100v outlet & inverter

[bongojoe]

Following some advice on here, I fitted a Willinton kit a few days ago which connects the stereo, blinds and internal lights to my leisure battery (the conversion only had the new electrics connected to the LB).

That all went fine, but during my next task - fitting some rear parking sensors - I discovered an inverter behind the nearside back panel, and a 100v US-style mains outlet above the 12v one that sits back there.

I've read elsewhere on this forum that the inverter might constantly draw power and should probably be disconnected if attached to the LB. (There's a green light on that panel that's permanently on now.) Does anyone have any definite info on this?

It might also be useful to occasionally power my laptop. I that advisable?

[g8dhe]

Without knowing what type of output (waveform not voltage) I would be wary of connecting any Laptop mains PSU even if the PSU is rated for 100-110volt working. The PSU's expect a nice sinewave, lots of cheaper inverters produce closer to a squarewave which will upset most PSU's badly
And yes there was a thread earlier about these inverters being unswitched and draining the L/B.

[bongojoe]

I've just reconnected the inverter and added a switch, so I can disable when not needed and avoid draining the battery. I plugged my camera battery charger in, and it seemed to work fine. Reading on my multimeter is a steady 109v.

It's factory fitted, but I was surprised how thin the wires were powering it (and the 12v cigarette light running off the same source).

Anyone have any more info on these inverters?

[bongolou]

I have one in my van that I just purchased. Tried it at the weekend with a phone charger it works but unlike you I don't have a leisure battery yet. Was going to use it to power laptop or tablet ideally but only one I have a leisure battery. Any info would be great too. Mine is located behind the drivers seat curtain. I posted some pictures on a thread.