jcmattson

I have an 2013 Sub LTZ. I was want to install a 1000w power inverter in the rear. Will i have to run power cable all the way to the front? I would assume there has to be some other power i could tie into since it has the power lift gate and power rear window. I have searched this forum and cant find specific info on amp draw etc.

Thanks

intheburbs

Do the math. Even assuming your inverter is 100% efficient (it's not)...

P=VI
1000=12*I
100/12=I
83.3=I

For a 15-foot run for 83.3 amps, you'd have to use a 6 gauge wire. Not going to find that in your existing wiring.

You might be able to use the hot wire that feeds your trailer harness, that's most likely the largest wire that goes to the back of the truck, but it's not a 6-gauge. The fuse for your trailer wiring is 40 amps - that won't even get you 500 watts.

Your best bet is running new wiring. Run a 2 or 4 gauge wire from the mega fuse holder on the passenger side of the firewall. Don't forget to use an equally stout ground wire. You'll want to upgrade your alternator, and it wouldn't hurt to install a second battery.

73shark

Assuming the 1000W is @120VAC, aren't you really talking less than 9 amps input? I know my 500W inverter runs off my lighter socket without any problem.

intheburbs

Yes, but you have to convert the 120 volts from the 12 volts, which means you need 10 times the amperage (90 amps). The inverter doesn't make power; it just changes voltages. If you want 1000 watts out, you have to feed 1000 watts in (actually, it's more, because the innverter is not 100% efficient).

Your 500 watt inverter works fine off your lighter socket as long as you don't use more than a few hundred watts. The lighter circuit usually has a 20 or 30 amp fuse. That'll give you 200-300 watts. If you plug something in that needs more than that, it'll trip the breaker or blow the fuse. For the full 500 watts, the inverter would need to pull almost 50 amps.

My son is asthmatic, and the nebulizer (basically a small air pump) does not work when we plug it in to the built-in 110-volt plug on my wife's minivan. It needs more power than the inverter can pull from its circuit.

Easiest way to think of voltage and current is in terms of water. Voltage is the water pressure, and amperage is the volume of water.

SabrToothSqrl

DonRowe.com: Frequently Asked Questions About Power Inverters

This page lists wire size and length.

To run 1,000 watts this says 0/1 wire. Holy cow.

I just had to run 6 gauge to hook up a NEMA 14-50, and that was fun. I can't imagine 0 gauge.