1800 W power inverter

xplod1236 · 5th March 2006, 02:29 AM

I'm looking for something that will put out 15 amps at 120v continuously to run some power tools. I looked thru the PE catalog and found this. The price is really good, but how is the quality? Can anyone recommend a good quality, reasonably priced inverter?

DigitalJunkie · 5th March 2006, 02:53 AM

It should be okay. Be sure it has enough surge capacity to start your saws/drills,etc.. (motors draw a huge surge when starting from a stopped position,or if you hit a nail,etc.)

Be sure your 12V supply is 'Beefy' enough!
You'll need large power cables too. 15A @ 120V = 150A @ 12V.
(plus a bit more for losses. maybe 10% ?) so say 165A @ 12V
Try to use the fattest,shortest cable to the battery/power supply that you can. That's alotta juice!

You could drain an average car battery fairly quickly at that rate,but that assumes the full 150+A continous load.. You may not always be drawing that much power,and not continously either,just while you're using the tools for sawing/drilling/etc.
Maybe a small continous load for lights,and other gizmos..(cordless tool chargers,etc.)

Be sure the vehicles battery/charging system is 'up to snuff' if you're installing this in a car.You may want/need to upgrade to a high-output alternator,and a large capacity (deep cycle) battery (or 2!). You could run down the 'stock' battery quickly,and smoke the alternator with that kinda load.

xplod1236 · 5th March 2006, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DigitalJunkie
You may not always be drawing that much power,and not continously either,just while you're using the tools for sawing/drilling/etc.
Maybe a small continous load for lights,and other gizmos..(cordless tool chargers,etc.)

You read my mind. That's exactly what I was thinking.

Quote:

It should be okay.

According to the specs, it should be okay, but does its low price mean low quality? How reliable is this? Does anyone have comments/experiences with this product?

rcavictim · 5th March 2006, 06:58 AM

I have some of the 1000 watt Xantrex modified sine inverters that are that style and they are just fine. Put a second HD battery in your vehicle. Use #1/0 wire or heavier between them. Do not pull inverter negative rail power through the vehicle chassis. That 2500 watt unit will actually damage a single car battery with what it can draw. That would be assault and battery. You never hear about assault and two batteries! Think about it. Ha ha.

5th March 2006, 06:58 AM	#4
rcavictim diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cool end of a soldering iron NW of Toronto	I have some of the 1000 watt Xantrex modified sine inverters that are that style and they are just fine. Put a second HD battery in your vehicle. Use #1/0 wire or heavier between them. Do not pull inverter negative rail power through the vehicle chassis. That 2500 watt unit will actually damage a single car battery with what it can draw. That would be assault and battery. You never hear about assault and two batteries! Think about it. Ha ha. __________________ I.Q.Test. Have you ever purchased a recreational snowmobile?

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5th March 2006, 02:29 AM	#1
xplod1236 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the couch	1800 W power inverter I'm looking for something that will put out 15 amps at 120v continuously to run some power tools. I looked thru the PE catalog and found this. The price is really good, but how is the quality? Can anyone recommend a good quality, reasonably priced inverter?

5th March 2006, 02:53 AM	#2
DigitalJunkie diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland,Oregon Blog Entries: 4	It should be okay. Be sure it has enough surge capacity to start your saws/drills,etc.. (motors draw a huge surge when starting from a stopped position,or if you hit a nail,etc.) Be sure your 12V supply is 'Beefy' enough! You'll need large power cables too. 15A @ 120V = 150A @ 12V. (plus a bit more for losses. maybe 10% ?) so say 165A @ 12V Try to use the fattest,shortest cable to the battery/power supply that you can. That's alotta juice! You could drain an average car battery fairly quickly at that rate,but that assumes the full 150+A continous load.. You may not always be drawing that much power,and not continously either,just while you're using the tools for sawing/drilling/etc. Maybe a small continous load for lights,and other gizmos..(cordless tool chargers,etc.) Be sure the vehicles battery/charging system is 'up to snuff' if you're installing this in a car.You may want/need to upgrade to a high-output alternator,and a large capacity (deep cycle) battery (or 2!). You could run down the 'stock' battery quickly,and smoke the alternator with that kinda load.

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