Multiple Inverters

[randallhilton]

I'm preparing to take part of our home off grid as a first step towards energy liberty. Although I'll string up some 12v for lighting, 12v for other stuff is just not practical so I've been learning about inverters.

As I plan my system, I was originally, thinking of getting an inverter that was large enough to accomodate expansion. But apparently, most inverters operate more efficiently when the load is closer to their rated capacity. This has me thinking that I should size the inverter for the load of "Phase 1" of my system.

Later, when I add more capacity, can I just add another inverter that would match that additional load capacity?

[12vman]

I thought of installing an inverter that would handle the largest AC load that I would ever use. (Vacume, Washing Machine, maybe a toaster, whatever..) Figuring only operating 1 item at a time, never 2 at any given time.

Run seperate wiring for the AC with a small neon lamp in each outlet. (When the neon is lit, the outlet is hot) Remotely turn the inverter on/off either by the remote turn on or with a large relay via wall switches in several different areas throughout the house. (Kitchen, Living Room, Bathroom, Bedroom, Utility room) Turn it on, use it, shut it down. This way you wouldn't need to worry about the stand by draw with it being turned on all of the time.

My major power is 12 volts DC. 99.9% of everything that I use in a normal day operates on DC. I may want to use a blender or mixer from time to time. I have 3 small inverters (400 watt) that I plug into a 12 volt outlet and use it for the job and unhook it. This works well for me.. ;)

[bee_pipes]

Doesn't the dc heat up? How long are the runs? You don't use anything with a major current draw?

Regards,
Pat

[12vman]

"Doesn't the dc heat up?"

Not if ya use the correct gauge wire..


"How long are the runs?"

My main run is around 48' long. I use 2 ga. wire and connect drops from that to my outlets..

"You don't use anything with a major current draw?"

One of my biggest current draws is this computer. The only other large draw is when I use an inverter to run something. Most of my common loads are under 3-4 amps..

[12vman]

Hay Pat..

This is how I had this place wired back in '04 before I replace the roof.. 8)

http://minifarmhome.proboards25.com/index.cgi?board=building&action=display&thread=153 &page=1

[Anon001]

I, too, have everything on DC including a 12V microwave. lol... The only thing I run on AC is my computer which is a laptop and my printer, and my DSL modem. All my lights are 12V DC... I especially wanted all lights to be 12V. Inverters will fail and when they do you will be without lights if they aren't 12V DC.

I like the idea of plugging the inverter into outlets where you need the AC.... I just have a small 200 watt inverter connected at the batteries then an electrical cord coming from my breaker box that plugs into it. However, with almost everything being 12V, I only have two breakers in the box. lol

The only time it doesn't work for me is when I want to use a power tool which isn't often. I use the generator for that. Most of the time I use hand tools.

PaulNKS

[randallhilton]

My major power is 12 volts DC. 99.9% of everything that I use in a normal day operates on DC.



12v would be rather difficult for us. We're homesteading in the burbs so our load includes a surveilance system, perimiter alarms, motion detectors etc. (some folks watch "Cops" on tv. We just peek out the front window. ::) )

[Anon001]

dang! I don't envy you... LOL

PaulNKS