I need some advice on wiring a 1500 watt inverter into the electrical system on H34. The largest load is the microwave for short periods. I would like to connect to AC panel to have AC power throughout the boat. What is the best way to connect ?
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Go to the mfg.
Alan: I think that the best bet is to go to the mfg and get instructions for the model that you are looking for. FYI: Xantrex is now the owner of the most popular charger/inverter companies (Heart Interface, Statpower, Trace Engineering and Crusing Equipment). You can find them on the web at (www.xantrex.com). Depending on what applicances you are running together, you may want to consider a slightly unit. These websites have some good samples of the power requirment. I was just thinking that is you are running the micro and trying to brew a pot of coffee you may be a little shy on juice.
Alan: I think that the best bet is to go to the mfg and get instructions for the model that you are looking for. FYI: Xantrex is now the owner of the most popular charger/inverter companies (Heart Interface, Statpower, Trace Engineering and Crusing Equipment). You can find them on the web at (www.xantrex.com). Depending on what applicances you are running together, you may want to consider a slightly unit. These websites have some good samples of the power requirment. I was just thinking that is you are running the micro and trying to brew a pot of coffee you may be a little shy on juice.
Already own one?
If not I would agree that an H34 should probably have a minimum of 2000 watts. My own Heart Freedom 20 is located in the starboard locker with the batteries(4) and right under the shorepower connector. The cable, #12 I think, that originally went from the back of the shorepower connector to the AC panel simply detours through the inverter. The switching inside the inverter is automatic. The Heart came with an excellent set of manuals illustrating all of this. But it was already installed when I bought the boat. It's also the battery charger and properly handles my four gels.
If not I would agree that an H34 should probably have a minimum of 2000 watts. My own Heart Freedom 20 is located in the starboard locker with the batteries(4) and right under the shorepower connector. The cable, #12 I think, that originally went from the back of the shorepower connector to the AC panel simply detours through the inverter. The switching inside the inverter is automatic. The Heart came with an excellent set of manuals illustrating all of this. But it was already installed when I bought the boat. It's also the battery charger and properly handles my four gels.
I't not complicated
Installation is not complicated. If you already have AC power in your boat, the inverter basically is installed in the AC line, with wires to the DC house battery. When you are plugged in, the inverter passes thru the electricity (except for what it sends to the battery if it has a charger). When you are not plugged in, it automatically draws from the battery. But I agree with the others you should verify the installation instructions with the manufacturer.
Installation is not complicated. If you already have AC power in your boat, the inverter basically is installed in the AC line, with wires to the DC house battery. When you are plugged in, the inverter passes thru the electricity (except for what it sends to the battery if it has a charger). When you are not plugged in, it automatically draws from the battery. But I agree with the others you should verify the installation instructions with the manufacturer.
It's not quite that simple....
you want inverted power to go to your 110V outlets only! The inverter must be wired to bypass large draw items such as water heaters and air conditioning compressors. I'm sure that Hunter can provide you with wiring diagrams to show the proper hookup.
you want inverted power to go to your 110V outlets only! The inverter must be wired to bypass large draw items such as water heaters and air conditioning compressors. I'm sure that Hunter can provide you with wiring diagrams to show the proper hookup.
But it is that simple.
As previously stated by a couple of us, the inverter just sits in the middle of the 110V line from shorepower. It might be preferable to not have the air and hot water on the inverter but mine is. Although I can heat my water from the inverter I never do. The switches for the hot water and air-cond. simply remain off at the panel when not connected to shorepower.
As previously stated by a couple of us, the inverter just sits in the middle of the 110V line from shorepower. It might be preferable to not have the air and hot water on the inverter but mine is. Although I can heat my water from the inverter I never do. The switches for the hot water and air-cond. simply remain off at the panel when not connected to shorepower.
Water Heater......
But, actually, you can run the water heater or an airconditioner. My boat has raw-water cooling, so I have frequently run the water heater off my 1700 watt inverter. The heater element is 1500 watts. I usually, but not always, do this when the engine (and big alternator) are running. Works great when I am running the engine to get anchored at the end of a brisk, windy day....that electrically heated water is really toasty!!!!! And the switch to the heater is otherwise in the Off position.
But, actually, you can run the water heater or an airconditioner. My boat has raw-water cooling, so I have frequently run the water heater off my 1700 watt inverter. The heater element is 1500 watts. I usually, but not always, do this when the engine (and big alternator) are running. Works great when I am running the engine to get anchored at the end of a brisk, windy day....that electrically heated water is really toasty!!!!! And the switch to the heater is otherwise in the Off position.
according to Heart...
...the 1500 watt Freedom inverter is NOT large enough to run a water heater. It will run a small microwave, however.
...the 1500 watt Freedom inverter is NOT large enough to run a water heater. It will run a small microwave, however.
Yes Ed, that's the easiest way.....
but not necessarily the best way. Hot water heaters and compressors draw heavy current. You would have to have lots of battery power to drive either one of those appliances for the amount of time it would take to make hot water or cool down the cabin with the AC. If you "accidentally" left your water heater switch on, it wouldn't be long before your batteries were "dead as a door nail". There is not a manufacturer that I am aware of that would install an inverter in the method you suggest. Water heaters and compressors are always by-passed.
but not necessarily the best way. Hot water heaters and compressors draw heavy current. You would have to have lots of battery power to drive either one of those appliances for the amount of time it would take to make hot water or cool down the cabin with the AC. If you "accidentally" left your water heater switch on, it wouldn't be long before your batteries were "dead as a door nail". There is not a manufacturer that I am aware of that would install an inverter in the method you suggest. Water heaters and compressors are always by-passed.
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