Power Converter question?(pics)

[1_v8_merc]

Hey, well i got a power converter from someone, trying to install it.
(XANTREX 1750 Prowatt, 15 volts, 200amp.)

There is a small double set of wires at the bottom of the unit, i cannot figuare out what it is for....and since it was already hanging out, im thinking it may be partially important.



Here is the front of the unit.







Here is the WIRES im talking about...under the unit

Does anybody know what this is for? It's driving me crazy, haha.




All i do is run maybe like 8 Gauge wiring for the Power and ground right?
Then just run a 35 or 40 amp fuse box?





Sorry if this is in the wrong section, im planning on running my laptop off of it, and i figuared it fits the audio/video/computer section.

 

[ALARMIST]

Check online, Maybe WestMarine for connections of that inverter. You might be able to tell if that pigtale sticking out was original or added- Maybe open it up. ( and maybe the spec sheet, output type etc.)


There are basically two types of 115 vac outputs available from inverters.

True Sinewave - just like the outlet in the wall.
( everything works just like it is designed to.)

variations of Squarewave or Modified Sinewave.

(measure like 115vac, but look choppy and rough to the appliance using them.
Some items don't care, others run less efficiently, make more heat or noise,
won't work at all or fail completely.)

I think that might be in the better Modified Sinewave catagory, but not true sinewave.

Computers these days(laptops) usually have an external power supply making
low voltage dc. If the external power supply overheated or damaged from
the non sinewave input, the damage would most likely be limited to the plugin supply. ( there are a lot of variables here)

A crude method to get a sense of the condition of the 115vac output, aside from measuring the voltage, and if the meter has the feature checking the frequency for 60hz. is to do the following: look around the house for a plug in radio- regular plug no square transformer, could be a clock radio, or portable.
What you're after here is a crude little thing without much filtering going on in it's power supply section. The result is that when you plug it in to the wall outlet and pick a station it should sound "normal".

When you move the plug to different inverter outputs, the radio will give you some indication of how "dirty" or " noisy" the power from the inverter is by possibly reproducing some of the unfiltered noise all the way to the speaker.
This might be a low hum, or louder more obvious. On a scope you would see the difference, with the radio hopefully you can hear it.
Depending on the results, and what you want to power, you can decide if it is
worth the risk.

Originally the pricing would tell, anything good was really heavy with internal
transformers. But that has been changing and the prices have been droping
over time.
PS you would'nt have much load there for computer/maybe printer- But if you ever had occasion to run powertools, lighting, etc. you might need the full output- then keep the cables, short- big - close to Battery, avoid the fuse box unless it is sized for that load.

Good Luck! Still current product, has optional remote on /off switch, if that's what those wires are for- you will have to close that switch (connect wires) to make the unit run.

 

[Willard]

That is a HUGE power inverter for your needs. Not that it's a bad thing, since you got it for free. But if you wanted to utilize the available power for it you would need a 200A fused connection to it. In other words, your explorer's electrical system is not capable of supplying the power needed to fully load that inverter. You could probably do as you say though, and fuse it to 40 or 50 amps. That will limit you to 400-500 watts of output from it. That will likely supply anything you feel compelled to plug into it. Probably even small power tools if needed.

So yes, just run a positive straight from the battery with a fuse, and then ground it wherever you mount it. Just make sure to get a really good ground with that one. As far as wire size I'm not going to say anything because I'm not extremely knowledgeable with it. Hopefully someone else can chime in with that information.

Edit: This is your inverter, and what it costs new

http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Xantrex+PROwatt+1750+Inverter+(hardwire).html

 

[1_v8_merc]

Thanks ALOT guys!
Usually i dont get good responses in other sections of the forum....


I may need to occaisonally run a small Sawzall or some simple work lights.......hopefully it's up to the job if my battery is, haha.
(that wouldn't be until wintertime though)

I also have a small electric fan powered fridge i may use in the summertime or whenever i goto Nascar.


Wheres a good place to find wiring for an inverter?
Autozone, walmart, local hardware or electric shop i guess.....
Guess i could just order it over the internet.