How to Connect an Inverter to Battery Cables to Maximize Power

Are you looking for a way to enhance power in your battery? One method you can take in your Houston, TX garage or facility involves connecting an inverter to the battery cables, which will help you to maximize the power you’re able to get from it.

In this process, you’ll want to use an industrial crimper on the terminal. Texford Battery Co. can install them on your cable, or we can make a cable for you. Ideally, you’ll want to place the inverter as close to the batteries as is feasibly possible. The lower the voltage, the more resistance to push the current through the wire. Increasing the wire size is one way to offset the increase in resistance. Copper is expensive, though, so the shorter the distance, the more efficient.

When using an industrial crimper on the terminal, we crimp according to specifications established to end up with a UL listed connection under 880 psi. We have inverter connectors for barrel-type connectors found on some types of inverters.

Tech specs

For the majority of 12-volt DC outlets, you’ll have a limit of 15 amps of DC output to work with. This limit is determined by the wiring of the vehicle and the fuse that’s there to protect the wiring. Most fuses are capable of holding up to periodic overcurrent by about 10 percent, or approximately 18 amps in such circumstances, if we consider that watts equal amps times volts. In addition, most 12-volt batteries deliver 12.6 to 14 volts during engine operation, so the actual watts might reach up to 200 watts, instead of the assumed 180.

Any time you get past 200 watts of maximum power output, you’re going to need to install an inverter on the battery. This will help you avoid blowing fuses in the electrical systems in your vehicle, so you won’t have to worry about finding the issue and looking for a replacement part to make the repair, which can be difficult (or at the very least, inconvenient).

You should know that most battery clip cables do not come with a fuse attached. In fact, the battery clips are typically only used for very brief, temporary connections on 12-volt batteries. It is important to follow safety procedures very carefully when working with connections on a flooded lead-acid car battery.

Here’s a quick overview of the process you’ll need to follow to get the inverter correctly connected:

1. Make sure you have the vehicle parked somewhere safe. Ideally, you’d be able to do this work in your garage or driveway, but if you have to do it while out on the road, you should at least park it somewhere out of the way of traffic.
2. Ensure the engine is completely shut off before you proceed.
3. Open up the engine compartment hood, and make sure the power switch on the inverter is turned to OFF.
4. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses before you proceed with the ensuing steps.
5. Connect the cables from the battery clip to the positive and negative terminals on the inverter.
6. Rest the inverter on a stable surface for safety and convenience.
7. Connect the positive battery clip to the positive terminal on the battery.
8. Connect the negative battery clip to a metal part on the vehicle frame.
9. Take an appliance cord plug and connect it into the inverter. A USB power cord is also acceptable.
10. Flip the inverter’s power switch back on and use the appliance. You don’t need to start the engine for brief use.

If you’re interested in learning more about what an inverter can do for your vehicle battery and how to go about safely connecting an inverter in Houston, TX, contact Texford Battery Co. today.

Categorised in: Inverters

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