mejones53
South Florida
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We have a new to us trailer that has DC power running to the Radio/DVD/CD player and AC only to the TV space directly above it.
Is there any reason why I can tap into that DC line and connect a small (150 watt) inverter that I can use to power the TV?
The batteries (2 AGM 12V 92AH ea) are at the other end of the trailer, more than 20 ft away as the crow flies so I figure just use what's already there and is already fused (15 amp).
Otherwise I'm clueless. I welcome your comments before I melt some wires or burn down my trailer.
Thanks,
* This post was
edited 06/19/12 12:16pm by mejones53 *
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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A 150 watt inverter will work fine as you intend. Actually, I'd suggest a larger (400 watt?) inverter to insure you get an ample amperage supplied to your TV. It won't draw any more current than the 150 watt unless it needs to.
A preferred method is to always mount the inverter as close to the batteries as possible and run the AC line to the accessory.
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Moved from Forum Technical Support.
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christopherglenn
a little over an hour from Yosemite
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A 15 amp fuse will limit you to ~150 watts, a larger inverter is a waste, unless the cost is the same - but the larger inverter may last longer at 20% output when a smaller one is at 60%.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Give it a go, the circuits are protected. If you encounter low voltage from the long thin wires the inverter may give alarm or shut down.
I power my tv, dvd, laptop and charge small items with a Go Power 300w sine wave inverter.
I mounted the inverter behind the fuse-breaker panel. 12v connects to the main battery feed to the panel. 120v is wired into the entertainment area circuit with an automatic transfer switch. The wiring is very straight forward if you have done any home wiring before. The Go Power 300w has a provision for a remote power switch so with the touch of a button I have instant power.
GP 300w SW $160
Xantrex 15 amp switch $49
So all in maybe $250-$300 for self install.
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1L243
Astoria, Oregon
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what kind of TV and size? Is it a LCD, LED or old picture tube type?
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mejones53
South Florida
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I'm thinking a 26" LCD rated for 80 watts will work for us.
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1L243
Astoria, Oregon
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You should determine if there is anything else running off that 15amp DC circuit, like lights. I just helped a friend install a 21.5 Samusung LCD 47 watts into is motorhome. The 20 amp circuit we tapped into also has lights in the circuit. We are using a 400 watt inverter. TV and DVD work fine but if you start turning on lights on the circuit voltage could drop beloe 12 volts. I think we are going to run a dedicated line directly to the batteries for just the TV.
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mejones53
South Florida
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Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'll try tapping into the radio line as planned and post if I have a problem otherwise assume I'm a happy camper.
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1L243
Astoria, Oregon
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Put a voltmeter on that line then start turning on lights and see if the volts drop... If you don't you may get your TV up and running and then when your out in the boonies and turn on a few lights it may not have enough voltage.. If it is a issue you may consider LED lighting....
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