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Adding 1000w inverter question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by JC91006, May 11, 2014.

  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Hello All

    I'm in the process of adding the necessary wiring to add a 1000w inverter to my Prius. I read many people are just connecting the 1000w inverter directly onto the Prius 12v via battery jumper clamp type of connection. This seems to work fine.

    However I'm looking at "How to" write ups and almost everyone is adding an 80 amp fuse in their wiring. Is this addition fuse necessary or just a precaution? Has anyone ever blown this 80 amp fuse with normal usage?

    Thanks for your feedbacks.
     
  2. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    I have a 80a fuse, and a 4000 watt inverter hooked up in mine. Direct to the 12v battery.
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    That's a big waste of a 4000w inverter. From all the reading I've done, a direct hookup to the 12v shouldn't benefit from anything over 1000w.
     
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  4. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    It's a 4000w peak, 2000w continuous inverter. I've had 2k run continuous with no issues. Fuse isn't necessary as the inverter has a fail safe built in.
     
  5. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    I've also used it to run the blower on my furnace during a power outage for 14 hours
     
  6. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    The fuse is to protect you if the battery gets shorted out. It will gladly release all of it's energy in a very short time...think arc welding.
     
  7. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    Hence the built in 80a fuse in the inverter.
     
  8. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    Just curious-is the 12v battery charged from the engine when running or it it charged from the traction battery?
     
  9. CatsAreGods

    CatsAreGods Junior Member

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    The 12V battery is charged directly from the traction battery, which is charged by the ICE.

    Nexus 4 ?
     
  10. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

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    Nice to know - thx.
     
  11. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

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    The built-in fuse won't help any if the positive cable to the inverter gets rubbed through or damaged and grounds out before it gets to the inverter ;) hence the fuse as close to the battery as possible.
     
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  12. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    Not needed when the cable is 6inches long and touches nothing.
    (However mine is fused 80a)
    Thanks
     
  13. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

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    Good point. I had no way of knowing that lol. Slightly off topic but not much: I found an awesome board that skips the 12v system and concerts 190v DC to 240v ac. Problem is I have no info on parts or availability. It's by Martek Power[​IMG]
     
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  14. CatsAreGods

    CatsAreGods Junior Member

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    Call your local dealer:

    Martek

    Nexus 4 ?
     
  15. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

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    Local being 4+ hours away lol. Hey it would still be quick shipping :p
     
  16. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    If you call let us know how $$
     
  17. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

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    Called and left a message. Now the fun part...waiting lol
     
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Ok, back to the original topic. I won't allow this thread to be hi jacked :)
     
  19. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    The internal fuse will do nothing to protect from a short-circuit in the upstream wiring. It is there to protect the internal electronics of the inverter. Always have a fuse as close to the battery as possible...right off of the terminal is best.
     
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  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There are several types of 80amp fuses, are there any specific kinds I should use? Most I see use a type called ANL fuse. I see other kinds out there for audio purposes, not sure if it's any different.