2019 C-28 inverter

[GeorgeArthur]

Hi, first time use of inverter, so may be operator error.

We were underway and wanted to use microwave to make breakfast. Turned on inverter, noted ~ 120 volts AC on meter, good start. After a few seconds of microwave use, inverter tripped off accompanied by a series of ‘beeps’ from inverter. Tried again, same thing. Decided to stop in case something is wrong with the inverter.

Any ideas on proper use and/or troubleshooting this problem would be most welcome.

Thanks!


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[CruisingElvinRay]

We’re you running any other AC loads at the time?


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[Martin610]

If you are talking about the microwave in the galley that could draw 1500 watts AC. Depending on the model of inverter installed on the boat you have some variables to consider.

If you have a pure sine wave inverter, good ones can be very efficient, close to commercial power in quality. The Cuisinart MW on my C-28 is rated for 1500 watts input, AC. A 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter should be able to deliver that. However, the cables and the batteries are variables. On my boat I have 1/0 cables. I think they are a bit undersized for the length of run. Cable connections have to be perfectly clean. Any corrosion will affect power output.

Also, and probably a bigger factor, are your batteries. Batteries are only capable of delivering a limited amperage continuously. Age is a big factor. Even though they are being charged while underway, they can only deliver so much. They only charge so fast. In your case it sounds like the input voltage is dropping and the inverter is shutting off to protect itself.

On my boat I have a modified sine wave inverter, no chance of powering the microwave. I'm thinking about an upgrade, but even then, 1500 watts (and resulting amperage) is asking a lot from the typical pair of group 27 or group 31 lead acid batteries.

 

[GeorgeArthur]

Thanks for the explanation. I’m assuming I have whatever came stock with the boat as far as inverter, batteries, cables, microwave, etc. Isn’t a main purpose of the microwave to be able to cook something when away from shore power, like when you’re anchoring somewhere? If so, why would they have an inverter that can’t support the use of the installed equipment? Seems odd to me.


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[Ralf H]

Hi George,

Martin is right. The first thing I would check is to make sure your batteries are up to par and were actually 100% charged when you used the microwave. One key thing to keep in mind: power management is critical on a boat. Batteries will only provide so much power before they are not able to do what some people expect. The microwave can be used to heat a cup of coffee or such when the engine is off. You mentioned you were under way. This can provide more power to recharge the batteries, but you still need to be mindful not to draw more power from them than what the alternator can replenish. Can't do the math in my head right now, as I don't remember the exact draw on the microwave, but you can ascertain that by checking the manual. This way you can understand for how many minutes you can expect to run the microwave before you need to let the batteries top off again. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Chimo]

Great discussion on this here viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19071

 

[markkiefaber]

I had the exact same problem. Then I remembered that the battery charger circuit breaker was turned on at the main panel. Once I turned that off, I could use the inverter to run the microwave. See if that works for you.

Mark
C-28 MOJO
Annapolis, MD

 

[GeorgeArthur]

Thanks, I’ll try that!


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