Adding 1000w inverter question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by JC91006, May 11, 2014.

Page 1 of 2
  1. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,600
    8,478
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello All

    I'm in the process of adding the necessary wiring to add a 1000w inverter to my Prius. I read many people are just connecting the 1000w inverter directly onto the Prius 12v via battery jumper clamp type of connection. This seems to work fine.

    However I'm looking at "How to" write ups and almost everyone is adding an 80 amp fuse in their wiring. Is this addition fuse necessary or just a precaution? Has anyone ever blown this 80 amp fuse with normal usage?

    Thanks for your feedbacks.
     
    #1 JC91006, May 11, 2014
  2. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 80a fuse, and a 4000 watt inverter hooked up in mine. Direct to the 12v battery.
     
    #2 WNY-HYBRID, May 11, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,600
    8,478
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    That's a big waste of a 4000w inverter. From all the reading I've done, a direct hookup to the 12v shouldn't benefit from anything over 1000w.
     
    #3 JC91006, May 11, 2014
    Minima Domum likes this.
  4. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    It's a 4000w peak, 2000w continuous inverter. I've had 2k run continuous with no issues. Fuse isn't necessary as the inverter has a fail safe built in.
     
    #4 WNY-HYBRID, May 11, 2014
  5. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I've also used it to run the blower on my furnace during a power outage for 14 hours
     
    #5 WNY-HYBRID, May 11, 2014
  6. drysider

    drysider Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    823
    332
    1
    Location:
    Liberty Lake WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The fuse is to protect you if the battery gets shorted out. It will gladly release all of it's energy in a very short time...think arc welding.
     
    #6 drysider, May 12, 2014
  7. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Hence the built in 80a fuse in the inverter.
     
    #7 WNY-HYBRID, May 12, 2014
  8. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    110
    29
    0
    Location:
    South Deerfield, Mass
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Just curious-is the 12v battery charged from the engine when running or it it charged from the traction battery?
     
    #8 JPTuck, May 12, 2014
  9. CatsAreGods

    CatsAreGods Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2014
    46
    9
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    The 12V battery is charged directly from the traction battery, which is charged by the ICE.

    Nexus 4 ?
     
    #9 CatsAreGods, May 12, 2014
  10. JPTuck

    JPTuck Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    110
    29
    0
    Location:
    South Deerfield, Mass
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Nice to know - thx.
     
    #10 JPTuck, May 12, 2014
  11. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2011
    1,104
    227
    0
    Location:
    Harrisburg, PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    The built-in fuse won't help any if the positive cable to the inverter gets rubbed through or damaged and grounds out before it gets to the inverter ;) hence the fuse as close to the battery as possible.
     
    #11 trentofdestiny, May 12, 2014
    Minima Domum likes this.
  12. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Not needed when the cable is 6inches long and touches nothing.
    (However mine is fused 80a)
    Thanks
     
    #12 WNY-HYBRID, May 12, 2014
  13. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2011
    1,104
    227
    0
    Location:
    Harrisburg, PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Good point. I had no way of knowing that lol. Slightly off topic but not much: I found an awesome board that skips the 12v system and concerts 190v DC to 240v ac. Problem is I have no info on parts or availability. It's by Martek Power[​IMG]
     
    #13 trentofdestiny, May 12, 2014
    Minima Domum and WNY-HYBRID like this.
  14. CatsAreGods

    CatsAreGods Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2014
    46
    9
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Call your local dealer:

    Martek

    Nexus 4 ?
     
    #14 CatsAreGods, May 12, 2014
  15. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2011
    1,104
    227
    0
    Location:
    Harrisburg, PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Local being 4+ hours away lol. Hey it would still be quick shipping :p
     
    #15 trentofdestiny, May 12, 2014
  16. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    244
    48
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If you call let us know how $$
     
    #16 WNY-HYBRID, May 12, 2014
  17. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2011
    1,104
    227
    0
    Location:
    Harrisburg, PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Called and left a message. Now the fun part...waiting lol
     
    #17 trentofdestiny, May 12, 2014
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,600
    8,478
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Ok, back to the original topic. I won't allow this thread to be hi jacked :)
     
    #18 JC91006, May 12, 2014
  19. drysider

    drysider Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    823
    332
    1
    Location:
    Liberty Lake WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The internal fuse will do nothing to protect from a short-circuit in the upstream wiring. It is there to protect the internal electronics of the inverter. Always have a fuse as close to the battery as possible...right off of the terminal is best.
     
    #19 drysider, May 12, 2014
    Minima Domum and edthefox5 like this.
  20. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,600
    8,478
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    There are several types of 80amp fuses, are there any specific kinds I should use? Most I see use a type called ANL fuse. I see other kinds out there for audio purposes, not sure if it's any different.
     
    #20 JC91006, May 12, 2014
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 2