Inverter question???

[tightlines]

Bought a 400 watt inverter and hooked it up in the shack today. It has a small fan that I assume is designed to cool things down. Do all inverters have fans. I would assume that this is just more additional draw on the batteries? Would a smaller watt inverter still run a 13" TV/DVD?

[Brother Bro]

tightlines....
from Don Rowe.com

Short Answer: The size you choose depends on the watts (or amps) of what you want to run (find the power consumption by referring to the specification plate on the appliance or tool). We recommend you buy a larger model than you think you'll need (at least 10% to 20% more than your largest load).

Example: You want to power a computer with a 17" monitor, some lights,
and a radio.

Computer: 300 Watts
2 - 60 Watt lights: 120 Watts
Radio: 10 Watts
Total Needed: 430 Watts

For this application, you would minimally need a 500 W inverter, and should give some thought to a larger one, as there will likely be a time when you wish you'd bought a bigger model ... in this example, you might decide you'd like to run a fan while you compute, or let the kids watch TV.

Longer Answer: Determine Continuous Load and Starting (Peak) Load: You need to determine how much power your tool or appliance (or combination of them that you would use at the same time) requires to start up (starting load), and also the continued running requirements (continuous load).

What is meant by the terms "continuous-2000 watts" and "peak surge-4000 watts" is that some appliances or tools, such as ones with a motor, require an initial surge of power to start up ("starting load" or "peak load"). Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate ("continuous load")

Helpful formulas:

Multiply: AMPS X 120 (AC voltage) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of the appliance

Multiply: WATTS X 2 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, though some may require an even greater starting load. NOTE: Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating.

Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it.

For example, you have a freezer with a continuous load of 4 amps, and a start up load of 12 amps:

4 amps x 120 volts = 480 watts continuous
12 amps x 120 volts = 1440 watts starting load

You would need an inverter with peak-surge rating greater than 1440 watts.

here is a list

Use the total wattage, plus 10% to 20%, as your minimum power requirement.

Note: The wattages given below are estimates. The actual wattage required for your appliances may differ from those listed. Check the nameplate on the appliance to determine the actual wattage required.

* Appliances and tools with induction motors (marked * in tables) may require from 3 to 7 times the listed wattage when starting. The start-up load of the appliance or tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it. Be sure to check the specific wattage requirements and operating instructions for appliances / tools to be used.

F.Y.I. ..... (conversion formula: Watts ÷ 120 = Amps ........ Amps x 120 = Watts)

Common Appliances

Appliance Est. Watts
Appliance Est. Watts
Coffee pot (10 cup) 1200
VCR 40-60
Coffee pot (4 cup) 650
CD Player 35
Toaster 800-1500
Stereo 30-100
Cappuccino Maker 1250
Clock Radio 50
Coffee Grinder 100
AM/FM car cassette 8+
Blender 300
Satellite dish 30+
Microwave (600 to 1000 W cooking power) 1100-2000W (elec. consumption)
Vacuum cleaner 300-1100
Waffle iron 1200
Mini Christmas lights (50) 25
Hot plate 1200
Space Heater 1000-1500
Frying pan 1200
Iron 1000 (oops)no person needs that in fishhouse
Toaster Oven 1200
Blow dryer 900-1500
Table fan 10-250
Computer
- laptop 50-75
- pc & monitor 200-400
- printer-inkjet 60-75
TV - 25" color 160
- 19" color TV or monitor 30
- 12" b&w 300


*Refrigerator/Freezer 600 Game Console (X-Box) 100
*Freezer 500-800 *Furnace Fan (1/3hp) 1200

Common Tools

Tool Est. Watts
Appliance Est. Watts
Jig Saw 300 1/4" drill 250
Band Saw 1200 3/8" drill 500
Table Saw 1800 1/2" drill 750
6 1/2" circ. saw 1000 Shop Vac 5 hp 1000
7 1/4" circ. saw 1200+ *Sabre Saw 500
8 1/4" circ. saw 1800 *Portable Grinder 1380
Disc Sander 1200 *Electric Chain Saw 14" 1200
Makita Chop Saw 1550 *Airless Sprayer 1/2 hp 600
Makita Cut Off Saw 1000 *Air Compressor 1 hp 2000

I hope this helps

------------------
Brother Bro

Work Less Play More

[This message has been edited by Brother Bro (edited 11-09-2003).]