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If you are looking for an emergency power backup solution or perhaps need a power solution to use while you are out camping then perhaps the 4,000 watt inverter may be the right solution for you.
In addition to the inverter, you’ll need a set of batteries, DC cables that can handle the current from the batteries, and a suitably sized battery bank according to the runtime for the connected appliances.
This post shares guidelines on what appliances you can run off a 4,000 watt inverter, the DC battery cable gauges to use, and the size of the battery bank.
Table of Contents
How Many Amps a 4,000-Watt Inverter Draws?
When supplying maximum power to the connected appliances, a 4,000 /24V watt inverter draws about 166 amps from the battery bank.
The actual current draw at any one time depends on the combined power consumption (watts) of the connected appliances.
So, for lower wattage appliances (less than 4,000 watts) the current draw from the battery bank will be correspondingly lower.
Note that the inverter continues to consume power – the no-load power draw from the battery even when no appliances are connected to it provided it is switched on.
Inverter No-Load Current Draw
A 4,000-watt/24V inverter can have a no-load power draw of about 40-50 watts (~1.5-2 amps at 24V). This can vary from one inverter manufacturer to another so always consult your inverter manual for its actual no-load power consumption.
To avoid the no-load power draw, switch off the inverter when not in use.
What Size of Battery Wire Gauge to Use with 4,000 Watt Inverter?
Use 4/0 AWG wire gauge or larger to safely connect the inverter to the battery bank.
In addition, make sure that the cable lugs are firmly crimped to the cable strands to minimize voltage drops. This prevents voltage drops that can affect the inverter’s operation.
What Can the 4,000 watt Inverter Run?
The 4,000 watt inverter can power one or more appliances provided their combined continuous power consumption does not exceed 4,000 watts and surge power is less than 8,000 watts (check the surge power draw for your inverter make).
For the inverter to supply its rated power, it should be installed in a well ventilated environment for efficient cooling.
Some of the appliances you can power with a 4,000 watt inverter are listed below. Note: this list is not exhaustive.
- 1,200 watt coffee maker
- 1,400 watt electric iron
- 1,000 watt microwave oven
- 50 watt, 15″ Laptop
- 50 watt, 42 inch LED TV
- 300 watt Fridge
Total Power consumption 4,000 watts
To avoid damage to the inverter, do not exceed its recommended continuous and surge power rating.
You can use a power meter to monitor the inverter’s power draw.
What Size of Battery for a 4,000-watt Inverter?
Use a 24V battery bank of at least 400Ah (AGM or GEL) if you plan to run the inverter at full load (4,000 watts). A 400Ah, 24V battery bank will power 4,000 watts of connected appliances for about an hour.
You can use a smaller capacity battery bank if you do not intend to run the inverter at 100% of its capacity.
How Many Batteries for a 4,000 watt Inverter?
There are several possible battery combinations you can use depending on the battery capacity and voltage used.
One such combination is 2 parallel strings of 2 x 200Ah,12V batteries connected in series.
What Fuse Size to Use with a 4,000-watt Inverter?
When selecting a fuse size, you should check first what the inverter manufacturer recommends. That said, a 220 – 250 amp inline DC fuse connected between the battery and the inverter may be used to protect the DC battery cables.
This fuse should be connected as close as possible to the battery bank on the positive battery cable. Keep in mind that the fuse is intended to protect the wire from damage should the current flow increase to high levels that can damage the wire.
Final Word
A 4,000 watt inverter can power many of the household appliances you’re likely to use in your RV or while offsite doing some remote contracting work that requires light- medium power tools.
If using a 400 Ah/24V battery bank or larger, use at least 4/0 AWG cable to minimize voltage drops affecting inverter performance.
A 400Ah, 24V battery bank will give you a run time of about an hour when the inverter is loaded to its full capacity.
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