Installing Inverter

[Scallops]

I've got myself a Powertech 300W Pure Sine Inverter which I'll soon be permanently installing into my Defender - direct to the auxilary battery. I think I'll mount it on the back of the cubby box.

I have a few questions...

1) There is an earthing point on the inverter - do I need to earth it? If so, to where on the vehicle?

2) Does anyone put an inline fuse into the +ve wire?

3) This inverter is "electrically isolated" - what exactly does that mean? Do I need a safety switch?

Thanks for any help.

[Jimmy]

HI

I just got the 150w Powertech inverter. I mounted it to the back of the cubby box. THe 150w version simply plugs into the 12v cig lighter.

I asked the guys at Jaycar about earthing them. They said you don't have to, but its a bit safer if you do. So I did. Just one of the closest bolts near the cubby box/back of seats.

Jimmy

[Scallops]

Thanks Jimmy - I'll get an earthing wire then.

My inverter has aligator clips to attach to the battery - could someone who has installed an inverter without 12 v cig connector tell me if they used these clips or changed them out for a more permanent connection?

[olmate]

I've got myself a Powertech 300W Pure Sine Inverter which I'll soon be permanently installing into my Defender - direct to the auxilary battery. I think I'll mount it on the back of the cubby box.

I have a few questions...

1) There is an earthing point on the inverter - do I need to earth it? If so, to where on the vehicle?

2) Does anyone put an inline fuse into the +ve wire?

3) This inverter is "electrically isolated" - what exactly does that mean? Do I need a safety switch?

Thanks for any help.

Mate, have recently mounted the same unit into the back of my series 2A.

I originally didn't earth it but was told that (it could be a good thing) - so I did. I connected mine directly to the second battery thru an isolation switch, trusting the fuse in the unit; using heavier wires that were provided with it from Jaycar.

[Mudnut]

I have just installed a 500W inverter in my Defender. Have put a fuse in line, and mounted it up on my cargo barrier. I have mounted it high as I'm off to Cape York next week, and I don't want any water getting into it. The auto electrician that I got my cable, and inline fuse from said that it does not need to be grounded. Have put a 120A fuse in line, as the inverter is capable of up to 1000W bursts. Used the largest cable as was practical.

Cheers,

Ken

[Scallops]

Thanks for the info everyone - I might have a think about where I install it after reading Mudnut's comments - and I guess earthing can't hurt even if not required.

PS - olmate - love your gallery, I hadn't seen it before. The SLR Torana was always a car I wanted.