hi ive bought a 3000w 24v inverter what mega fuse and wire to use any advice would be helpfull thanks
Yep. Get a professional vehicle electrician to wire it in for you.
It needs to be wired directly to the batteries and all the wires routed properly through to the cab.
Or, a cheaper bodge is to have an Anderson type plug installed at the batteries and on your leads and plug it in when you want to use it.
Either way, the sort of current a 3000W inverter will draw when being used to its full capacity really dictates that anyone who’s not fully conversant with this type of vehicle wiring should leave well alone.
3000 watts @ 24 volts is 125 amp, but check out the inverter spec, prob peaks a good bit more then 3000.
Doesn’t it have a cigarette lighter plug attached? Just make sure you plug it into the right voltage one.
nodding donkey:
Doesn’t it have a cigarette lighter plug attached? Just make sure you plug it into the right voltage one.
Hmmm, 3000 watts into the ciggy socket! will end in tears.
bazstan009:
3000 watts @ 24 volts is 125 amp, but check out the inverter spec, prob peaks a good bit more then 3000.
Spec you cable to the peak draw of the inverter, google dc cable size, and fuse a bit below cable spec.
That is enough power for pain and lots of smoke so as said may pay to get it installed.
On a serious note though, how much juice in an average truck battery today? Using that kind of power on a daily basis is going to knacker your batteriez pretty quick.
nodding donkey:
Doesn’t it have a cigarette lighter plug attached? Just make sure you plug it into the right voltage one.
And that will blow the fuse, or cause a fire (which did happen when a caravan owner replaced the fuse with a nail!)
Cigar lighter socket is usually fused at 10amps, a 3000w inverter on full load with something like an electric kettle or small oven rated @ 3000w will draw around 270amps from the 24v supply. (I know the maths don’t work out but an inverter is only around 50% efficient at best)
I have fitted many inverters to specialist vehicles and probably the best I have seen are these:
http://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/khxc/gbu0-prodshow/VP300024.html
Read the FAQ’s page for lots of very good advice.
im just after some advice in what size cable and mega fuse to use. as to wiring it in im more than capable
nodding donkey:
On a serious note though, how much juice in an average truck battery today? Using that kind of power on a daily basis is going to knacker your batteriez pretty quick.
Mine are 225 amp.
bazstan009:
nodding donkey:
On a serious note though, how much juice in an average truck battery today? Using that kind of power on a daily basis is going to knacker your batteriez pretty quick.Mine are 225 amp.
Each, or together?
Running batteries down regularly wears them out quickly, even if you recharge them fully next day. I just wonder what you would use that needs a 3000 watt inverter. Power tools?
I know that domestic kettles have become a ‘must have’ accessory, but 3000 watts?
kamazoo:
im just after some advice in what size cable and mega fuse to use. as to wiring it in im more than capable
The thickness of the cable also depends on how far the cable has to run the longer the run the thicker the cable . your best bet for the cable is buy a couple pairs of heavy duty jump start cables from euro car parts (£15ish) mush cheaper than buying it off the roll and cut the ends off then find an auto electrician to properly crimp the relevant ends and anderson clips on if the batteries are buried in the chassis a lot of truck now have a jump start point around the back of the cab to connect to with surge protectors built in
kamazoo:
im just after some advice in what size cable and mega fuse to use. as to wiring it in im more than capable
Heard that one before. The phrase “mega fuse” doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence and you can’t claim to know how to wire it in if you’re asking what size cable to use.
Yours, former auto electrician.
I’ll throw you a bone. You need to know the current draw, the length of the cable run and the voltage drop per metre of the cable. That’ll tell you what diameter to need. To give you an idea of sizes, put it simply you’re looking for a minimum around the same thickness that a hefty set of jump leads for a truck are. I wouldn’t look at anything smaller than 0 AWG/ 70mm square.
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connor it isnt that hard to wire it in. doing it properly diffrent thing thats why i asked advice i no it needs to go straight to the battries with fuse on and run cable along the chassie or put anderson plugs on its not rocket science. and yes i dont no what cable to get or fuse but i will find out.
I have just removed my top bunk and fitting shelving, so went and bought me a microwave, just ordered a 1200 watt Inverter from our stores and bravely decided to stop at that point and get our resident electics guru to hard wire it in for me next week (shelving should be fabricated by then.
as if I tried this may well be my last post 
not sure if I ballsed up as the microwave is 800w but just noticed it has a 1000w grill 
you can’t mess about with electrickery 
nodding donkey:
bazstan009:
nodding donkey:
On a serious note though, how much juice in an average truck battery today? Using that kind of power on a daily basis is going to knacker your batteriez pretty quick.Mine are 225 amp.
Each, or together?
Running batteries down regularly wears them out quickly, even if you recharge them fully next day. I just wonder what you would use that needs a 3000 watt inverter. Power tools?
I know that domestic kettles have become a ‘must have’ accessory, but 3000 watts?
I got a 1500 watt and that’s on the smaller side to a microwave. Heck it sometimes complains when I use a kettle. So if he has room, why not? 3000watt should be the next step after 1500 so.
Batteries are run down every night with the heater. To use a 3000w inverter sometimes is just like a engine start. Anyway to get batteries to last over 2 years is a merit with todays crappy materials, everything that worked is forbidden because it’s to dangerous for the environment.
3000watt at 24v should give you 125amps right? The formula if i remember right goes P = UI
Then a 50 mm2 cable should be enough but go up a bit to be on the safe side.
kamazoo:
im just after some advice in what size cable and mega fuse to use. as to wiring it in im more than capable
Clearly not if your asking. Wiring it in is more than running a couple of cables as has been pointed out.
Get it underspecced and you might as well run two heating elements around your truck.
DC current heats up very quickly if wrong and I can’t see your company being to pleased if DIY BotchIt Inc set the truck on fire.
For the cost just get a qualified auto electrician to put it in and have peace of mind.
Your meddling in things you don’t understand phrase springs to mind
nodding donkey:
bazstan009:
nodding donkey:
On a serious note though, how much juice in an average truck battery today? Using that kind of power on a daily basis is going to knacker your batteriez pretty quick.Mine are 225 amp.
Each, or together?
Running batteries down regularly wears them out quickly, even if you recharge them fully next day. I just wonder what you would use that needs a 3000 watt inverter. Power tools?
I know that domestic kettles have become a ‘must have’ accessory, but 3000 watts?
I am in agreement but each to their own, I run 1000watt and seldom use that to it’s limit, run my off leisure batteries that are recharged when motor is running.
So something like this cable thickness would be what you need -2802-p.jpg)
http://www.altecautomotive.co.uk/70mm2--00-awgbr905030br-automotive-cablebr-485-ampbr-263-c.asp they also do anderson plugs
this place sells inline mega fuses and fuse holders from 100amp to 500amphttp://www.the12voltshop.co.uk/Shop/fuses-fuse-holders-and-fuse-boxes/fuses-midi-and-mega/
I often used arc welder cable, has the benefit of being more flexible than standard PVC cables.
Both rated at 365amp.