can inverter be left 'on' ?

[Bombadilo]

hello,

thanks to the helpful folks on the site i have recently fitted a leisure battery,

willington split charger relay and a 750 watt inverter (see model below)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=383608

i intend to position the inverter up behind the glove compartment as recommended.

from the inverter i will run a 4 gang extension socket and a usb extension lead

so it will be easier to connect stuff to the inverter.

the inverter itself has it's own 'on' button. when fitted up behind the glove compartment this will not be easily accessible.

if this is left 'on' in everyday use without anything plugged into the inverter will it drain the leisure battery ?

thanks in advance.

cheers

phill

[dandywarhol]

Yes

I wired it through a main switch mounted in the flare holder - the key comes out.

[daveblueozzie]

YES. even with nothing plugged in.its drawing juice all the time to transform to 12v, it does not store it like a battery.

[missfixit70]

You should be able to extend the switch, some even have an add on remote switch you can buy.

[alan'n'lynda]

The instructions for the inverter in my works van say not to have the inverter on whilst engine running as you can damage the alternator, but saying that i have left it on by accident a few times and no damage has resulted so far.

[Bombadilo]

ok cheers folks,

thanks for the warning.

the switch on the inverter is just a plastic membrane type so it would be difficult to attach any sort of actuator (pointy stick !?!) or remote control.

i think i may just leave the inverter on the floor underneath the glove compartment unless anyone has any better suggestions.
cheers

phill

[missfixit70]

By extend the switch, I meant extend the wiring, rather than use a stick

[Bombadilo]

By extend the switch, I meant extend the wiring, rather than use a stick

the switch looks fairly tamper proof and sealed.

by the looks of it, its probably a latching push to make switch.

i'd be scared to remove the cover in case i b*ggered it up.

cheers

phill

[apole]

You could always use a quick release connector on the leisure battery side if it would fit with your other wiring.

[Alacrity]

Why not switch the power supply to the inverter? Then the switch could be anywhere you like. I assume that if the inverter switch is on it would stay on if the 12v supply was disconnected the re-connected.

[apole]

Hi there,

The quick release clamps could do that, or the 100amp battery isolator switch Dandy has installed, that way you can be certain there is no current drain. This has reminded me I'm going to have to fit mine one day, somethign I've been putting off.

[Biobongo]

Using a battery isolation switch, as proposed by dandywarhol is the superior method.
Locate it at the battery positive terminal so when it is off the cable, heavy duty, is isolated. A more expensive alternative to the battery isolation switch may by a suitably sizes circuit breaker, about 50A, with a reset button that can also be used as an on off switch. You will will require a fuse anyway.
Be sure all cables are appropriately rated.

[Bombadilo]

You should be able to extend the switch, some even have an add on remote switch you can buy.

well i decided i couldn't just leave the inverter alone and thought i'd throw caution to the wind.

despite my first worries about taking the casing off it proved to be a doddle.

10 small phillips screws were all it took to remove the casing and the pcb that held the switch was conveniently positioned right at the end so it was easy to slide out.

black and decker were also kind enough to have a pictorial view of the components printed on the back of the pcb so i could easily see where the switch contacts were.

i soldered 2 wires to these contacts and attached a push to make switch to the other end.

my first attempt caused the inverter to trip out. i then realised i was using a latching push to make.

i worked out that the chip on the circuit only needs a trigger to start it so i tried a standard non latching type of push to make.

hey presto i heard the relay click over and on came the inverter.

it was simple to attach this switch to the dashboard.

i have an extension lead plugged into the inverter that has an LED display.

when i press the push to make switch on the dash i can see there is power to the lead.

i could get an illuminated push to make switch on the dash but that would need 2 more wires to power the LED in it.

i'm happy as it is for now. thats one more thing sorted on the bongo.

next on my list is to try and see if i can get my japanese sat nav/tv/dvd player to work.

the panasonic kx gt10 came with the van but i have not been able to suss it out.

cheers for now

phill

[missfixit70]

Glad it worked out ok

[Alacrity]

Well done, very smart thinking.