Can I include an inverter output, in the 13 amp socket outlet from my consumer unit, or am I likely to damage the inverter when the mains hook up is switched on? The idea being to tuck the inverter away, and run a lead from the 13 amp output to another cupboard mounted 13amp socket that is easier to get to. Obviously it would be nice to double the amount of sockets that can be used on either mains hook up or the inverter, but if you can't you can't! Also has anyone got a 2000w plus pure sine wave inverter for sale ?
Not sure what you're hoping to achieve exactly...you've got AC when you hook up on site...you can put as many sockets as you like on a ring circuit to improve access...an inverter normally converts DC to AC...12V to 240V As far as I'm aware, a 2000W inverter will draw massive current and will need big cabling and fuse, and would need to be isolated via an inline master switch, all of which may be quite expensive...so unless you're planning on installing bigger (or more batteries) the meagre Amp hours from a stock leisure battery won't last long before your inverter cuts out. If you're looking for clean power for a Laptop or TV, I'd go another route and get a stand-alone device rated at the output you need
Send your hookup to a single socket, site inverter nearby. From back of consumer unit, use a std 3 pin plug, choose where power comes from. Have unit send to a double socket mounted wherever handy... I put all under RnR bed, simple to choose which to connect - on hookup it's single socket, no hookup it's inverter. Only faff is that I don't leave the inverter on, due to current draw mentioned, so have to lift seat to switch it on. I'd post pics but got none anymore, there maybe some on a thread on here.
You could install a relay to handle switching to the sockets from hookup or inverter. I dont know if this should be before or after the consumer unit, I presume you would ideally double up the RCDs or whatever in the consumer unit and put the relay on the output side. Or get one of these combined charger/ inverter/ UPS that will handle switching and charge your battery while on hookup http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1500W-300...Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item2c71ab1213 I think the seller has screwed up that listing his other ones have a start price of 1p and postage £99, or free postage and a start price of £139, that one is free postage and a start price of 1p. So there could be a bargain to be had if there are no other serious bidders. Do your calculations 1500w is 125A at 12V, but the inverter is 90% efficient to it would actually be drawing more, you'd need serious battery power and cables. make sure your fuse is appropriate for the cables/battery. edit: just reread OP, I dont think you should connect mains and inverter to 13A sockets at the same time even if you plan to only have one source on at a time. God knows what would happen if they were both powered.
You can see the size of the wiring required for a 1500W inverter. I have a 130amp leaisure battery and it won't last long on full draw, however did about 4 hours of cool box plus floodlight plus stereo last weekend. The bottom two sockets are hook-up the top two are inverter, you cant run one socket for both of them without some fancy remote switch gear and (belive me, I know) if you accidentally turn them on together the whole lot goes pop, very expensively. If you're going to do it, keep them seperate. Or you can do as above and manually switch them, that way you can be fairly sure you've got it right. (alcohol haze not included)
"God knows what would happen if they were both powered..." I could take an eductated guess As long as it is isolated with a stand alone master switch you can't go wrong.... as the old spark's saying goes...Brown to Green, Green to Brown, Blue to bits.... Do the maths....calculate what AC equipment you're planning to run, work out the Amp Hours, then be realistic about usage...there are better alternatives...like drying your hair with a towel, gazing at the stars instead of a TV, learning to appreciate the inherent sh*tness of a stock sound system fueled by a weedy alternator and bijoux Leisure battery....speaking of which Why not get your alternator rewound/upgraded and run another leisure battery....probably cost a bit more than a quality 2000W inverter, plus cable, plus switching gear, plus terminals etc. BUT would be more reliable, useful, and you could go 24V with a changeover switch....lots of nice truck accessories and equipment @ 24V
Well there is a glut of very useful information there guys so thank you all very much! Looks like separate twin sockets for the hook up and inverter is the way to go then and I've already now gone ahead and cut two holes in readiness! The reason for the big inverter is indeed for a hair dryer, and occasionally possibly a mains powered amplifier, for those impromptu DJ'ing requirements. You see the whole bus is designed a bit around the music, we already have two old school Lanzar Vibe amplifiers powering what are basically home Hi Fi speakers ( Wharfedale ), and they are 6 ohm before you ask, so all sounds lovely. Then we have bypass sockets for speakers so you can plug in bigger external PA speakers, which cuts power to the front door speakers, leaving the internal rear speakers as monitors. Still with me ? Then we have further bypass sockets that bypass the head unit enabling connection of decks/ mixer/ controller or whatever takes your fancy. My basic (read "complicated") requirement is to have every power source possibility covered so every eventuality/ location is covered, and yes I will get a generator too! So thanks once again for all that advice, and the extra trouble of those photos, its all been a great help guys. G.
If you are performing doing dj work the inverter/charger combo is a good option if you hookup/generator stops it switches over to battery in 12ms your amps and decks wont even notice
