Inverter Question

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Reveddie25

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Hello guys, today I installed a cobra 1565 (1500 watts 3000 peak) inverter in my service truck which I use for my mobile detailing business. I hooked it up with 0 gauge wire and got the normal readings of 12.x volts with the truck off and 14.x volts with the truck at idle. I then proceeded to test it out with my Ridgid 6.0 hp wet/dry vacuum which draws about 1320 watts. as soon as I turned on the vac the voltage dropped from 14.x volts to 11.5 setting off the LVP (low voltage protection) alarm. I believe the problem is not the vacuum nor the inverter because I also connected a smaller vacuum which uses about 640 watts and again the voltage slowly dropped below 11.5 volts. My question is, would a deep cycle battery like the optima yellow top fix this problem or would I need to upgrade to a high output alternator?
 
I'm curious about this as well. I had a 1000w nitrous bottle heater and a 1500w max inverter, the inverter blew the first time I tried to use it with the heater.
 
Reveddie25 said:
Hello guys, today I installed a cobra 1565 (1500 watts 3000 peak) inverter in my service truck which I use for my mobile detailing business. I hooked it up with 0 gauge wire and got the normal readings of 12.x volts with the truck off and 14.x volts with the truck at idle. I then proceeded to test it out with my Ridgid 6.0 hp wet/dry vacuum which draws about 1320 watts. as soon as I turned on the vac the voltage dropped from 14.x volts to 11.5 setting off the LVP (low voltage protection) alarm. I believe the problem is not the vacuum nor the inverter because I also connected a smaller vacuum which uses about 640 watts and again the voltage slowly dropped below 11.5 volts. My question is, would a deep cycle battery like the optima yellow top fix this problem or would I need to upgrade to a high output alternator?
Click to expand...
-The "start up" wattage of the vacuums may be more than this inverter can handle (inverters usually have only a 90% efficiency rating)
-May be it is time to upgrade to a new battery
-But...Check the entire system's voltage with a true RMS volt meter first. That includes the alternator.

Bob
 
Thanks alot bob, I will check out the entire system tomorrow and see where I go from there.
 
FUNX725 said:
-The "start up" wattage of the vacuums may be more than this inverter can handle (inverters usually have only a 90% efficiency rating)
-May be it is time to upgrade to a new battery
-But...Check the entire system's voltage with a true RMS volt meter first. That includes the alternator.

Bob
Click to expand...
:iagree:The initial draw the vac makes is significantly higher than the normal operating wattage - like, a lot higher! Bob is spot-on with his answer. Your inverter most likely isn't rated for that high of a draw.
 
That being the case wouldn't the voltage drop only for a moment when the vac is turned on and then go back up? This alarm stays on until I turn the vacuum off, if I don't the inverter automatically shuts off making it useless. Like bob said maybe its time for a new battery. Ill probably end up getting a yellow top.

Thanks for answering guy's
 
Hey guys, so I fixed my problem, I had a bad alternator which was not generating enough amps to fully power the inverter. It turned out to be a quick $60.00 fix, no need for a fancy battery or huge $200 alternator for this one. I learned ALOT about this topic and pretty much now understand how it all works. If ever needed, Ill be happy to share what I learned and help someone out.
 
Reveddie25 said:
Hey guys, so I fixed my problem, I had a bad alternator which was not generating enough amps to fully power the inverter. It turned out to be a quick $60.00 fix, no need for a fancy battery or huge $200 alternator for this one. I learned ALOT about this topic and pretty much now understand how it all works. If ever needed, Ill be happy to share what I learned and help someone out.
Click to expand...
I'd like to know your $60.00 fix.
 
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FUNX725 said:
-But...Check the entire system's voltage with a true RMS volt meter first.
That includes the alternator.

Reveddie25 said:
Hey guys, so I fixed my problem,
I had a bad alternator.

It turned out to be a quick $60.00 fix,

feslope said:
I'd like to know your $60.00 fix.

^^^Me too!!^^^
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Perhaps swapping-out the alt's diodes/triodes?

think.gif


Bob
 
sorry for not being specific about the quick $60.00 dollar fix. I bought a new regular 105 amp alternator at the local auto part store for $60.00 that simple. Now when I hit the switch the voltage only drops down to 12.8 volts which is more than enough for my vacuum and other tools. I was seriously considering just buying a generator and forget about the whole inverter idea without knowing my alternator was bad, I'm glad I didn't, my battery would've died eventually.
 
Do you always have to have the vehicle running to use your tools?
Doesn't this use more gas than a generator.
Can you run tools off the deep cell without running the vehicle for a short time.
Sorry so many questions?

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using AG Online
 
Here are some interesting facts and recommendations on the use of inverters.

Inverter_FAQ What type of battery should I use (automotive or deep cycle)
 
Yes the vehicle is running while using the inverter. Not sure if it does or not I decided to go with the inverter mainly because I don't have enough space for a generator in the bed of my truck. I work on a lot of Rv's and have a big 275 gallon tank, large storage box for chemicals, pressure washer, vacuum and will probably add a small air compressor soon. The truck has no cig lighter so it's also nice to have the inverter in there to charge my cell phone, laptop ect..., As far as I know a deep cycle batt can be used with the vehicle off, its best to use two batteries hooked up in parallel and use an isolator which will draw power from the deep cycle batt but not the regular starting battery. The alternator will charge both batteries when running.
 
Thanks for the information guys very helpful. Almost sounds to be more of a pain in the rear.
I need to run a steamer and vacuum at the same time so looks like I would need more invested to do it right.
Hmmm


Sent from my HTC VLE_U using AG Online
 
Yeah thats a big load right there, your best bet is a generator. You would have to use a 5000 watt inverter, upgrade to a 220 high output alternator, do the "big 3" wire upgrade and get some good batteries, you're looking at around $1000-$1200 for a system this big plus you gotta make sure everything is installed correctly or you may cause some serious damage to the vehicle/components.
 
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