GL: Inverter safety

[LRZeitlin@aol.com]

 In a message dated 1/17/07 12:00:54 AM, Rex writes:



>
> I had insufficient lighting in my boat 32 foot sail boat and found 120VAC 9
> Watts hocky puck sized Flurocsent lights at Menards, a local Hardware
> chain.  A pack of three is $30.00.  I have installed 6 of them (54 watts or
> about 5 amps at 12 vdc)  and now have great lighting and I have switching
so
> that I can switch between shore power and a $30.00 West Marine 400
> watt inverter for battery operation when crusing.
> --
>
>

Those small stand alone inverters are great. They let you buy home type
equipment from the local hardware or appliance store and avoid the
exhorbitantly
priced marine equipment for the same function. Two cautions. Make sure the
inverter is up to the task and has the proper capacity. Use great care in
installing and insulating wiring. Remember that you are now working with
lethal
voltages and all of the 110 v. wiring rules apply.

Larry Z