Inverter problem - help required

[noobrider]

Guys, looking for a solution to an odd problem.

I have fitted a 500w inverter into the camper to run TV laptop etc from. I have also set up an extension to a double plug socket. This is a very simple circuit and operates just like a standard household extension. The Inverter happily powers the laptop when I plug it directly into the inverter but when I plug the extension into the inverter nothing will run from the plug sockets.

I have checked the plug sockets by running a standard 240v household supply through them and they work just fine. Could it be that the inverter hasn't got enough umph to run the power through the 10ft of extra cabling and associated sockets?

Is there anything I can do to fix the problem?

[rover]

What size cable did you use to run into the inverter from the battery? and is it earthed directly to the body?

I've got a 6 point extension bar runninng from my 800w and when camping there are at least four appliances running from it most of the time, without any problems

Rover.

[noobrider]

I ran a standard 240v extension cable from the inverter directly to the battery so both earth and live are directly connected onto the battery and not earthed to the body. I didnt run any earth from the sockets they are just wired as per the 3 pin plug.

In theory it is just as if I was running a standard 240v extension as you are from the inverter hence the mystery

[rover]

The wires you have used are WAY too thin

For best results you need something like large booster cable from the battery to the inverter, then you should have no real probs, but if you can earth the inverter to the body with a short cable its better than earthing it to the battery

Rover.

[noobrider]

cheers I'll give that a go

[Breakdown Biker]

Hi mate,
when I fitted my inverter I used a length of wire that was for an amp (the big blue one in the pic) which I connect to the (+) terminal with a big croccodile clip. The( -) is permenantly connected to the body of the van using one of the leads that came with the inverter.
I disconnect it when not in use as I noticed that it still pulls some power even if nothing is plugged in.


You will suffer from voltage drop along the extension cable and should maybe think of minimising it's length. Also the 240 wire you've connected to the battery will be acting like a resistor, an old set of jump leads can be used as supply cables but remember to fit an in-line fuse.
Hope this helps

[noobrider]

Thanks for the help guys, I have an old amp wire that was previously wired into the van that is pretty thick. I'll use that and earth directly to the body near the inverter. Electrics never were my specialty. I'll report back when I've done and let you know the results. Might give it a go tonight.

[darkbluevanman]

I've just been and tried my newly wired invertor and twin extensions as you describe (only tested 'em with a plug checker before), they work faultless... you haven't got owt like a surge protected extension on there have you?

[noobrider]

I think its down to the thickness of the wiring from the battery to the inverter as mentioned. Haven't had chance to change it yet so will let everyone know. It will be a good snippet of info once the results are in.

[noobrider]

well changed the wiring to a fused 1/2 inch thick amp wire and earthed it directly to the van. Same problem??? if I put 240v through the extension it works fine, if I put it through the inverter no dice? To add a twist I plugged the regular 4 plug extension into the inverter with roughly the same length of extension as fitted into the van and it worked fine? Think I better check my wiring first and put a new length of flex in.

[rover]

Think I better check my wiring first and put a new length of flex in.

I think you could be right

Rover.

[welshrussell]

Sorry to barge in on this thread - but you guys might be able to help me out

I have a 300w invertor from Maplins that doesn't seem to work

Everytime I put the crocodile clips onto the battery terminals and switch it on - after a few seconds it emits a long continous beeping sound - Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep - like that

I've tried it on several other peoples battery with the same result

So is it...

A) New but knackered

or

B) Maybe the cables are crap (just what I read in this post got me thinking)

My leisure battery was reading 12.99 with a voltmeter on it (and my starter battery was the same).

Anyone got any ideas

[noobrider]

new but knackered I suspect

[welshrussell]

new but knackered I suspect

Bugger

I bought it about 2 years ago but have been buggering around with the rest of the van, so never fitted it before

and I've chucked out the receipt

£30 down the drain - gutted

[Deb]

I just bought two 600w Maplin invertors and the beep code is in the operating instructions.
But there wasn't a code for a long continuous beep for mine.
My invertors will work between 10v and 14.5v

I'd take it back, most if not all Maplin stores have good techies on site.

Having said that, yesterday I went into the Thurrock Lakeside branch and was approached by a male assistant.
The conversation went something like this:

"Good morning madam can I help you?"
"Yes thank you, I'd like to buy one of the 60 watt PV kits down there at the back of the shop"
"PV? What's that?"
"Photovoltaic"
"Sorry?"
"Solar panel kits, the 60 watt one on display at the back of the shop"
"Ah OK, please follow me"
(we trot off down the aisles)
"Is it that one?"
"No that's a one watt trickle charger"
"Right, is it that one?"
"No, that's a flexible backpack camping panel ... I think it would be better if I showed you the one I want ... there, it's the big one on a stand"
"Ah, right ... sorry we don't have any in stock"
"Yes you do we are standing right in front of it"
"But that's a demo model"
"Does it work?"
"Yes of course it does"
Well I'll take that one then please, it will save me putting it together when we get home"
"I'm sorry but that one is only for demonstration"
"Why would you need to demonstrate it when you don't have any others in stock?"

At this point another salesman took over and reserved one for us at the Nottingham branch in Upper Parliament Street to be collected the next day.

I had intended to buy a 1kw invertor which was £89.99, but noticed that the 600w invertors were only 39.99, less than half the price, so I bought two of those, now we can have two separate circuits, a better option as if one invertor goes out we will still have power on the other one.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this thread, but I hope my conversation in Maplin made you smile as much as it did my OH.

By the way, we put the Solar Panel kit together today and we are very pleased with it, the charge controller is excellent and it has a digital voltmeter readout.

Debs

Edit ... sorry just saw that you have had it a year and lost the receipt