Inverter Advice

We are interested in purchasing an inverter in Puerto Plata next month and would like someone to advise us as to how large to buy. Is a 1.5kw large enough to operate a fridge, a fan or two, a couple of lights and a tv, or is it better to buy a 2.4kw? We really could use some help. Thanks

For the little difference in the price go for the 2.4 - Don't forget "Batteries = duration". 8 batteries will last (+ -) 60% longer than 4. I've had excellent service with Trace Inverters. There are some "Home Mades" out there but my advice stick with Trace.

I agree with Eddy, go for a larger inverter, better to have more power than not enough and for the difference in price it's sure worth it. Good Luck.

Most refrigerators are around 1000 watts and when the motor kicks on it is higher. 2.4 kw would probably be the smallest invertor you would want to use with a refrigerator.

Trace inverter will cost you about 2-3 times more than the local brand inverter. The local made inverters have also improved to the international level quality. I have been using a dominican made inverter (made by a real dominican engineer) and it is working fine without flaws for 2+ years. If you buy a locally made inverter from jose, carlos or some other juan down the street, then the chances are that you are inviting trouble.
For your case, you need 8 batteries and a 2.4k. This will run everything that you have mentioned (even a large sized fridge). I recommend using the low consumption bulbs that use 15-18 watts and produce light of 90 watts. try using tube lights if you can. This way you can really squeeze out the extra time out of the batteries.
remember, if you have the extra money then do buy the trace but if you like to save the money then call this number: 856-8029 ask for Eddie. He speaks english and he will personally install the unit for you. His inverters have fast switching circuitry for computer use (no need for a UPS) and if you happen to connect something really big that would certainly burn out most inverters, his inverter would simply shut down instead of frying.
Note: For a trace inverter, you are already paying twice the money and if it burns out then god help you because the cost of repair of a 2.4 kilo can get expensive.
Eddie's inverter would cost you about 200 pesos to repair.
Scroll down the DR1 page to see a long string of posts regarding inverters.
Good luck

A thread a few days ago on the same subject
http://dr1.com/board/index.cgi?read=61405

Lots of info here on invertors etc etc....
http://dr1.com/board/index.cgi?read=61697

This may also help:
Jimmy Stewart based in the Colonal Zone. One hell of a nice guy and knows more about invertors and UPS's than anyone I have met on this island.

Tel: 686-2406
Email: solar.sa@codetel.net.do

You could also try an archive search here, we have had many questions and answers relating to invertors over the last few years.

Rob.

Thanks for the help. I have been trying to get into the archives but can't for some reason.

Hi DR1,

I tried to get into some old messages from beginning of 2000 and the links just didn't work.

John