Inverter on 500amp line?

[FlyingTexan]

With the 500amp line running to the NATO plug in the back I'm wanting to use that to add an inverter. What side do the wires run on? The left by the jack or the right? Also does anyone know what the max dimensions for an inverter are? I'd like to go as big as possible simply because I'd rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. In the future I'd like to be able to power powertools, an induction stove, other things.

 

[anand]

Runs down the passenger (LHD) side of the vehicle. I would ensure it is fused appropriately (many inverters specify a Class T fuse) and the entirety of the cable run is correct for what the inverter calls for.

Speaking of what size to go with, that's personal preference and space dependent. Where did you want to mount it?

Also, what are you planning on running from it? And for any extended time? The factory battery (or aux battery) can supply approximately 50Ah before discharging to a state of damage to the cells (50% SoC), so that equates to a 100A load for 30 minutes, or 200A load for 15 minutes. 200A load, with a 87% efficiency is around 2,000w of inverter output; half that to approximately 1,000w for a 100A load for 30 minutes. Since you brought up induction cook top, most of those will draw 1200-1500w, so a 2,000w inverter is probably about right (or something in the 2KVA range, depending on how the brand lists it)

Going huge on the inverter isn't always a great plan because it also is often a little less efficient than appropriately sizing it for the load you plan on putting on it.

My build spreadsheet involves adding a Victron Phoenix 12/1200 inverter, although I need to measure to see where I can fit it; at current my plan is to feed it from a 135Ah LiFePO4 battery; of course, that could change

 

[FlyingTexan]

Runs down the passenger (LHD) side of the vehicle. I would ensure it is fused appropriately (many inverters specify a Class T fuse) and the entirety of the cable run is correct for what the inverter calls for.

Speaking of what size to go with, that's personal preference and space dependent. Where did you want to mount it?

Also, what are you planning on running from it? And for any extended time? The factory battery (or aux battery) can supply approximately 50Ah before discharging to a state of damage to the cells (50% SoC), so that equates to a 100A load for 30 minutes, or 200A load for 15 minutes. 200A load, with a 87% efficiency is around 2,000w of inverter output; half that to approximately 1,000w for a 100A load for 30 minutes. Since you brought up induction cook top, most of those will draw 1200-1500w, so a 2,000w inverter is probably about right (or something in the 2KVA range, depending on how the brand lists it)

Going huge on the inverter isn't always a great plan because it also is often a little less efficient than appropriately sizing it for the load you plan on putting on it.

My build spreadsheet involves adding a Victron Phoenix 12/1200 inverter, although I need to measure to see where I can fit it; at current my plan is to feed it from a 135Ah LiFePO4 battery; of course, that could change

Ok so to clarify if looking forward you're saying the wiring is on the right side of the vehicle? I would have expected it to be on the left where the Nato plug is. As far as where to mount it I'm unsure. Going have to do some pocking around. I want to use the 500A line/switch that's already there. I know inverters can pull current when not in use so want the option to flip it off.

 

[Asnes]

The relay / 500A connection is behind the rear interior panel under the side storage area window in the back of the grenadier passenger side on LHD vehicle.

 

[Clark Kent]

Also be aware that even though the switch is labelled as 500A, the circuit is fused at 350A in my Australian vehicle and reported as the same for UK and EU vehicles.

 

[vanta]

With the 500amp line running to the NATO plug in the back I'm wanting to use that to add an inverter. What side do the wires run on? The left by the jack or the right? Also does anyone know what the max dimensions for an inverter are? I'd like to go as big as possible simply because I'd rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. In the future I'd like to be able to power powertools, an induction stove, other things.

With the 500amp line running to the NATO plug in the back I'm wanting to use that to add an inverter. What side do the wires run on? The left by the jack or the right? Also does anyone know what the max dimensions for an inverter are? I'd like to go as big as possible simply because I'd rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. In the future I'd like to be able to power powertools, an induction stove, other things.

if you’re going with a 3000 W inverter you will definitely not pull more than 25 amps, the inverter you should use should give you 120 V ac, since you’re in the US, unless you want to use tools rated for other countries. With that being said if you use 10000 W inverter, your max amperage would be about 80 A. If you want to calculate, just divide the wattage by 120 V (ac voltage), or a different voltage depending on your location and desired tool ratings, and you should get the amperage output.

 

[anand]

if you’re going with a 3000 W inverter you will definitely not pull more than 25 amps, the inverter you should use should give you 120 V ac, since you’re in the US, unless you want to use tools rated for other countries. With that being said if you use 10000 W inverter, your max amperage would be about 80 A. If you want to calculate, just divide the wattage by 120 V (ac voltage), or a different voltage depending on your location and desired tool ratings, and you should get the amperage output.

You're confusing AC and DC amperage....

The NATO plug's rating is 500A DC, which is roughly 6200W (although, it can only support this in very short bursts, like winching)

 

[vanta]

You're confusing AC and DC amperage....

The NATO plug's rating is 500A DC, which is roughly 6200W (although, it can only support this in very short bursts, like winching)

I thought OP meant power inverter? The inverter converts DC to AC

 

[landmannnn]

if you’re going with a 3000 W inverter you will definitely not pull more than 25 amps, the inverter you should use should give you 120 V ac, since you’re in the US, unless you want to use tools rated for other countries. With that being said if you use 10000 W inverter, your max amperage would be about 80 A. If you want to calculate, just divide the wattage by 120 V (ac voltage), or a different voltage depending on your location and desired tool ratings, and you should get the amperage output.

You put an extra zero, I think you mean 300w not 3000w

 

[Disco Dave]

OK guys this is how it goes
Watts = volts x amps
Amps = watts/volts.

So 3000 watts needs 230 amps at 13 volts i.e. from your battery to inverter.
And 3000 watts needs 25 amps at 120 volts i.e. from your inverter to your hair dryer.

 

[parb]

3kwatt is a pretty heavy duty power consumer. What exactly are you planning to pull? A heavy duty stick welder? At those power levels for AC, safety is becoming a real concern.

 

[MileHigh]

An Nespresso machine uses like 1500 W…

 

[MileHigh]

I am an electrical idiot. When it comes to all of these higher power, electrical set ups, what role does the alternator capacity play? Is that the limiting factor on long-term power deployment? These battery systems are to augment when the engine is off correct? Is there a good primer out there for explaining how to set up a vehicle electrical system, maybe specifically for the grenadier?