Question about installing Inverter

Well, remembering the correct formula


2000 continuous watts at 12 volts. 2000/12=100
You should get a 200 amp fuse if you ever planning to use 2000 watts.

 

Yeah use a 200 amp fuse. You always step up to the next higher fuse. Your unit has a 184 amp max draw. A 1500 watt inverter uses a 150 amp fuse and a 2500 watt uses a 250 amp fuse. See a pattern?

Is your wire copper? Aluminum won't work.

You want the fuse close as possible to the battery. They make ones that bolt straight to the battery. Amazon has good prices if you're not in a hurry. The shorter the cable length the better. Try to keep it under 4'. Up to 6' is okay before you start with a voltage drop. Coming out of the inverter it's okay to use 12' extention cords if need be. Also if you look there is a chassis ground screw on the unit. Since the unit will probably be sitting on carpet or rubber run you a short piece of like 14 or 12 AWG from the units chassis ground to the trucks chassis ground. That will protect you if the unit itself ever shorts the housing won't shock you. I drilled a small hole in the trucks floor and then used a self tapping screw to hold it. Go ahead and mount the inverter while you do that.

It's very important when you run through the floor with the cables you use a rubber grommet and silicone. This will protect the cables from the metal rubbing a hole through the insulation. That's where most shorts happen. If you look under the floor from the outside you'll see some random holes with the plug already in them. Use one of them. Usually there is one behind the drivers seat or where the fridge goes, up under the carpet. That's why it's easier to locate from outside. If you don't have a grommet auto parts stores sell them or you can take the factory rubber plug and cut a X in it. Once you have the cables in place then silicone the grommet.

The ideal installation would be right above the battery area. My Pete 387 the inverter was mounted right behind the drivers seat that worked out great since my fridge and microwave was right behind it. You can route the extension cords behind the cabinets and tucked in front of the mattress to get to the other side to give you an idea. Then you aren't staring at cords everywhere.

We have some pretty good inverter installation threads. Some with pictures if you need them. Use our search feature. They are in this forum somewhere.

 

A 2000 watt inverter means it delivers 2000 watts @ 120 volts. 2000/120=16.66 amps. A 20 amp fuse is correct, not 200. A 200 will burn the truck down. Think about it. Most houses don't have 200 amp main breakers.

 

He's talking about protecting the cables. DC not AC. There's a difference. The unit itself has built in protection for the AC output.

Here's the Cobra website FAQs. Look under Fuse Recommendations.

https://www.cobra.com/support/faqs/power-inverters

The Cobra CPI2500 uses four 4awg cables which is equivalent to two 2AWG like the OP's unit. 1500 watt uses 4 AWG while 2000 watts and 2500 watts use 2 AWG .

From all the inverters I've seen the cable mount holes on the inverter are the exact size of the wire needed. If your wire is too small in the hole or too big to go in the hole you have the wrong size.

 

Here's an example of an inline DC circuit breaker

http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-ICB-200-Holder-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B007A7UDOO



Fuses, they make a holder they fit in.

 

You are flat out wrong and you shouldn't give advise on something you know little about.

 

You're correct with your assessment. You want the inverter to blow if it gets overloaded. If you have too much of a fuse, it certain will burn up. The fuse is there to protect everything. 200 amp fuse is way too much
i have a 20 amp fuse. Never had a problem yet.

 

I don't really care for circuit breakers for this application as they are mechanical and therefor subject to failure. Use the inline fuse type, easy to install. Yes run a ground wire from ground post on inverter to frame, short straight runs of wire are best. You should cut and re-terminate wire if you have extra. 2000/12=166 amps. I'd go with a 150 amp.