Another 12 Volt Question

Submitted: Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at 20:19
ThreadID: 110558 Views:1809 Replies:4 FollowUps:1
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The 12v circuit for the single outlet in my caravan has a 10 amp fuse. The 300 Watt inverter that I use in the plug is protected by a 30 amp fuse. When I plug in my printer the 10 amp fuse blows. Can I put in a larger fuse or do I need a heavier circuit to support a larger fuse?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers, Kevin
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Reply By: Zippo - Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at 20:45

Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at 20:45
The fuse/circuit-breaker rating on any circuit is selected to protect the circuit wiring (and FIXED hardware). If you need a higher fuse rating, you need heavier cable.
AnswerID: 543496

Reply By: oldtrack123 - Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at 22:23

Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at 22:23
HI
Do NOT Encrease the fuse size
The cables& outlet will not be able to carry the curent &fire would be a distinct possabilty The inverter should be wired, with as short a cable run as practical, direct to the battery with a QUALITY 30A fuse in line near the battery
Cable size should be mininum 10B&S
Not 10 mm auto cable


PeterQ
AnswerID: 543499

Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 11:54

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 11:54
Hi Kevin

The 300W inverter will have a start up surge current as well, most are rated at 300W and 600W surge. Personally I would hard wire the inverter with 8 B&S cable and a 50A breaker.

300W at 12V is 25A so best to check that wiring before trying to increase fuse size.

Regards

Derek from ABR



AnswerID: 543516

Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 21:07

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 21:07
Don't forget the efficiency of the inverter. It's safer to divide the 240 V AC power by 10 than 12 to get the current drawn when an inverter is supplying that power. A 300 W inverter will draw at least 30 A at maximum power.


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Reply By: Kevin S - Life Member (QLD) - Saturday, Jan 03, 2015 at 10:08

Saturday, Jan 03, 2015 at 10:08
Thank you for your responses. You have confirmed my suspicion that no short cuts were available. I thought I would need to run a new lead as it is not easy to change wiring in a caravan.

Sorry for the delay in acknowledging responses. I posted the question forgetting for the moment that I was about to head into the mostly Telstra signal free Victorian High Country.

Thanks again.

Kevin
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AnswerID: 543652

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