Power inverter connection

[goosergus]

Hi, some help with a power inverter would be much appreciated.

Just bought a used inverter and am wondering how best to wire it.

The positive and negative battery connections on the inverter have terminal screw sockets large enough to take jump lead cables but what size cable would be correct. I was thinking of taking the clips off an old pair of jump cables and hard wiring to the battery and inverter.
There is also a separate earth connection should i connect this and what to.
Should the van be running when using the inverter supposing the battery and alternator are in full working order. (i know not to start van while inverter is switched on)
Do i need to fuse connection(s) in any way.

Look forward to your replies; many thanks in advance

 

[wireman]

You need fat and heavy short as possible cables direct from the battery via a fuse link. the earth lead will most likely be the case metal work and the earth pin of the output socket, connect them to the cars body earth.
You dont say what the power rating of this unit is and this has a direct bearing on cable and fuse size, however a 100 watt unit will draw somewhat more than 8A more like 10A with an inrush current at switch on when loaded that could be 3 or more times this. Do not use too high a fuse rating, start at 10A per 100 watts and fit the next higher value until it does not fail on switch on.
If you intend to power tools etc outside the vehicle it would be wise to put an earth spike in the ground as per electrical wiring regs for mains poowered caravans.
With heavy loads the car battery will go flat in no time and running the engine will be essential, especialy if the transmission is auto and you cant push start it. A second battery that you can flatten (deep cycle leisure type) may be a good idea if you dont want to run out of fuel.

 

[goosergus]

Thanks Wireman.
Would fat and heavy include jump lead cable.

Inverter will only be used to prove electrical equipment sold at a boot sale. TV's, hoover's, power tools etc so it will only be operating for few seconds at a time and maybe a few times a day.

From what you say i understand that only the live needs connection to the battery and both earths can be connected very close to the inverter location on the body work. ?
The live cable will run approx two foot to desired location. Short enough?

I intended tomake this a permanent connection or should i use removable connection at battery

Sorry for all the confirming and questioning but i want to be sure of what i doing.

Mnay thanks again

 

[television]

Inverters are not the most efficient things, the largest load will be from an DC07 at 1400 kw that is 6 amps, if you add the inverter loading that will be in the order of 9amps from the car battery.

If you make a permanent connection why not use a fused isolation switch, jumper lead wire is fine for the wiring

 

[wireman]

I would recomend two cables from the battery but you could use the body as battery retun if you wish, the case ground/earth could be at the fitted location, I preffer reference to live being only to the AC output live, Battery positive or battery high would refer to the 12v DC side, and it must be fused.
Take great care with 240 volts when you are outside, it don't half hurt and what you crash into whilst recoiling from it may seriously injure you.
I think youve got the jist of it go ahead and do it.

 

[television]

I would recomend two cables from the battery but you could use the body as battery retun if you wish, the case ground/earth could be at the fitted location, I preffer reference to live being only to the AC output live, Battery positive or battery high would refer to the 12v DC side, and it must be fused.
Take great care with 240 volts when you are outside, it don't half hurt and what you crash into whilst recoiling from it may seriously injure you.
I think youve got the jist of it go ahead and do it.

The 240volt is ok from an inverters as it is floating and not in relation to ground-earth

 

[hmang]

you can get your power cable from a car hi-fi shop...all different sizes,colours and connectors too.

they should advise size according to the current draw.

 

[goosergus]

Many thanks all. I shall be fitting the inverter monday thanks to the advice herein

 

[television]

While on this subject The UPS computer back up power supplies make nice inverters, I get loads of the things, the are all 12volt