I mounted a 1500 watt Xantrex inverter in my 2004 C190P R/T. I hoped to run the microwave with it.
When I tested it, the Danby microwave hummed rather loudly as it ran, after about 30 seconds the microwave turned its self off.
I contacted Xantrex and Danby, they both stated that it should run OK but that they cannot garantee it will work, and if it does not work right, don't do it.
I did some more testing and found that the output voltage at the inverter remains 110 to 120 volts so adequate power seems to be available. The inverter is connected to the microwave with a 12 gauge 3 wire extension cord.
After further testing the microwave does not tolerate power from the inverter and switches its self off within one second of turning the power on.
The microwave runs just fine on shore power, I have not tried generator power yet but am quite sure it will be OK.
I will run the coffee maker on the inverter but will not do any more testing with the microwave.
Yes, microwaves are "iffy" on modified sine wave (MSW) inverters. We previously had a 1500W Xantrex and it would run our microwave okay, but it had the same hum that you describe.
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Someone mentioned not too long ago, that they had to open the door on the microwave to get the inverter prepared for the load. It then worked okay. Hopefully, I'll be able to find the post or someone else will chime in.
fromday2 wrote: I mounted a 1500 watt Xantrex inverter in my 2004 C190P R/T. I hoped to run the microwave with it.
When I tested it, the Danby microwave hummed rather loudly as it ran, after about 30 seconds the microwave turned its self off.
I contacted Xantrex and Danby, they both stated that it should run OK but that they cannot garantee it will work, and if it does not work right, don't do it.
I did some more testing and found that the output voltage at the inverter remains 110 to 120 volts so adequate power seems to be available. The inverter is connected to the microwave with a 12 gauge 3 wire extension cord.
After further testing the microwave does not tolerate power from the inverter and switches its self off within one second of turning the power on.
The microwave runs just fine on shore power, I have not tried generator power yet but am quite sure it will be OK.
I will run the coffee maker on the inverter but will not do any more testing with the microwave.
I have been running my Danby microwave oven off of a 1,800 watt MSW inverter for the past two years with no problems in my Chevy 2002 190P. The only change is that some things take a little longer to heat in the MW when switched to the inverter.
Is that 1500 watt Xantrex inverter peak power or continuous power (wattage)?
1500 watts continuous power. The microwave specs state the power consumption is 1300 watts. The inverter is supposed to be good for 3000 watts surge power.
FWIW, I mounted a 1200 watt Tripplite in my 03 190P, and the Danby micro was too much for it, too. I am wondering, if a microwave is set on a LOWER power setting, does it pull LESS power?? That MIGHT be the solution for us! ST
2003 Roadtrek 190P Chevy 3500, and a pair of Limmers...
I think the problem is more the type of inverter, rather than a wattage problem. Most, or a lot of microwaves don't like MSW inverters, most microwave ovens require very low harmonic distortion and clean power like utility-supplied electricity to run at their optimal level, and you get that from a PSW inverter. If a microwave runs on a MSW inverter, it will usually be louder, slower, and run hotter. You will also notice the clock running slower, and the microwaves life span shortened.
"General recommendations — Inverters 1500 watts and under: If battery and inverter are within 4', use #4 gauge AWG. If 4'-6', use #2. If more than 6', use #0 gauge wire (#0 gauge wire may require a "0 to 4 Gauge Adapter"). The maximum length generally recommended is 10', and shorter is better. If you need more length, it is much better to put it on the AC side (as with an extension cord from inverter to appliance) than on the DC side".
We must be very lucky, but the original 600 W (cooking power) Panasonic microwave (990 W from the line) runs very happily from a 1000 W MSW Xantrex inverter that cost about $80 Cdn three years ago.
Rodger, I think you are right, it is an incompatibility between the Modified Sine Wave output of the inverter and the desire of the electronics of the microwave for Pure Sine Wave power. I also think the MSW output of the inverter degrades the electronics of the microwave. The first time I tested the microwave it ran for a several seconds, the next time it ran for a few seconds, now it will immediately shut down. Something has changed and I believe the microwave has been compromised. It runs fine on shore power now and I am quite sure it will run on generator power (don't want to run it in the garage).
I have had 3 inverters on boats, 800W, 1000W, 1500W and they all seem to have a problem on powering anything other than electric motors. I have never paid the dough for a PSW inverter.
However, I have run 2 laptops on MSW power, both on the RT supplied 400W that came in the 2004 C190P and the 100W kind that plug into the lighter socket.
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