Trying to figure out what size generator I actually need and if my current inverter will be able to cycle the fridge and freezer separately.

My refrigerator says 8.5 amps, 115 volts, volts to watts calculator states that is 977 watts.
Freezer says 5.0 amps, 115 volts is 575 volts.

Is this their maximum usage when the compressor first kicks on and then it uses less power after running? If I were to have a 2000w peak/1000w continuous inverter will that run the fridge by itself with no issue?

I would just go with a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter generator and not worry about it. It’s not that much of a price difference.

Typically the rating plate is continuous and you actually need more for startup. A normal headspace number on continuous is 15-20%. So my vote is not likely to work well.

Yeah-that’s continuous draw, not startup.

Thanks folks.
Went to Harbor Freight and grabbed the 3000w peak 1500w continuous as it was on sale and should cover my needs as this is only temporary.indoor running the fridge and freezer.
Still saving for my generator.

We are supposed to get ice hammered Sunday and Monday. Figure if we don’t lose power I’ll return it.
Just got home and opened the box.
Did not realize it did not come with the wires. So hopefully I can find those here today.

Ughhhh!
Not supposed to use cable larger than 2 awg and no longer than 6’

Was going to mount it in the bed of the truck.
It’s not supposed to get above freezing for awhile so I guess if I loose power. I’ll just move everything to coolers and leave them on the deck.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

We are supposed to get ice hammered Sunday and Monday. Figure if we don’t lose power I’ll return it.

Not exactly the same, but sort of parallel, All of the Ace Hardware stores in this area have signs posted during hurricane season, stating that hurricane supplies, generators, etc. are not returnable. That policy does not apply to defective items.

If you leave your freezer closed it will most likely stay frozen for a couple of days, assuming it is in a unheated garage. leaving the garage door open will help keep the temp down in freezing weather. Don't keep opening it to check it. If it a chest type put some old blankets or what ever to help keep it cold.

The 8.5 amps is the defrost heater on. The compressor will likely draw around an amp or less running. Locked rotor at start will be about 3 amps.

My counsel on the freezer is to just not open it and if the power is off for more than a day, just run it on the generator until it shuts off on thermostat.

If you have a meter with an amp clamp, it's pretty easy to find out what the actual running amps are.

quote:

Not supposed to use cable larger than 2 awg and no longer than 6’

I have no idea what this is talking about? The generator surely has 2 120V 20Amp outlets. So you just need standard electrical extension cords sized for the distance from the generator to what you are powering.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:

quote:

Not supposed to use cable larger than 2 awg and no longer than 6’

I have no idea what this is talking about? The generator surely has 2 120V 20Amp outlets. So you just need standard electrical extension cords sized for the distance from the generator to what you are powering.

This is referring to running an inverter off my truck. The cables that go from the inverter to the vehicle battery can’t be larger than 2 awg and 6’ long on this particular inverter.
Not a generator setup.

Are you sure it not that they can’t be smaller than 2ga?

You realize 1500 watts is 125amps at twelve volts? What size alternator do you have? How long do you plan to run the fridge off your truck?

I had a 1500watt inverter on my sailboat and had six 6v Trojan deep cycle batteries connected to it for 375amps of power discharging the batteries to 50%.

You’re not going to run a fridge very long off the battery in your truck before you need to run your truck to charge the battery. Your truck makes a really expensive generator.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189,

quote:

This is referring to running an inverter off my truck. The cables that go from the inverter to the vehicle battery can’t be larger than 2 awg and 6’ long on this particular inverter.

There is no application of electrical power transmission that I know of that the cables cannot be larger. Its overkill but its safe. This specification is either a bad translation from the chinese or you are misreading it. I would think the minimum cable size for 3000w should be sized for 250amps. And fused for such. that's like 4/0 wire depending on the distance. And using your truck as a big generator seems silly to me FWIW>

quote:

This specification is either a bad translation from the chinese or you are misreading it.

Or the connections at the inverter are sized for maximum of 2 gauge cable.

Never mind, it’s a misunderstanding. The inverter has bolt lugs to attach cables terminated with ring terminal to. The manual states 2 AWG 6’ or less. It doesn’t say minimum or maximum with respect to AWG, but that is the minimum gage and you could go larger. You’re going to need a big fuse at the battery to do so.

The manual has a nice chart showing what size batteries you need to run various loads for an hour or four hours:


When deciding what size wire and fuse to use, the inverter is not 100% efficient. It will draw more power that it puts out. If it’s 85% efficient, it will draw almost 1,800 watts or 150amps @12v. Then you have to factor in startup load when sizing the fuse.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Are you sure it not that they can’t be smaller than 2ga?

You realize 1500 watts is 125amps at twelve volts? What size alternator do you have? How long do you plan to run the fridge off your truck?

I had a 1500watt inverter on my sailboat and had six 6v Trojan deep cycle batteries connected to it for 375amps of power discharging the batteries to 50%.

You’re not going to run a fridge very long off the battery in your truck before you need to run your truck to charge the battery. Your truck makes a really expensive generator.

Truck has a 150 amp alternator. The truck would be running the entire time while cycling the fridge. How long it would be running would depend on how long the fridge would cycle for.
As for the expense it is/was only going to be used in that fashion for this storm if we lose power as I am still saving for the big generator for the house.
I plan on doing a dual battery setup with the inverter for camping and some power at the cabin so I’ll need an inverter anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:

quote:

This is referring to running an inverter off my truck. The cables that go from the inverter to the vehicle battery can’t be larger than 2 awg and 6’ long on this particular inverter.

There is no application of electrical power transmission that I know of that the cables cannot be larger. Its overkill but its safe. This specification is either a bad translation from the chinese or you are misreading it. I would think the minimum cable size for 3000w should be sized for 250amps. And fused for such. that's like 4/0 wire depending on the distance. And using your truck as a big generator seems silly to me FWIW>

Looking more at the unit I think it was because of terminal size most likely. But either way was not going to be enough time to hobble something together wiring wise without chopping my jumper cables up.
So we’ll just keep our fingers crossed we keep power and be ready to load up the coolers and put them on the deck if we loose power for any length.

We lived out of coolers for a couple weeks even with a generator. The generator was just too loud to run all night, ice was readily and we only lost a little over $100 of frozen food.

Next time, I’m going to keep a cooler with salted ice. I tried it in one of those stainless steel vacuum cups using table salt and got below 20 degrees for 7 hours with the lid off. I think I read 1 pound of ice for 20 pounds of salt. A 40 or 80 pound bag of salt is cheap. I plan to use one smaller cooler for the frozen stuff. We already used one for food and a second for drinks.

If it’s cold enough by you now, maybe put the coolers outside no to prechill them. Maybe an inch of water in the bottom will freeze over night? Zip lock bags of water, the kiddie pool with an inch or so, or whatever and maybe you’d have enough ice to carry you through if it gets warmer.