How To Get Full Rated Current From 12V -120V Inverters

[George7941]

Running a variable output heat gun off a 1000W inverter, the maximum I could get was about 600W before the inverter starts beeping and eventually shuts down.

I recently figured out that running my truck engine so that the alternator was charging the battery greatly helps. Now I can get the full rated 1000 Watts.

 

[BrendanC]

Running a variable output heat gun off a 1000W inverter, the maximum I could get was about 600W before the inverter starts beeping and eventually shuts down.

I recently figured out that running my truck engine so that the alternator was charging the battery greatly helps. Now I can get the full rated 1000 Watts.

wire gauge needs to be big enough to carry the current from the alternator to the inverter. my 3500w inverter has 2/0 cable running from alternator to dual batteries, then 2/0 all the way back. i also have 370 amps of alternator. it takes power to make power.

 

[eljefino]

The average car starter is 1100 watts. How long can a typical car battery sustain that? 30 seconds or so.

Having it running made all the difference.

 

[Number_35]

An automotive battery at full charge might sit at 12.6 V. With the engine running, a healthy alternator will put out 13.x V, and up to 14.x depending on load.

The higher input voltage to the inverter must help.

As @BrendanC said, heavier-gauge wire (both from the battery to the inverter, and from the inverter to the load) will help.