12v Inverter in Battery Compartment

[savi18]

Looking to install my new Projecta INTELLI-WAVE INVERTER(12V) IP600 model(600watts output) with remote meter in my new Coachmen Apex 22QBS.
I am looking for places to install but limited inside the TT/Caravan, one place i want to install is in the rear carrier box which is aluminium but installed in here is the house battery, it says not to install the inverter in the same compartment as the batteries as the gasses from the house batteries could ignite, if I fitted fully sealed RV deep cycle batteries then there would be no gasses to ignite, this sounds quite safe to me what do you think chaps.

[Bamamax]

Are you an Electrical Engineer ?
Do you want to go BOOM ?
If the answer to both is NO then I would do what the directions / warnings say.
Is it worth the risk?

[jaibyrd]

Not worth the risk. Should anything happen, you may have issues on an insurance claim due to the decision to install in a space the MFG clearly said not to.

[00buck]

As I understand it, sealed batteries can release hydrogen. Normally, gases are retained within the battery. If the pressure exceeds a certain level, it will open a pressure release valve and hydrogen will escape.

I'm not an electrical engineer. My comment is based upon research I've done in trying to decide where to install an inverter in my Lexington 235.

[rana]

If you are talking about AGM's then you shouldn't have a problem as long as you allow for adequate air spaces. Even in the rare chance that an AGM will off-gas it is such a miniscule amount and quickly dissipates. Adding a 1/2" air exchange hole near the top of the compartment.. or several smaller holes, it shouldn't be a problem.

My setup is not at all uncommon. My batteries are stored in the underbed storage area.. along with my solar controller and inverter/charger. To be 'safe', you might want to try and install your inverter as low as possible (Hydrogen rises).

[Blackhat6mike]

IMHO, you need to rethink the size if your inverter as 600 watts won't power even your coffee pot. I tried 3,000 watts and even that was not enough. Went to 5,000 watts and I'm a happy camper.
I also installed a 12vdc muffin fan, like in a computer, to vent out the hydrogen gasses to the outside of the unit. Those gasses will corrode anything metal, not to mention your lungs. The fan also keeps the inverter cooled down.
Also, the inverter needs to be as close as possible to the batts with BIG cables. Lots of 12vdc amps to feed the inverter and your batts will not last long.

[GreenImp]

The user manual for my Xantrex ProSine 3.0 inverter states "Do not install the inverter/charger in the same compartment as vented (non-sealed) batteries or in any compartment capable of storing flammable liquids such as gasoline", leading me to believe that sealed batteries would be fine.

IMO, Simply venting the carrier box would be fine too (should have vents at the top AND near the bottom to allow air flow).

Another possible option that would be cheaper than new sealed batteries would be to install a sealed battery box within your carrier and vent it to the outside. Many if not most trailers are done at the factory this way.

[savi18]

Originally Posted by 00buck

As I understand it, sealed batteries can release hydrogen. Normally, gases are retained within the battery. If the pressure exceeds a certain level, it will open a pressure release valve and hydrogen will escape.

I'm not an electrical engineer. My comment is based upon research I've done in trying to decide where to install an inverter in my Lexington 235.

This is what I have researched,
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid or VRLA, including AGM and Gel

(Absorbed Glass Mat) battery designs, can be substituted in

virtually any flooded lead-acid battery application (in conjunction

with well-regulated charging). Their unique features and

benefits deliver an ideal solution for many applications where

traditional flooded batteries would not deliver the best results

How it works

A VRLA battery utilizes a one-way, pressure-relief valve

system to achieve a “recombinant” technology. This means

that the oxygen normally produced on the positive plate is
absorbed by the negative plate. This suppresses the production

of hydrogen at the negative plate. Water (H

2O) is produced

instead, retaining the moisture within the battery.

It never

needs watering, and should never be opened

as this would

expose the battery to excess oxygen from the air. In addition to

damaging the battery, opening it also voids the warranty.

The difference between VRLA and traditional

flooded batteries

Flooded electrolyte batteries do not have special one-way,

pressure-relief valves, as they do not work on the recombination

principle. Instead, flooded designs utilize a vent to

allow gas to escape. They contain liquid electrolyte that can

spill and cause corrosion if tipped or punctured. They

should not be used near sensitive electronic equipment.

They can only be installed “upright.”

So what it says above is Flooding sealed batteries have a vent to

let the gases out but the VRLA don't so 100% sealed and no gases can escape, this is why these VRLA batteries can be installed upside down if needed, so this still makes me think I can install only the VRLA(GEL or AGM) batteries in my rear box but not flooded ones, does this change your views, Cheers

[Ramblin Recks]

Inverters come with lots of warnings. Besides of which you speak, mine also says not to mount on a combustible surface as the inverter gets too hot...

[mark0224]

Good Info I have an 800 watt inverter I was planning on using in a similar manner for small electrical items during setup or for lighting for late day setup.

[GlennFC]

Speaking from first hand experience I can tell you that many "over the counter" inverters have been known to catch fire. Mine was turned on with a very light load and started to burn. Thank goodness we were in the coach at the time and put it out with a fire extinguisher. Morale of the story - Buy a good quality inverter with good ratings from other users.
Also note the cheaper inverters do not produce what is known as a "pure sine wave" so they may not power a phone charger or other electronics that need a pure sine wave power supply.
Do your research and you will save yourself a lot of potential grief.

[savi18]

Originally Posted by GlennFC

Speaking from first hand experience I can tell you that many "over the counter" inverters have been known to catch fire. Mine was turned on with a very light load and started to burn. Thank goodness we were in the coach at the time and put it out with a fire extinguisher. Morale of the story - Buy a good quality inverter with good ratings from other users.
Also note the cheaper inverters do not produce what is known as a "pure sine wave" so they may not power a phone charger or other electronics that need a pure sine wave power supply.
Do your research and you will save yourself a lot of potential grief.

Your right in saying buy a well known Inverter, the one I bought is the Rolls Royce of Inverters, quite expensive but has excellent reviews I think they are made in Australia and definitely not made in China, this is the link if anyone wants to have a look http://www.projecta.com.au/Products/Inverters.aspx

I did buy a Chinese Inverter 4 years ago 2000 watt, lasted 1 month and stopped working did not get a refund, so as you say the way to go is look at review's like I did and you will sleep well at night,

[bob caldwell]

could there be a problem with a 50 herz. output?

[ktex]

My new 2015 Cedar Creek Silverback inverter from the factory is installed above the two batteries in the battery compartment,Hmm what to do?

[savi18]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

could there be a problem with a 50 herz. output?

Over here in New Zealand and Australia the power supply runs at 50Mhz,(230/240v not sure what the States are is it 60Mhz??
Also I think the UK is 50Mhz as well.

[bob caldwell]

sorry, i just looked at your 1st post and you are on the 50 side of the world. it's 60 in US.