For a tv, vcr, and playstation?
Thanks
Chris mci5c
TV is the biggest unknown. Check the label for the power consumption in watts and do the same with the VCR and the playstation. Add the TV consumption to whatever is the largest of the other two unless you are running all three together. If so then add all three consumptions together.
Depending on the type of TV you have, there can be a fairly large start-up consumption as well but most inverters have a fairly large overload rating to handle that - but probably safest to add 50% of the calculated figure to get your inverter rating.
Most inverter suppliers will allow you to try one out and bring it back for a larger one if necessary.
I would be surprised if it were more than 500 watts. Look at the rear of each appliance and note the amps each draws. Add them together and multiply times 120 and that will be the total watts required min. Rule of thumb is to add 50% of that number to the total and that will tell you what the "RECOMMENDED" size should be. Are you cash strapped? Get a 2.5 KW Sine Wave inverter and you will be set for anything. It will also run your roof AC going down the road if your alternator is big enuf. Prosine has those for 7 or 8 hundred. The most important feature is the battery charger. It must have a charge rate of 100 amps, charge at multiple levels for the deep discharge bats, sense the bat temp to adjust the charge rate and have an EQUALIZER function. The remote panel so you can see how EVERYTHING is from top side is worth the money and some of the inverters need that option to have all their features operate...Prosine is one of those. Get prices form on line stores and check ebay if you have time. OUTBACK inverters seem to be the very best but cost triple. Worth it....you bet...if you have the cash.
2 cents worth plus a nickel to grow on,
John
Does your refrigerator run on gas or 12v?
No air conditioners? no other things like hair dryers, toasters, coffee makers, hot plate, stereo, DVD, 120 volt lights, 120 volt block heater, 2nd TV, aux air compressor, vacuum cleaner, computer, microwave, ceiling fan, heating elements or fans to drive them etc?
Hi christopher,
Playstation 3 draws alot of power... Our's gets real hot too.
Do what the guy's are telling you and add up all the wattage from the lables and you will be safe.
Good Luck
Nick-
thanks folks for the info.chris