Inverters

[Harro]

Thinking of installing an inverter to charge my tools & things. What is most efficient size for the job?

[denverd0n]

Inverters operate most efficiently when they are in the upper range of their capacity, but not so close to maxxed-out that they run very hot. That said, your inverter needs to be large enough for the very largest load you put on it. That is to say, if your average load is 300 watts then you might think a 400 watt inverter is perfect, and it would be, until the day that you try to run something that needs 600 watts.

So, you want one that is big enough to run your largest loads -- with a little extra, just to be sure -- but not a whole lot bigger than that.

[Stu Jackson]

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvis...verter-Charger

Poke around the rest of the Advisor electrical section, too.

[thomm225]

If you just want to charge tools etc a 400 watt inverter is fine. you can get one for $60.00 or less

I have a 400 and a 1500 watt inverter. I have yet to use the 1500 watt unit.

I use mine to charge my phone, charge or run my laptop, power a fan over night, and a fluorescent light sometimes

[Peregrine1983]

I have a 2500w inverter and it's great for my needs. Drills, sanders, etc. I actually sized it to run my wife's hair dryer... which is the largest draw I encounter on my AC side.

Just be sure the wires powering the inverter are properly sized.