Invertors?

[chubby007]

I wish to install an invertor in my van but I have been told by a few people that although the wattage would be sufficient, it should not be used by any tool/devise that has a motor eg drills, grinders ect. Could anyone throw some light on this. Has anyone had any problems using an invertor with any power tool ect.

[79commando]

I have a 1500w invertor fitted in my van and it copes no problems with key cutting machines and I even heard of a locksmith that powers his drill with it (what a locksmith needs a drill for is your guess). Cheap and efficient invertors can be found on E-bay.

[chubby007]

Thanks 79, I have a friend who has been advised from the salesman at Maplins Electrical that anything that use's a motor doe's not draw a constant supply and any residual return would damage the invertor, I would be the 1st to admit that I don't understand this as I have freinds who also run key machines from their vans. I do a lot of work for a letting agent, and most of the time it is on properties that I have attended the eviction on, the power has been cut and because I have the memory of a goldfish I have forgotten to recharge the drill batteries, it would be nice to know that when I am cutting a fresh cylinder hole or using the mortice jig in the replacement door, that the warm glow behind me in the summer is from the sun and not from the van on fire ( the state of some of the properties I have to attend with bailiffs don't need locksmiths, as the doors have been so badly damaged by the tenants they are nearly all just good for firewood). Thanks again.

[MrB]

I think the kind of motors (with brushes) used in electric drills can generate a back emf that might damage the electronics in inverters. The motors used in a key cutting machine (induction motors) are different and would not have the same risk.

The circuitry in an inverter can be protected against back emf though, so the thing to do would be to select the inverter carefully and try to get one described as suitable for running electric motors.

An alternative would be to get a small portable generator and use that for power tools. A generator would have no trouble at all running motors.

[79commando]

The only problem the average locksmith may suffer with invertors is if they don't buy one to handle sufficient start up current. In simple terms if a tool is rated at 3 Amps when initially starting up it may draw 9 Amps for a split second, enough to bust some cheap invertors. Microwaves also place a great load on invertors, more so than drills etc. Invertors designed for microwaves can be specially purchased.

[chubby007]

I am calling in to Maplins Electrical this morning and have another word with them, they are supposed to be knowledgable in all aspects of electrical equipment. Thanks again for the advice 79 and mrB.

[toomush2drink]

There are plenty to be had of off ebay and at all different power outputs. Get one with overload protection and softstart as these devices can only help. Maplins are very dear when compared to the ebay ones especially as you need one with a lot of power. Make sure you get one with enough power at "normal" load capacity as a lot are advertised at the " maximum" load capacity which means they can only run at that for a few minutes before cutting out. By this i mean if it says 2000watts but really it runs normally at say 1200w which is a big difference. This is just an example to help as its something i didnt know until i bought one and it wouldnt power the key machine i had.

[chubby007]

Just returned from Maplins, the assistant phoned their technical department to ask the suitability of the invertor (1000w) for use with an 800w drill (need this for the mortice jig). The reply was " no, you need a 2000w version" I asked her to explain why, to which she replied "I don't know, it's something technical!" HA HA WHY DID I BOTHER? Thanks for your help lads, any more advise is ALWAYS welcome.

[toomush2drink]

i would go for a 2000 watt one. If you think about it it would mean its not having to work as had to supply what is required. Its a bit like having a bigger engine in a car , it needs less revs to get it going if that makes sense.

[chubby007]

I think thats the way to go, time to look on e-bay me thinks, Maplins want £300 for the 2000w version. ( the 1000w version is on special at the moment £99) Thanks everyone for your help.

[gee252]

I would opt for a small generator,a few people i have spoken to say that you would also have to look at getting a heavy duty alternator fitted to your van with an inverter as it knocks smoke out of them.
if you fitted a genny in your van with an exhaust outlet and even some external plugs you could leave it in the van and it would look the part for the professional locksmith.

[MrB]

Yes, remember that to drive an 800W drill, your inverter will need to have at least 800W going into it, and that 800W has to come out of the battery on your van. So you will need to have the engine running in the van to keep up, or you will kill the battery in no time.

Secondly, with a 12V battery, 800W = 800 / 12 = 67 amps. Increase the power and it's even more amps. That's a lot to feed though a lighter socket, so you will need to start thinking of big thick wires connected directly to your battery somehow.

When it comes down to it, I think a portable generator might be more robust and practical.

[chubby007]

Yes, remember that to drive an 800W drill, your inverter will need to have at least 800W going into it, and that 800W has to come out of the battery on your van. So you will need to have the engine running in the van to keep up, or you will kill the battery in no time.

Secondly, with a 12V battery, 800W = 800 / 12 = 67 amps. Increase the power and it's even more amps. That's a lot to feed though a lighter socket, so you will need to start thinking of big thick wires connected directly to your battery somehow.

When it comes down to it, I think a portable generator might be more robust and practical.

I would have it hard wired into a slave battery that would also be trickle charged from the alternator, an auto-sparks has quoted me £80 to fit it all in.
I'm beginning to think a genny may be the best solution all round, makro are doing a 900watt whisper(we will see) genny at the moment for only £79 + vat. I've got a bangin head now!! Thanks for everyones comments, they really are helpfull. ( I was going to put appreciated but I can't spell it)

[Chucklz]

First, IANALS, but a generator can come in pretty handy if you lose power, especially in the winter.

[chubby007]

First, IANALS, but a generator can come in pretty handy if you lose power, especially in the winter.

IAMALS ??

I Am Not A LockSmith