulling could exceed the charge controller. I am just passing on what i read just got my panels will be installing them soon
1749674
The battery in this (and others that are a similar price) is rated "18 amp-hour" hinting it can give you 1 amp for 18 hours, or 2 amps for 9 hours, etc. For running something needing 120V power off the inverter, if the TV or laptop needed 1 amp at 120V the inverter would pull 10 amps at 12V making the battery last under 2 hours. If the TV only needs 1/2 amp it may last ~3 hours, so it depends on what the TV needs to run (where measuring your TVs power draw with a meter like the "Kill-a-watt" may be the only way to know). If you find it only lasts 1 hour and you wanted it to last 3, then you could get another battery rated 35 amp-hour, connect it up with the jumper cables and they will "share" the load making it last longer.
409247
Yes you can use the inverter when the car is running and your battery is charging as long as your electrical system voltage level does not drop too low. Most modern invertors will shutdown to keep from draining the battery to the point of not starting the car (at least in theory) at around 11-10.5 volts. The question of using two power drills at the same time will come down to how many amps they are pulling, as the inverter is rated at 1500 watts continuous power that gives you ~14 amps (you would be safer to think around 12-13 amps @ 110-120 volts AC if your going to plan on using all day, but then I would suggest a generator instead of an invertor in your car, less gas, less idling your car, and it is a product built to make electrical power where you need it) to run your tools. So back to two drills, if they were say, two Dewalt 3/8" variable speed drills that pull 5.4 amps like mine that I have used and abused for 15 years, yes you could use this inverter to do it. And that should be find even if the guys are both running them like mad men at the same time (~11 amps total).
97621
The inverter will not get to 150deg. If it does it will eventually shut down and cool off to protect it from damage. Thanks ML SOLAR
1171041
I don't really know, never peak it for a long time. Mite burn it up if you do it to long mite need a bigger inverter
452591
specs for the unit say .6A no load (standby) current draw so eventually it would pull battery dead if you did not have any charging on your battery bank, probably not a bad idea if leaving un-attended for long periods to have a battery disconnect for the inverter so you don't have some glitch that would allow inverter to possibly short and start a fire.
674537
As Long as you got a battery bank , I say give it a shot, because the inverter will trip if it cant manage the load and all you have to do is re-set
10174
I'm no electrician, but I suspect leaving it on all the time may pose a fire hazard. We leave ours on pretty much all day and turn it off at night. Remember, you want half as many watts going in to the transformer as what it's rated for (ie - 1500 max for a 3000 watt converter). The directions say to turn it off when not in use. Hope this helps.
7041
I used this inverter in my tank while I was deploYed. It ran off 24 volts and it worked great. Never had any problems.
2090923
I would recommend at least 4 BIG batteries all directly wired to the inverter. Also the "start" load seems a bit light (10.8A), that's a capacitor start motor, and I bet it's drawing close to 2000 watts, and if there is a weak link in using an inverter, it's that batteries are not good at providing a Lot of power for an instant. I had a similar issue, and after re-wiring my battery bank to supply 4 wires to the inverter, the problem was resolved. (I have a bank of 10 Very large deep cycle batteries) The inverter will shut down, if the voltage drops below 10.5 Volts. So another thing I would do is only try this, when the batteries are fully charged. (12.8 volts or higher) Good luck. I would recommend at least 4 BIG batteries all directly wired to the inverter. Also the "start" load seems a bit light (10.8A), that's a capacitor start motor, and I bet it's drawing close to 2000 watts, and if there is a weak link in using an inverter, it's that batteries are not good at providing a Lot of power for an instant. I had a similar issue, and after re-wiring my battery bank to supply 4 wires to the inverter, the problem was resolved. (I have a bank of 10 Very large deep cycle batteries) The inverter will shut down, if the voltage drops below 10.5 Volts. So another... » Read More I would recommend at least 4 BIG batteries all directly wired to the inverter. Also the "start" load seems a bit light (10.8A), that's a capacitor start motor, and I bet it's drawing close to 2000 watts, and if there is a weak link in using an inverter, it's that batteries are not good at providing a Lot of power for an instant. I had a similar issue, and after re-wiring my battery bank to supply 4 wires to the inverter, the problem was resolved. (I have a bank of 10 Very large deep cycle batteries) The inverter will shut down, if the voltage drops below 10.5 Volts. So another thing I would do is only try this, when the batteries are fully charged. (12.8 volts or higher) Good luck. « Show Less
1269794
We connect to a deep cycle marine battery, which then runs things requiring 12 volts--whether that is enough for you depends on your uses. It is enough to keep the battery charged for our relatively light usage (no floodlights, loudspeakers, heaters). It requires a cord with a cigarette plug to plug in the inverter.
749359
ok here goes, it appears that you are makeing the mistake of thinkink the display shows load it doesnt do that it is telling you you have 1536 watts available to use as you run you will find that the 1536 will decrease until your inverter shut down for low voltage/watts available... I hope this helps.
1547202
It depends on how many hours of sun and how long you use your inverter. It is all a matter of Watt-Hours. If you charge your battery for 10 hours with 300 Watts you can use your 3000 Watt inverter for 1 hour. So you see, the answer depends on your application and location.
247893
I use mine in a tracter trailer, I have a 1500 watt one I use for a 700 watt microwave. I only use it for about 4 minutes at a time and then turn it off. It seems to work well, but I think it depends on what you use it for and how long it gets used for. You want to get an inverter that is twice the wattage you plan on using so it does not over load. Also I recommend using the fuse holder and 4 gauge wire sold separately. I hope that helps, good luck!
2088318
I would buy a crap ton of batteries as they drain out if you leave the little on/off switch in the on position. Just remember to turn it off after each use and it should last as long as anything else.