12v Pure Sine Wave Inverter Installation Tips for Boat and Yacht Owners

It is a given that power inverters are mostly installed in car, campers, and trucks, but did you know that it can be used in boats and yachts, as well? Thanks to its compact size, a 12v pure sine wave inverter makes a perfect addition to any marine vehicle. It allows you to use a wide range of electrical appliances and power tools at sea by converting DC power from a battery bank to standard AC power.

 Tips on installing inverters in boats and yachts

If you’re going to install an inverter in your yacht or boat, here are a few pointers you should consider to keep everyone safe and ensure the device’s optimum performance.

1. Use the right cables. During installation, make sure that you use the right cables. For instance, a 2000w inverter is expected to draw up 200 amps from your battery bank, which is more than many engine starter motors can provide. For this reason, you will need large diameter cables, short runs, and good connections.

If your inverter has a higher power output, like 3000w or more, experts advise using 50mm cables with a maximum length of 1.5 metres. They should have properly crimped lugs, not screw connectors as they could become loose during operation. Anything less than that is not recommended as it could negatively affect the performance of your 12v or 24v pure sine wave inverter. You could lose too much power down the line or possibly trip the device.

2. Check if you have the right fuse. Unless a main input fuse has already been fitted in your yacht, you should install a 250A fuse in the supply line. Make sure that the fuse is capable of taking 250 amps of continuous load. Experts said it is a good idea to have a separate battery master switch in line as it allows you to disconnect the inverter completely in case of emergency.

3. Use the right type of batteries. Continuous current drains will affect the battery bank. For this reason, when using a pure sine wave inverter in Australia, you should consider using gel or AGM batteries as they are more capable of handling continuous heavy loads.

4. Don’t leave the inverter permanently switched on. Because the inverters will have to be close to the batteries, they are usually placed far from the galley area. Because of this, experts suggest installing a remote control panel so you can switch off the inverter when it is not in use. Otherwise, the continuous residual current drain in standby-mode could deplete the battery.

If you’re planning to install an inverter in your boat or yacht, make sure that is of high quality and approved by industry regulators. Visit Elinz Electronics to find high quality inverters.