"C. E. White" <cewhite3@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:6w2lf.10515$wf.6468@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> "Walker" <walkerent@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:5bNhf.801$4v.390@fed1read03...
>> I'd like to hardwire a 900 watt power inverter into my truck. It's been a
>> long time since I played with auto wiring or relays and there have
>> probably been several advances and/or new devices since the 80s. Would
>> someone please point me in the right direction to where I might get
>> updated. Thank you.
>
> 900 watt is going to take some pretty stiff wiring. You are going to need
> to supply at least 90 amps to power that baby at maximum output. I am not
> an electrical engineer, and I don't play one on TV, but I think you'll
> need at least 2 gauge wire (assuming a short run and non-continuous usage)
> for that much current and a fuse in the circuit to make sure you don't
> start a fire. If you are going to run the wiring any distance, I think you
> are going to need even bigger wire. I doubt your vehicle's alternator can
> keep up with a 900 watt inverter running wide open and the car's power
> needs at the same time. See
> http://www.simacorp.com/products/item.ep.html?session=3421995e6bb4e5da8ff73754f0a82ec6&id=490
> (or http://tinyurl.com/bsvd2 ) for a kit for hard wiring an inverter.
>
> Ed White
After reading the articles included with some of the replies and getting a
better understanding of how an inverter works, I've switched anything over
that can run on 12 volt and the rest will run easily on a smaller inverter
plugged into the cigarette lighter socket. The 900 watt inverter was
originally intended to run an air compressor and uses battery clamps to
attach to the battery (while stopped). While my immediate needs are taken
care of, I am still going to learn some more and do some research on
building a deep cycle storage battery system for running lights and small
appliances while camping. I have a perfect location for it where the third
row seats are stored and it can be easily isolated and/or vented.
Bob Walker