1000W inverter install location / wiring?

[JohnEGraham]

Hi, I have purchased a 1000W inverter. I plan on placing the unit in the Stern side compartment where my Battery Seletcor switch is located. It always seam dry in that location. The Batteries are also located below that location so I ordered a 3ft cable. I would like to wire the unit into the Seletcor switch so when I am on the hook I don't kill both batteries. Typically I Run out on both batteries and switch to one ( 1 or 2 ) and save the other for starting. I see that the unit has a Cooling fan So I guess I can leave the Door open or pull the inverter out during use.
There is a Ground lug on the unit is that something I have to hook-up or is that for cars? I did not see anything about boat grounds in the instructions and do I need a fuse?
I am thinking of finding a plastic Rubbermaid type container and leave the unit sealed, until use. I only plan on using the unit for limited use such as A Blender, Toaster ( 850 watts ) etc. I already have a small 450w inverter for the TV / VCR.
Re: Placement. The only other place would be in the Galley where all my switches are ( Shore ) but this is 15 ft from my batteries, I read that it should be located next to the DC source.
Comments on my installation?
John G

 

[tobnpr]

I don't believe inverters can be mounted in the ER. Probably not ignition protected and too much heat...
Check your installation instructions.

 

[JohnEGraham]

The space is above the bilge (would not call it an engine room ) Built into the side of the boat wall. (The access to the Battery switch.)

 

[MrGew]

I am not the best person to add to this but can answer some of your questions.
A 1000w inverter will have a lot of draw on your batteries so as you mentioned placing the unit in the galley is not an option due to power loss and heat produced in the connection cables. This will cause unwanted extra battery drain.
I do not know your boat at all but again, as you mentioned, the cupboard where your battery switch to me would be as ideal a spot as any on a boat. Maybe check how the fiberglass is moulded as it may be that the cupboard is basically connected to your engine bay. This again could cause, as tobnpr mentioned, safety issues with the inverter causing a spark where fumes may be present.
Again, as u said , you plan to ventilate the unit so it may be OK. It would be up to you to decide if it was safe knowing your boat and listening to people more in the know than me.

I have not seen an in line fuse on the positive lead on the handful of boats I have been on. I'm guessing that maybe the draw is just to high and they would blow.. I'm also guessing well wired boats would probably if required, have a circuit breaker. I would recommend asking a marine auto electrician for advice.

The inverter is simple to wire through the battery switch as you mentioned allowing to use 1 to 2 banks.

A few quick things with inverters. A Pure sine wave is safe to run most things with electronics. A modified sine although cheaper, has a rougher current and can burn out some electronics.

 

[aquaaddiction]

Just to add yes it absolutley should be protected by a fuse as close as reasonabley possible to the battery. Class T fuses are normally specified for inverters.

 

[wakeup 19]

I just screwed it on top of plactic battery covers with some wood screws in my 300, it is midship then ran a receptacle to the storage locker, which is right in front of it. I used a GFI rececptacle. It works great for the tv etc.

 

[aquaaddiction]

Just to be clear, almost no inverters are ignition protected, that means that they should not be installed in the same space as an engine. Even batteries can create an explosive atmospehre so it is questionable as to whether a non ignition protected deviuce should be in with them either, but certainly dont ever put it in the engine space.

Anthony