Inverter Suggestions in Use Need Help

traderfjp · By: **traderfjp** On: Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:00 pm

I want to buy an inverter for my Channing 3 stove that is compatible with the type of motors that Stokers use. My stoker uses a power vent too. I've read that the wrong type of inverter can burn these motors out. I was hoping someone who has used one and had it work the way it should could post the brand and wattage that they used.

Thanks

stokerstove · By: **stokerstove** On: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:11 pm

I use one with my Alaska Kodiak Stokerstove and never had any problems, but the stove is a very early model.
The inverter is a 400 watt Vector - nothing special. I don't have a power vent so I don't know what they require but you may need more than a 400 watt inverter.
You can total all the wattage for your motors and then go to a little higher wattage inverter to be safe.

WNY · By: **WNY** On: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:43 am

You will have to watch the AC output, MOST inversters (like for computers, etc..) have a different output (Square wave) which will make the motors hum more thand a standard AC (Sine Wave) output, also more expensive.

I have a std. Computer 800Watt backup on our ours and it will run 15-20 mins, but the motors will hum a bit, won't hurt it.

You could probably remove the built in battery and hook a larger deep cycle (car, marine,etc.) battery to extend the time.

Here are some inverters and ideas
http://www.dcacpowerinverters.com/pure_ ... rters.html

BurninCoalInRI · By: **BurninCoalInRI** On: Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:46 am

those inverters are many times the home depot husky brand ones. at HD the 400watt (continuous) inverter is $39 bucks

mjwood0 · By: **mjwood0** On: Sat Dec 09, 2006 7:41 am

WNY wrote:You will have to watch the AC output, MOST inversters (like for computers, etc..) have a different output (Square wave) which will make the motors hum more thand a standard AC (Sine Wave) output, also more expensive.

You have to be careful here. The reason most inexpensive inverters use square waves is that almost all appliances (computers, televisions, radios, etc..) convert the power back to DC. There is no need for the sine wave inverters for those applications. But for motors, I would either install DC motors and run directly off the battery, or get a good sine wave inverter. Square waves will kill motors for any extended period of time (or lots of short periods of time).

BurninCoalInRI · By: **BurninCoalInRI** On: Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:03 pm

supposedly, the one harman provised is square wave too... according to i think this thread, or another, where someone worked this out. is it 100% ? dont know...

http://nepacrossroads.com/post3232.html

mjwood0 · By: **mjwood0** On: Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:39 pm

For temporary backup, I really don't see a problem with the square wave. But if you're planning on multiple days a year running on a square wave, I'd be cautious. Perhaps it won't be a problem.

Yanche · By: **Yanche** On: Sat Dec 09, 2006 1:58 pm

It is true square wave converters will kill electric motors and many electronic devices. True sine wave converters are the best. There are converters know as modified sine wave converters that produce a steped sine wave. This is less costly to manfacture than a pure sine wave converter and will run ac electric motors without problems. Always check the manfacturers specifications carefully, there is a lot of misleading product literature. If it's cheap it is likely a square wave inverter.

Yanche