slavikf
New Member
Where I live we don't have power outages often. So, I don't have any power backups, generator, etc...
But last week there was 3 hours long outage. And it was really inconvenient. Especially since I'm working from home.
I have UPS, but it only lasts 7-10 mins.
I can buy the generator, but then I'll have to maintain it, store fuel for it, etc... Also, reading reviews, the most common issue with generator is failure to start after it was stored.
So, I decided to try to use my 2010 Ford Expedition EL as backup power source.
First I tried the inverter, which I already had: 3kW MotoMaster Eliminator modified sine.
Found, that UPS is incompatible with modified sine inverter. Computer doesn't like modified sine, too.
So, I bought 1.2kW inverter (Ampeak pure sine), connected it to the battery terminals of Expedition.
The outside temperature was ~60F.
The Expedition was idling.
TEST 1: I tried it with UPS + monitor + NAS + router + switch + monitor. The load was ~150 watt. Everything worked perfect for ~2 hours. Measured voltage was > 14v. Looks like with that load the system can work for hours.
TEST 2: I had everything connected from test 1 above, and connected toaster (~800W). The total load was ~950W. Voltage dropped to 11.4v, which probably means, that battery is getting discharged. But after about a minute or so RPM went a bit higher and voltage restored to 13.6V. Good.
I had that load for about 7 mins. The inverter's temperature reached 109F. But it continued to work.
What do you think - is 1kW too much load for the Expedition electrical system? Is it ok to use it as a backup power source?
But last week there was 3 hours long outage. And it was really inconvenient. Especially since I'm working from home.
I have UPS, but it only lasts 7-10 mins.
I can buy the generator, but then I'll have to maintain it, store fuel for it, etc... Also, reading reviews, the most common issue with generator is failure to start after it was stored.
So, I decided to try to use my 2010 Ford Expedition EL as backup power source.
First I tried the inverter, which I already had: 3kW MotoMaster Eliminator modified sine.
Found, that UPS is incompatible with modified sine inverter. Computer doesn't like modified sine, too.
So, I bought 1.2kW inverter (Ampeak pure sine), connected it to the battery terminals of Expedition.
The outside temperature was ~60F.
The Expedition was idling.
TEST 1: I tried it with UPS + monitor + NAS + router + switch + monitor. The load was ~150 watt. Everything worked perfect for ~2 hours. Measured voltage was > 14v. Looks like with that load the system can work for hours.
TEST 2: I had everything connected from test 1 above, and connected toaster (~800W). The total load was ~950W. Voltage dropped to 11.4v, which probably means, that battery is getting discharged. But after about a minute or so RPM went a bit higher and voltage restored to 13.6V. Good.
I had that load for about 7 mins. The inverter's temperature reached 109F. But it continued to work.
What do you think - is 1kW too much load for the Expedition electrical system? Is it ok to use it as a backup power source?
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