Can I use an inverter to power my steam cleaner?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by stresse, Jun 23, 2023.

  1. stresse

    stresse New Member

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    Howdy!!

    I recently bought a 2013 Prius (Hatchback)—I hope I am in the right forum, the terms for the different kinds of Priuses confuse me.

    My dog wasted no time before shitting all over it (he poop walks—it's a problem).

    I live in an apartment with no way to snake a cord to my car to use my steam cleaner on the mess.

    My steam cleaner is a dupray "one".
    voltage: 120V
    amperage: 12A
    wattage: 1400W

    I recently tried (unsuccessfully) powering it with a modified sine inverter rated for 2000W continuous/4000W peak.

    I figure I should try another inverter, perhaps a "true" sine inverter.

    But, before continuing on this quest, I've been trying to read to make sure my battery is going to be able to handle powering this (with the Prius running).

    To be honest, I don't fully understand what I'm reading and am hoping someone here might be able to weigh in on whether or not what I am attempting to do is even possible.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    i'm no expert either, but i think you're pulling too much wattage. maybe a car wash would have a place to plug in
     
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  3. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    In 2011, when I bought my Gen3, I recall reading a few articles about after-market setups that would use the Gen3 system as a power generator to power a house.

    So I know that such systems exist.

    However that is all that I know about it.

    Sorry.
     
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That should have been successful, at least briefly. How did you have the inverter connected to the car?

    Note at 1400 watts, the input side of the inverter will be needing close to 120 amps. The fuse on the DC/DC converter supplying it is 125 amps, so there's not a lot of margin for error.

    The ones offering higher power than suggested above are likely to be specialized systems powered from the car's traction battery:

    Electric power from a hybrid, connecting inverter to the high-voltage system | PriusChat
     
  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I’m shocked that your local Home Depot or Lowes doesn’t offer generator rental services!
     
  6. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    As ChapmanF has pointed out at that wattage you don’t have a lot of room to play with before you blow fuses. I have over 20 years of experience in electrical power generation, plus additional years in setting up and running RV system using inverters. All that to say “I wouldn’t try it”. There has to be a better way. It could end up costing you a lot of money.
     
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Interesting .. we call it a car wash in SE USA. Pride is the company.. may have outlets many don't... .. TX maybe quite different . Is it worth it to go thru all this. Than to use car wash upholstery cleaner machine?. You'd a been finished already.
     
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