800 Watt Invertor

[Steve 926]

Hello O Agios.

I would like to install an 800 watt invertor (12v DC~AC) as a back up for my pumps. Both pump's draw less than 2 amps together. I need to place the unit about 20 ft. away from the power source, can I use 12 / 2 romex for the run from the 12v dc car battery, or what do you recomend. Also, should I gnd. the invertor base to the AC pannel gnd.

As Always
Thanks For A Reply :D

Steve 926

:smokin:

[Young Frankenstein]

Let me do the calculations using Ohms Law and suggest to you to run the high voltage 20ft if you can instead of the 12 volts. Ok here we go 2Amps * 120 volts = 240 watts. Convert to 12 volts --- 240 watts / 12 = 20 Amps. A#12 gage wire can carry the voltage but I am suggesting A # 10 gage to compensate for the distance. If we calculate for 800 watts then 800w/12v= 66.66 amps You would need a very large cable , minimum # 4 gage. If you want to run this #4 go to an auto parts store they sell cables even thicker than that that are multi strand, like welding cables or if you want the cheapest way out go to home depot and just use regular # 4 THHN cable. Hope this helps.

[Young Frankenstein]

The way I would do it Is install the inverter next to the car and run any extension cord to the pumps