Inverter Install
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Indiana
Inverter Install
I want to install a relatively small (based on what I have seen posted) 400 to 500 watt inverter to run small electronics (laptops, game machines, etc.). In order to get full use, these need to be hard wired to the battery with relatively large wire. What location do I have available to connect to besides directly to the battery? I plan on installing a fuse or breaker in the line as well for additional protection.
One manufacturer states for a 400 watt unit to use #6 for under 6 foot and #4 for beyond that. The reason is likely to be the peak of 800 watts which is 67A with 20% factor taking it to 80A at 12VDC (without additional losses in the unit).
One manufacturer states for a 400 watt unit to use #6 for under 6 foot and #4 for beyond that. The reason is likely to be the peak of 800 watts which is 67A with 20% factor taking it to 80A at 12VDC (without additional losses in the unit).
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,714
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From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire
i dont know much about them..what i do know may or may not help you..if you have or plan on having AE..then there is only few of them thats works well in a PSD...here is a link to ITP's forum..
AC Inverters that work with USB Connector - ITP Product Forums
AC Inverters that work with USB Connector - ITP Product Forums
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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pick up ur inverter from walmart should be a 400x800 peak. we just use 10 guage or 8 guage wire in our custom installs in law enforcement vehicles for the small invertors and have never had a problem. a gaming system or laptop doesnt draw that much power. im figuring 10 to 15 feet from battery to inverter when we do the install and an 8 guage amp install kit at walmart is cheap. comes with more than enough wire and gets the job done. just make sure to fuse it about 8 inches to a foot away from the battery.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Utah County, UT
pick up ur inverter from walmart should be a 400x800 peak. we just use 10 guage or 8 guage wire in our custom installs in law enforcement vehicles for the small invertors and have never had a problem. a gaming system or laptop doesnt draw that much power. im figuring 10 to 15 feet from battery to inverter when we do the install and an 8 guage amp install kit at walmart is cheap. comes with more than enough wire and gets the job done. just make sure to fuse it about 8 inches to a foot away from the battery.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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for a 400x800 watt i wouldnt worry about anything heavier than an 8 guage unless ur going more than 20 feet the scosche wiring kit for 8 guage here for just the power wire kit is like 14 bucks. even comes with ur ground wire
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
I ran a set (pos and neg) of #6 wire from the drivers side battery into the cab where its connected to a 50amp quick connect then the inverter. #8 would work fine, but everything I used was laying around the garage.
Do the install kits come with enough negative wire to run from the batt to the inverter? I think it would be much better to have a direct connection to the battery then rely on the frame for a ground (less voltage loss).
Do the install kits come with enough negative wire to run from the batt to the inverter? I think it would be much better to have a direct connection to the battery then rely on the frame for a ground (less voltage loss).
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Indiana
I really don't want to connect to the battery post screws, are there any alternative connectors available?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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when we do installs we install an access tap on the fender and run a wire off the bat terminal to the access tap then any future installs are done off the access tap
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Do you have a pic by chance ?
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