Plug in inverter

artyboo
artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
edited August 2018 in Parts & Accessories #1

Is there such a thing?

Just  had my Motorhome habitation service and the inverter was condemned so it has been removed. I have to confess, I have used it only once; as I was wild Camping and ran out of gas (duh) and needed a cuppa so boiled the kettle.

Should it happen again, is there anything like a gadget that would serve as a very short term inverter that plugs in?  Might be a stupid question but you never know until you ask 🤪

Comments

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2018 #2

    it was probably the kettle that damaged your inverter if inverter was not rated high enough. thousand on tinternet but be careful and buy a good recommended one with enough power for the highest wattage you will need to run. just to be on the safe side.

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2018 #3

    It takes a BIG inverter to power a kettle, even a low wattage one and it’s not just the size of the inverter it’s the battery cabling as well. To give you an idea, a 900 Watt kettle is going to take around 90 - 100 amps from the battery.   Most people seem to have inverters for low power things like like electronics so unless you have a pressing need to operate essential equipment when not on EHU I would leave well alone.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #4

    Completely in technical reply 😁.

    Could you have your 12v inverter replaced? I take it it's a fitted socket? We don't have any 12v socket with normal plug, so carry a carry an inverter enough for tv or charging equipment if required, don't know the output/wattage but know it's low. This has to be clipped onto habitation battery. Right pia and I'm half afraid if it 😂. Kettle is definitely a no likewise hairdryer and microwave if you have them.

    Secondly how's the habitation battery? Might you need a new one?

    Might be better to get ?socket? replaced than have the worry of choosing an inverter and clipping it on when required? All done and sorted by qualified person, so you should be safe 😉.

    How's things going especially with your OH? Curious about you too, concern rather than nosey embarassed

  • Randomcamper
    Randomcamper Club Member Posts: 1,062 ✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #5

    Should it happen again, is there anything like a gadget that would serve as a very short term inverter that plugs in? Might be a stupid question but you never know until you ask 🤪

    To answer this part of your question.....yes you can get inverters with a cigarette lighter plug on one end, but about the maximum current you can draw through a car/van ciggy socket is around 15 amps at 12 volts, (it may vary from vehicle to vehicle, but that is a typical figure).

    That equates to around 180 watts (forgetting losses for simplicity), that's not going to power a normal kettle......

    But you can buy 12volt travel/car kettles which must be extremely low wattage. You could keep one for emergencies....

    But we keep a small stove like this in the van for emergencies like gas running out or a regulator failure...

    https://www.ultimateoutdoors.com/equipment/258605-campingaz-camp-bistro-2-stove-mid-blue.html/598332/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping&ist

  • artyboo
    artyboo Forum Participant Posts: 457
    edited August 2018 #6

    Thanks all, I figured that I would need a big one (ooer) so it’s probably not worth it.

    The leisure battery seems fine thanks Bakers.

    Bakers, OH not good unfortunately; he had a second stroke while in induced coma to stop seizures. This really regressed him but roll with the punches so they say. Off to the Dordogne in a few weeks - keep your fingers crossed for me 🤪

    Thanks for the suggestion of a gas stove and ring; I think that’s the option I will look at. Seems silly to replace the inverter for the sake of one cuppa every 12 months.

    As usual, you have all been lovely and patient with me xxx

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #7

    Artyboo so sorry to hear that. You seem to have the 'right'attitude. Best wishes to him and take good care of yourself whilst you're away.

    Think the single gas ring for emergencies sounds like good advice. You can be versatile too, kettle and hot water or soup, toast etc  😉

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