Microwave on Ex
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: California
Microwave on Ex
Hello,
I am planning on taking an extended trip and wanted to add a Microwave to the Ex just to heat up some food or left overs while on the road. I searched this forum and found some posts which talked about it but wanted to know if anyone has done it and what their outcome was in more detail. I am looking at a 700W Microwave, a 1000W-1500W Inverter. I don't know what kind of cable to use to connect it directly to the battery and if I need to add a fuse and of what size.
Would there be any damage to the battery? It will only be used while the Ex is on. Thinking of attaching the Inverter below the front passenger seat and just taking an extension cord to the rear where the microwave would be. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
I am planning on taking an extended trip and wanted to add a Microwave to the Ex just to heat up some food or left overs while on the road. I searched this forum and found some posts which talked about it but wanted to know if anyone has done it and what their outcome was in more detail. I am looking at a 700W Microwave, a 1000W-1500W Inverter. I don't know what kind of cable to use to connect it directly to the battery and if I need to add a fuse and of what size.
Would there be any damage to the battery? It will only be used while the Ex is on. Thinking of attaching the Inverter below the front passenger seat and just taking an extension cord to the rear where the microwave would be. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
I do not think the inverters you are looking at are big enough. Here is an explanation I found on another site
" First, the power rating of a microwave oven refers to the magnitron, not the entire oven. I have a 1300w oven that actually draws a total of 2000w of electricity.
Second, 1600w peak on your inverter means it won't break just because the normal 800w happens to go up for a few seconds, but you sure don't want to run it at peak for a matter of minutes. If it's rated at 800w continuous, then your microwave better be rated for 500w max.
Third, batteries, even car batteries, can't supply 800w on any steady basis. Car batteries deliver high cranking current for the momentary starting of the car, but then must be recharged by the alternator. Alternators can deliver up to 65 amps (780w), and heavy duty alternators up to 100 amps (1200w). The cigarette lighter, though, can only deliver 10a max, meaning maximum power of 120w.
So, the answer to your question is a resounding NO. It might work for a short while, and then nothing, not to mention possible damage to a $75 battery, or more expensive car alternator."
" First, the power rating of a microwave oven refers to the magnitron, not the entire oven. I have a 1300w oven that actually draws a total of 2000w of electricity.
Second, 1600w peak on your inverter means it won't break just because the normal 800w happens to go up for a few seconds, but you sure don't want to run it at peak for a matter of minutes. If it's rated at 800w continuous, then your microwave better be rated for 500w max.
Third, batteries, even car batteries, can't supply 800w on any steady basis. Car batteries deliver high cranking current for the momentary starting of the car, but then must be recharged by the alternator. Alternators can deliver up to 65 amps (780w), and heavy duty alternators up to 100 amps (1200w). The cigarette lighter, though, can only deliver 10a max, meaning maximum power of 120w.
So, the answer to your question is a resounding NO. It might work for a short while, and then nothing, not to mention possible damage to a $75 battery, or more expensive car alternator."
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Fraser Valley
Depending on engine you can get alternators up to 300 amp @ 14.8V which would at the right rpm hold enough power, but for a high price.
Starting batteries aren't to be used for extended high power output but deep cycle batteries are and if you are often using your accessories with the truck off and draining decent power I really recommend deep cycles as long as they have the same cold cranking amps rating (cca)
to figure out power usage you multiply amperage times voltage to get wattage.
Ben is correct on the peak vs sustainable output ratings on electrical equipment and you always want room for error.
Knowing what engine you have will help by tellig which alternator you have and it's amperage output. You also need to factor that it's at idle and putting out minimal amps.
For heavy power equipment like this a small generator may be more efficient and cheaper than beefing up your charging system and installing all this unnecessary equipment just to power the occasional item
Starting batteries aren't to be used for extended high power output but deep cycle batteries are and if you are often using your accessories with the truck off and draining decent power I really recommend deep cycles as long as they have the same cold cranking amps rating (cca)
to figure out power usage you multiply amperage times voltage to get wattage.
Ben is correct on the peak vs sustainable output ratings on electrical equipment and you always want room for error.
Knowing what engine you have will help by tellig which alternator you have and it's amperage output. You also need to factor that it's at idle and putting out minimal amps.
For heavy power equipment like this a small generator may be more efficient and cheaper than beefing up your charging system and installing all this unnecessary equipment just to power the occasional item
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
An Optima Yellow Top battery has the cca and deep cycle one would be looking for, but you would still have the problem of alternator output.
Plus, I recall something about pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave, and what kinds of items should be powered by them.
Here is a link the OP might find useful. Power Inverter FAQs
Plus, I recall something about pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave, and what kinds of items should be powered by them.
Here is a link the OP might find useful. Power Inverter FAQs
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Fraser Valley
DC Power 185 Alternator install question - HELP! - Page 6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Read fullthrotl's post mid page. Starting your truck with weak batteries kills ficms fast!
I'm running 1600 watts of stereo system full time and at majority of its rating so it is possible but it has ruined my alternator.
If you found one that doesn't draw excessive power, have an alternator that can handle all or most of its draw, take good care of your charging system and use proper wires and fuses it is possible. Just be sure to do your research and don't overuse it!
Read fullthrotl's post mid page. Starting your truck with weak batteries kills ficms fast!
I'm running 1600 watts of stereo system full time and at majority of its rating so it is possible but it has ruined my alternator.
If you found one that doesn't draw excessive power, have an alternator that can handle all or most of its draw, take good care of your charging system and use proper wires and fuses it is possible. Just be sure to do your research and don't overuse it!
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Lead Driver
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I don't see a problem with this. I'm a former professional truck driver, and I spent nearly a year and a half powering a cheap 700w microwave with my Cobra 1000W inverter. Never had any trouble, and that microwave spent the year before this being powered by a 1,500W inverter. It was used twice a day for the majority of its life, and I still have both the microwave and inverter.
With a quality inverter I don't see why you would have any trouble. Microwaves aren't used for hours on end, and a few minutes for once or twice a day shouldn't hurt anything. If it would fry an inverter or microwave I'm confident I would have seen it happen, as I've used this setup while living out of a Kenworth for over a year.
With a quality inverter I don't see why you would have any trouble. Microwaves aren't used for hours on end, and a few minutes for once or twice a day shouldn't hurt anything. If it would fry an inverter or microwave I'm confident I would have seen it happen, as I've used this setup while living out of a Kenworth for over a year.
Wiser by FTE
Joined: Jan 2010
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
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What are you looking to heat up? A roll of aluminum foil, wrap the left overs up, throw it on top of the engine manifold during a brake, and take off at the next break. I use to do it with my sandwiches all the time when I was out wheeling for the day. Hell of a lot cheaper than an inverter and a microwave. Just make sure you don't have any leaks and whatever you put up there, won't interfere with the operation of the motor of going flying into the belt or fan when you hit a bump.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 236
Likes: 6
What are you looking to heat up? A roll of aluminum foil, wrap the left overs up, throw it on top of the engine manifold during a brake, and take off at the next break. I use to do it with my sandwiches all the time when I was out wheeling for the day. Hell of a lot cheaper than an inverter and a microwave. Just make sure you don't have any leaks and whatever you put up there, won't interfere with the operation of the motor of going flying into the belt or fan when you hit a bump.
Great idea! and here are some recipes!Cooking great meals with your car engine. The heat is on. | Wise Bread
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