Inverter size to run a parade float.

[bearcove]

Our friend and my wife's Co den leader Robert Baron was killed by an out of control car when he stopped to direct traffic at an accident on I-25. I am going to tow the float in the parade, in his place, and need to know how big of an inverter to run15 to 20 strings of Christmas lights. Short on time and a easy button would be nice about now. Figure it would need to be hard wired to the battery.

Thanks, Rod

[Down South]

Most outside Christmas lights are low amp draw. I don't know squat about inverters but I don't believe it will take more than a small one.
I'm sorry to hear about the CO's death. That was terrible.

[blpenn66502]

Sorry to hear.

1000 W should be enough

http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/pages/how-much-power.htm

[Jailer]

Well it all depends on the type of lights used. If they are the mini incandescent types (the kind you typically find cheap) you can expect about 40 watts for a 100 light string. If they are mini LED lights they will draw about 5 watts.

15 to 20 strings of mini incandescent will draw between 600 and 800 watts.

15 to 20 strings of mini LED will draw between 75 to 100 watts.

You're going to want an inverter that will provide the power you need at no more than 80% constant draw to prevent overheating the inverter. So for incandescent you will need at least a 1K watt unit. You will have to run it directly wired to the battery for this amount of current draw and the vehicle will need to be running while the lights are on or you will kill your battery. For LED lights a 150 watt unit that plugs into the cigarette lighter will provide the power you need.

If you want a real good source of inverter use for back up power and other things check out the link below.

http://battery1234.com/

[bearcove]

He was going to pull the float for the cub scouts , his saying was "The show must go on". His way of saying to the kids and the rest of us to keep trying. So I'm going to help the show keep going on. Need to know what size Inverter to buy.

He was a Sheriff Dept of Sandoval County, Sgt, he left a wife and son.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bearcove

[Finster101]

Easiest thing would be a small quiet generator. I have a Honda EU2000 that is about the size of a 24pack cooler and you barely hear it run. Just another option. Sorry to hear about Mr. Barron.

[Jailer]

Need to know what size Inverter to buy.

Bearcove

I know you want a quick easy answer but it requires a bit of info on your part to make sure you get the right one. Or you could just err on the side of caution and just get a 1600 watt unit and call it good. Just make sure it's wired direct to the battery with the appropriate size wire to handle the required load.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003R7AJ4K/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003R7AJ4K&linkCode=as2&tag=knowledgepubc-20

[bearcove]

Sounds like a 1000W would cover it, definitly hard wired.

Probably incandescent bulbs, "donated lights" older stuff. Rather have plenty of power than have the lights go out.

[wv109323]

If it not the old screw-in incandescent bulbs then not a whole lot. Just take the amperage of a string of lights and multiply by the number of strings of light. Then the inventer has to match or exceed the amperage of the total lights. A 100 light set I looked at drew .4 amps. 20 strings would be 8 amps at 120 VAC. Your inverter needs to be 8 plus amps at 120VAC..

[AlaskanGuy]

I am somewhat of an off the grid kinda guy, and 1000 inverter can do a lot for ya.... Same as a small quiet Honda generator... Honda generator is the "easy" button.... No wiring issues.... Just plug and go...

So sorry about your friend.... Live each day to its fullest...

Ag

[Jailer]

Easiest thing would be a small quiet generator. I have a Honda EU2000 that is about the size of a 24pack cooler and you barely hear it run. Just another option. Sorry to hear about Mr. Barron.

~$100 for an inverter would be a much wiser choice than $1000 for an inverter generator for what he needs.

[garym1a2]

Keep in mind a 1000 watt load will need at least 70 amps and probably more like 80 amps off an alternator. It will kill a typical battery in 10-15 minutes if not charging from alternator.

[bearcove]

OK maybe 1600 open to more input.

I have a 2500W for my boat but figured that would be overkill. I have a bunch of battery cable size wire for 12v boat stuff. It would definatley work. Need to sweat some cable ends that will fit the battery connections...???

Going to be on a 2000 Ford F350 Powerstroke. Anything to watch out for?

[Jailer]

Keep in mind a 1000 watt load will need at least 70 amps and probably more like 80 amps off an alternator. It will kill a typical battery in 10-15 minutes if not charging from alternator.

See post #4.

[Jailer]

If you already have a 2500 watt unit at your disposal then you are GTG. The only disadvantage of a larger unit is more power consumption at no load which in this case isn't an issue.

Use what you've got, use the appropriate size wire and you should be all set.

[Finster101]

~$100 for an inverter would be a much wiser choice than $1000 for an inverter generator for what he needs.

Understood, but I was thinking borrow not buy. I have loaned mine to a friend from time to time. It's worth asking around, maybe a friend of his has one.

[Jailer]

Very true and would be a simple solution. You would be able to keep it all on the float and not have to worry about wiring up an inverter.

[Finster101]

It's frustrating a situation like this where so many guys would help but no one is close enough.

[bearcove]

A genny would be easier.

[garym1a2]

Typical 2000 powerstroke came with 110 amp alternator, unless you had the dual alternator unit which was two of the 110 amps units.
To put out 2500 watts from a perfect 14 volt alternator you need at least 178 amps. Watts is amps times volts.




OK maybe 1600 open to more input.

I have a 2500W for my boat but figured that would be overkill. I have a bunch of battery cable size wire for 12v boat stuff. It would definatley work. Need to sweat some cable ends that will fit the battery connections...???

Going to be on a 2000 Ford F350 Powerstroke. Anything to watch out for?

[bearcove]

The inverter won't be taxed for lights. I figured a smaller one would be fine. The alternator has 2 batteries to buffer the load. Didn't think about the boat inverter untill folks started busting 1kw. Just need to figure out where to hook it up. Be running welding lead size wire to run it back to bed.

[Jailer]

Typical 2000 powerstroke came with 110 amp alternator, unless you had the dual alternator unit which was two of the 110 amps units.
To put out 2500 watts from a perfect 14 volt alternator you need at least 178 amps. Watts is amps times volts.

2500 Watts is what the inverter is capable of producing not what it would be drawing. It would only draw what it attached to it plus what it needs to run the unit. For what he intends to do he will need around 70 to 80 amps of current draw from the alternator.

[bearcove]

Sounds like it will work just need to go out tommorow when I have some light and see where I can hook up the leads. My chevy had an auxilary block to hook up to, this truck is new to me, just bought it from my dad after he sold his 5th wheel trailer.

[starmac]

If you have a local rental place they might donate a little generator for the cause.

[375RUGER]

I have a 1500 watt-continuous, generator you can borrow if needed. If you think you need it I will get it out and make sure it starts. I haven't run it in a while since I have a much larger unit now.
PM me. I'm out on Northern Blvd.