Inverters - How Big? How to Fit? How to Use?

[HKF]

Hi everyone

We're looking into getting an inverter, having upgraded to a Lithium battery, but I have some questions;

• We'd like to use a small fan heater (1000w) for short blasts, in case our diesel heating packs in again, and also a 1000w kettle. Those would be the biggest things and I wouldn't use them at the same time, so would a 2000w inverter do?
• Since replacing 2 lead acid batteries for 1 Lithium battery under the seat, we have more space under there. Would you 1) put the inverter under there, fitted to a couple of sockets outside of the under seat area, or 2) fit the inverter outside of the under seat area, say behind the passenger seat, and plug straight into the inverter?
• Is this something we can fit ourselves (we know absolutely nothing about electrics!) or should we get it professionally fitted?

Having done a little research, I'd be looking at buying a pure sine wave but are there any other things I should look out for, please?

Thank you

 

[Dutch 68]

Hi everyone

We're looking into getting an inverter, having upgraded to a Lithium battery, but I have some questions;

• We'd like to use a small fan heater (1000w) for short blasts, in case our diesel heating packs in again, and also a 1000w kettle. Those would be the biggest things and I wouldn't use them at the same time, so would a 2000w inverter do?
• Since replacing 2 lead acid batteries for 1 Lithium battery under the seat, we have more space under there. Would you 1) put the inverter under there, fitted to a couple of sockets outside of the under seat area, or 2) fit the inverter outside of the under seat area, say behind the passenger seat, and plug straight into the inverter?
• Is this something we can fit ourselves (we know absolutely nothing about electrics!) or should we get it professionally fitted?

Having done a little research, I'd be looking at buying a pure sine wave but are there any other things I should look out for, please?

Thank you

1000 watt kettles and fan heaters are not suitable and yes leave it to a professional , someone with much more experience will explain the numbers shortly I am sure Lenny HB to the rescue

 

[HKF]

1000 watt kettles and fan heaters are not suitable and yes leave it to a professional , someone with much more experience will explain the numbers shortly I am sure Lenny HB to the rescue

Thank you for your reply. I'm confused now because there are many sites saying you can run a 1000w kettle from a 1500w inverter, so I guess I'm missing something. I'll wait for Lenny HB Thanks again

 

[VXman]

For simplicity I'd have the inverter outside and plug directly into it. That is what I do. As long as the distance isn't to far and you have decent sized cables. On the other hand a simple 240V extension cable from the inverter shouldn't be a problem either.

I don't think that is beyond an amateur to fit. It's two cables after all!!!

2000w inverter should be fine for a 1000w kettle.

 

[VXman]

1000 watt kettles and fan heaters are not suitable and yes leave it to a professional , someone with much more experience will explain the numbers shortly I am sure Lenny HB to the rescue

what does that mean?

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[Lizbiebrowne]

I can run a 1000 W kettle of my 1500 W inverter, it draws about 120 A out of the Li battery. A kettle is only on for a short time though unlike a 1000 W fan heater, you'd soon run your battery down warming up your van.

 

[HKF]

I can run a 1000 W kettle of my 1500 W inverter, it draws about 120 A out of the Li battery. A kettle is only on for a short time though unlike a 1000 W fan heater, you'd soon run your battery down warming up your van.

Thanks for your reply We don't anticipate going away when it's absolutely freezing and we both like to sleep in cooler temps, rather than red hot, so the fan heater would only be on for short blasts to raise the temp and definitely not on for long periods. So, I'm guessing that would be ok? Also, it would only be used if we were unfortunate enough to have our diesel heating packing in again!

 

[RogerIvy]

If you’re thinking Victron I’d go for a 1600w inverter.
If you’re going for something less expensive probably 1500w to 2000w but make sure you don’t go too cheap. We’ve replaced a few cheap small light units. The Victron inverters have a “proper“ coil and electrics.

 

[StillGoing]

Hi everyone

We're looking into getting an inverter, having upgraded to a Lithium battery, but I have some questions;

• We'd like to use a small fan heater (1000w) for short blasts, in case our diesel heating packs in again, and also a 1000w kettle. Those would be the biggest things and I wouldn't use them at the same time, so would a 2000w inverter do?
• Since replacing 2 lead acid batteries for 1 Lithium battery under the seat, we have more space under there. Would you 1) put the inverter under there, fitted to a couple of sockets outside of the under seat area, or 2) fit the inverter outside of the under seat area, say behind the passenger seat, and plug straight into the inverter?
• Is this something we can fit ourselves (we know absolutely nothing about electrics!) or should we get it professionally fitted?

Having done a little research, I'd be looking at buying a pure sine wave but are there any other things I should look out for, please?

Thank you

Which lithium battery do you have? That will determine the maximum number of amps you can draw from it (and therefore the size of inverter it will support) and how long it will last when powering your heater or kettle.

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Using an inverter for heating devices is not very effective as the current drain is so high.
2000w will draw around 170 amps and even a lithium 200Ah battery would be usually overloaded at that rate for anything more than a few minutes but more importantly be almost flat in an hour even assuming it could manage such a prolonged draw.

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[Lizbiebrowne]

Thanks for your reply We don't anticipate going away when it's absolutely freezing and we both like to sleep in cooler temps, rather than red hot, so the fan heater would only be on for short blasts to raise the temp and definitely not on for long periods. So, I'm guessing that would be ok? Also, it would only be used if we were unfortunate enough to have our diesel heating packing in again!

It depends on the type and size of your battery. If you've, say, a 120 Ahr Lithium battery, your 1000 W heater will take from fully charged to discharged in about an hour (and you wouldn't want to discharge completely). If you've a 120 Ahr lead-acid battery, you wouldn't to discharge that below 50-70% charge so you'd only have 20-30 mins available before you had to turn it off.

 

[DABurleigh]

Hi everyone

We're looking into getting an inverter, having upgraded to a Lithium battery, but I have some questions;

• We'd like to use a small fan heater (1000w) for short blasts, in case our diesel heating packs in again, and also a 1000w kettle. Those would be the biggest things and I wouldn't use them at the same time, so would a 2000w inverter do?
• Since replacing 2 lead acid batteries for 1 Lithium battery under the seat, we have more space under there. Would you 1) put the inverter under there, fitted to a couple of sockets outside of the under seat area, or 2) fit the inverter outside of the under seat area, say behind the passenger seat, and plug straight into the inverter?
• Is this something we can fit ourselves (we know absolutely nothing about electrics!) or should we get it professionally fitted?

Having done a little research, I'd be looking at buying a pure sine wave but are there any other things I should look out for, please?

Thank you

I would advice against using a fan heater for much longer than you would a kettle, which is fine.

Both options fine, a personal choice on aesthetics. But there are other more convenient options.

I would advise you to have a professional fitting.

I wrote a simple inverter guide some 15 years ago. It's showing its age a bit, but is still accurate and may help or give you ideas.

Inverter Guide

A guide to inverter basics, to assist deciding whether and what to buy.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Dave

 

[MisterB]

Renogy 3kw inverter does everything i need it to do, kettle and microwave on at the same time !! Has other advantages, namely the auto pass through, well worth considering..

 

[HKF]

For those who asked, we have an Ultimatron LiFePO4 100ah Lithium battery. Does that make a difference as to which inverter we could have, please?

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

For those who asked, we have an Ultimatron LiFePO4 100ah Lithium battery. Does that make a difference as to which inverter we could have, please?

The specifications say 150A discharge and up to 500A for less than 3 seconds so 1500w inverter maximum really at approximately 125 amps.
Battery will be flat in about 45 minutes though

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[HKF]

The specifications say 150A discharge and up to 500A for less than 3 seconds so 1500w inverter maximum really at approximately 125 amps.
Battery will be flat in about 45 minutes though

Thank you. That doesn't sound great, does it? I think we should have bought a bigger battery but we were kind of rushed into it. Do you think we should change it for a bigger one or could we get a second and bigger battery, please? Or would that mean a potential change of solar panel. We currently have 1 x 130w panel.

 

[Pausim]

Do you have a gas hob? Far better to use gas for heating a kettle. A 5kg bottle of lpg holds 70kWh of power compared to the 1.3kWh in a 100Ah battery. Battery power is a very bad way of producing heat.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I was out skiing

Mrs. ET put the Fan heater on via the inverter to save gas.

I returned

"there is something wrong with this electric - its gone off"

Inverters are okay for short periods, kettles, toasters, low wattage hair dryers, straighteners* etc. But not longer use unless you have a 20kw battery !

*do not use hair irons on modified sine~wave inverters

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Thank you. That doesn't sound great, does it? I think we should have bought a bigger battery but we were kind of rushed into it. Do you think we should change it for a bigger one or could we get a second and bigger battery, please? Or would that mean a potential change of solar panel. We currently have 1 x 130w panel.

Even if you double the battery size you increase the time to 90 minutes or run a 2000w inverter for about an hour.
A 130w solar panel is going to need A LOT of sun and time to recharge the battery you have now if used hard.
I assume that you have gas for cooking and there is nothing better for boiling a kettle off grid.
I am unsure what the history is but assume your diesel heater failed? If this is essential then I would either fit a quality Eberspacher or Webasto unit that can run at low output without blocking up like most of the Chinese ones do or carry a spare Chinese one as the actual fitting of the unit to the fixing plate is a doddle with basic tools.

 

[HKF]

Do you have a gas hob? Far better to use gas for heating a kettle. A 5kg bottle of lpg holds 70kWh of power compared to the 1.3kWh in a 100Ah battery. Battery power is a very bad way of producing heat.

We do have a gas hob and a gas oven but I'm too worried about leaks and I'm terrified of fire, so I'd rather not use it.

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[97243]

We do have a gas hob and a gas oven but I'm too worried about leaks and I'm terrified of fire, so I'd rather not use it.

A couple of strategically placed gas alarms should put your mind at rest.

 

[Riverbankannie]

We do have a gas hob and a gas oven but I'm too worried about leaks and I'm terrified of fire, so I'd rather not use it.

That is a difficult problem to overcome. Rather like flying, one cannot see the millions of safe journeys for one crash.
There are hundreds and thousands of gas appliances being safely used every day. Probably electrical fires are more common.
However this s something for you to resolve.

 

[Lenny HB]

I checked the spec on your battery it has a max discharge rate of 150 amps so it will be fine with a 1000 watt kettle. The kettle will draw approx 88 amps allowing for inverter efficiency & it will only be on for a few mintues..
No way would I run a fan heater, a 1000 watt fan heater will give off naff all heat in a van your size and you would have a flat battery in an hour.

Do check the spec on your battery as they may have different versions.

 

[HKF]

Even if you double the battery size you increase the time to 90 minutes or run a 2000w inverter for about an hour.
A 130w solar panel is going to need A LOT of sun and time to recharge the battery you have now if used hard.
I assume that you have gas for cooking and there is nothing better for boiling a kettle off grid.
I am unsure what the history is but assume your diesel heater failed? If this is essential then I would either fit a quality Eberspacher or Webasto unit that can run at low output without blocking up like most of the Chinese ones do or carry a spare Chinese one as the actual fitting of the unit to the fixing plate is a doddle with basic tools.

Thank you so much for the information and your help. I really appreciate it. We do have a gas hob and oven but I don't use them, as I'm worried about leaks and fires. I guess we just have to think more about where we stay and probably use EHU mostly.

Our Webasto did pack in but it's fixed now. The idea of running a 1000k fan heater was only in case it packed in again. I have an unfortunate history of vehicle breakdowns and damage, so I can't help preparing for any eventuality. A spare Chinese unit might be a good idea. Do you have a link to one you could recommend, please? And how easy is easy?

 

[HKF]

I checked the spec on your battery it has a max discharge rate of 150 amps so it will be fine with a 1000 watt kettle. The kettle will draw approx 88 amps allowing for inverter efficiency & it will only be on for a few mintues..
No way would I run a fan heater, a 1000 watt fan heater will give off naff all heat in a van your size and you would have a flat battery in an hour.

Do check the spec on your battery as they may have different versions.

Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate your help. I'm learning new things all the time and it's giving me a bit more confidence in actually going somewhere in the MH!!

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[VXman]

We do have a gas hob and a gas oven but I'm too worried about leaks and I'm terrified of fire, so I'd rather not use it.

How do you cook in your van then? Or don't you?

 

[HKF]

How do you cook in your van then? Or don't you?

We mostly don't but I did buy a Remoska not long ago, so I can now take that with me. In fairness, due to all sorts of different issues, we haven't been away in the MH much at all. It's just a rather expensive ornament

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Thank you so much for the information and your help. I really appreciate it. We do have a gas hob and oven but I don't use them, as I'm worried about leaks and fires. I guess we just have to think more about where we stay and probably use EHU mostly.

Our Webasto did pack in but it's fixed now. The idea of running a 1000k fan heater was only in case it packed in again. I have an unfortunate history of vehicle breakdowns and damage, so I can't help preparing for any eventuality. A spare Chinese unit might be a good idea. Do you have a link to one you could recommend, please? And how easy is easy?

It’s unfortunate that you have a fear of using the gas appliances but leaks are extremely rare if the system has an annual leak test. Using obviously should never be unattended, so again low real risk and a working smoke detector should be fitted anyway. Also a fire blanket is a good idea for extra piece of mind.
Regarding carrying a spare, as you have a quality Webasto unit, I would rely on its quality and have a service every 2 years (or once a year maybe if used a lot) rather than a spare. The Chinese spare idea is more of having an identical model to swap out but as you have a Webasto, it shouldn’t be necessary. Should you decide a spare is the answer then swapping out is undoing 4 nuts, 3 pipe clips and the wiring connection point and then all in reverse. Different brands though will likely have controller wiring differences and complicate things when in a field somewhere.

 

[Jim]

I just wrote an inverter guide.

The Motorhome Inverter: An Essential Guide

Discover the importance of having an inverter in your motorhome for off-grid adventures. Learn what inverters do, why you might need one.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Jo May]

If you're diesel heating packs up, perhaps best to find EHU from which you can run the fan heater. (no good in an emergency I realize)
A 1000w Kettle would be OK on a (min) 1500w inverter I would think.

As for fitting, I've just put a 600 watt one in to charge my e-bike. It is pretty straightforward. There will be instructions with it and help online, including a fuse the right size. 600 watt 60 amp fuse.

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