Installing an Inverter

I bought me a 800w Coleman inverter, it has all the futures like, overload, low battery warning 10.5v and 10v shutoff, bought it at fry's electronics for $78. All I want to hook up to is the two TV's(13" and 19")My questions are. Should I mount it in the middle and run 8 gauge to the batteries(house),it is about 10'. Or mount it at the right front curbside. Thats where the schematic option shows in the owners manual. Then run AC wire to the rear TV. I also asume, when hooked up to shore power the house bateries automaticly be charging while using the TV's? I dont plan on using the inverter for anything els.

[53flyingcloud]

I'd mount the INVERTER closer to the battery, and run longer A/C power cord . The DC voltage drop would be less with the shorter distance. IMHO

Thats where the schematic option shows in the owners manual. Then run AC wire to the rear TV.

ciao

[john hd]

in addition, you could mount a dpdt switch in the ac line so you can run the tv's from either source. shore power or the inverter.

it would be just like the aircond./microwave switch many of us have in our trailers.(in reverse of course)

that way you wouldn't run the inverter needlessly.

you could mount it near the inverter and mark it shore/inv. for easy identification.

also with this switch there would be no way you could inadvertently energize the rest of your 120v system when on inv. power.(would be quite a suprize if you went to grab your power cord to plug it in and found it hot!)

john

Thanks for all the help, you guys. Got the inverter installed with a dpdt switch. Now I got to run wires to the Sat reciever and back TV(13").
Can I use extention cord(15amp at 50')?

[thenewkid64]

You can use an extension cord but I would wire loom it to prevent chafing and be sure to secure it with cable clips and ty wraps so it is secure. I belive by the description of the cord you are going with a 3 wire heavy duty one. I would not even consider the household 2 wire type.