Power Inverters 101, part 3

For the complete video playlist go to http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBECB457509CD8121

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[Bertziethegreat]

Is there any downside to using cable thicker than necessary?

[ESRepair]

@Bertziethegreat there are no downsides using a larger gauge cable than necessary to my knowledge. Both '+' & '-' cable should be larger if connected directly to battery. The chart assumes '-' cable attached to chassis or frame. Larger gauge cable will reduce resistance which causes voltage drop. -MrFixit

[melodi7478]

Hello , This video was terrific , i have a car battery with 700 cc (Cranking Amp ) , i would like to know :

1 ) what kind of power inverter i need in terms of Wattage and Brand name.

2) I do DJ , sometimes i hire for camping event ,i have 2 power speakers , each speaker 600

watts. i would like to know how much wattage inverter i need and the type of cable Gauge.Thanks

[Bertziethegreat]

@ESRepair Thank you for answering both my questions on your videos. :)

[ESRepair]

@SuperFrancisGuy Anytime. If you and/or your friends need any help, you know where to find us. take care. -Mrfixit

[SuperFrancisGuy]

@ESRepair thank you so much! It is hard to find quality videos like yours...

[ESRepair]

@SuperFrancisGuy 4 gauge will do just fine. Keep the ground cable as short as possible going to the metal frame. You can monitor the voltage drop by measuring the voltage at the inverter. Do not allow the voltage to drop below 12VDC. This will cause the inverter to draw more power and heat up the cables. Keep the cables well insulated from rubbing sharp objects. Use a fuse at the battery connection in case the cable shorts. If the cable are getting hot, use larger wire size -MrFixit

[SuperFrancisGuy]

@ESRepair thank you so much! although my local store only sells 4 gauge though... I wont be needing more then like 15 feet... MAX!

[ESRepair]

@SuperFrancisGuy You can use 8 gauge cable up to 7 feet, 6 gauge up to 10 feet, 4 gauge up to 22 feet, 2 gauge up to 28 feet from the battery. The smaller the gauge number the thicker the cable the less resistance to the power inverter. The ground needs to be connected to the metal frame of the car. Keep ALL cables as short as possible for the inverter to be most effective. The inverter also needs adequate ventilation because the internal fan turns on for loads over 100W. -MrFixit