I've got the Mermaid 5200 BTU with reverse cycle and I want to be able to power it off an inverter for a short time. Mermaid claims this is easily accomplished with an 1800 watt inverter. I know it won't run for long, but even an hour or two would be nice. I'm looking for advise on how to wire it. Basically, the A/C is rigged only to work on shore power right now and has it's own breaker switch on the panel. Any ideas on how to install an inverter into the mix?

John

Hello,
as an example I saw a 2500 watt inverter for sale at
http://www.theinverterstore.com/?gcl...FQyIPgodPWt4ow
for 199 dollars. Even offers small AC use as an application idea. That 2500 watt inverter spec says it pulls 208 amps from your battery. Sounds reasonable but does not sound compensated for efficiency losses percentage.

an 1800 watt should pull 150 amps from your battey.
To me thats a lot of amps and youd need large wires to go between your battery and inverter so "I" would be inclinded to have the inverter close to the battery... That site sold 72" wires for $34. I'd probably want a fuse between the inverter and the battery. After the Inverter is mounted rout an extension cord (a good heavy one suitable for the load) from the inverter to where you need it.

I'd also find out from the MFG how long what ever battery it is you have will last at Max suck load (full power demand (150 amps in that case))

Also consider your alternaters....what are they capable of power wise. will they or it be able to stuff the inverter with that much power should you decide to be running the engine with that turned on?


Don't forget to notice that when the inverter is on and you don't think your using it, its probably silently sucking a couple amps off your battery unless it has an on off switch of some kind or you put in a disconnect switch yourself.


Hope that helps!!!!

Can always just make a cord to go from the invertor to your shorepower plug so you don't have to cut into the boats power wiring.

I considered the same thing......figured I'd only get a couple hours unitl the batteries were completly dead. Bought a Honda 2000 instead, strap it down in the engine compartment, strap it to the swim platform when in use.....1 gallon tank runs at least 10-12 hours (never used it any longer than that)

Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector below deck. Generators on swim platforms have killed more than one person.

Be safe