I purchased a 2008 Tacoma truck that has a Vector VEC056D 2500W inverter installed. The unit is in the bed (truck has a topper cover). There are 4 cables running from the inverter to the battery. I would like to know if it is properly installed.
There are two cables going to the battery + terminal, the other two cables there is one to the battery - terminal and one to the body fender. I do not see any fuse or disconnect switch.
The unit does work with no problems but I was wondering if it is properly wired.
Thanks for your assistance.
Don
Don, There are two ways in which I would have satisfyied the 6 foot guide line. 1. Mounted the VECTOR under the hood. 2. Supplied the VECTOR with additional "bed mounted" battery to be charged via the present wiring with a two pole single throw "knife switch" as as the "connect/disconnect to the vehicle battery/alternator for charging the new battery. In any case, you should make it a twice yearly thing to inspect the 15 feet of wire now installed, for wear and tear faults that could result in sparks, smoke, fire. You may need to visit local electrical supply house to see what they have to offer in the way of small "breaker-boxes" that may be capable of handling such large GAGE wire. I MEAN #2 gage wire IS very thick and expensive per foot!!!! A disconnect box similar to type found mounted to brick-work and next to and connecting a 1.5 to 2 ton central air unit might do the trick. But anyhow, if you are not going to use the VECTOR disconnect the POSITIVE lead at the battery and tape the connector with electrical tape to be safe. Let me know how it works out for you. lmistyrel@ aim.com 12fixlouie
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12Fixlouie, thanks for your reply. I did not see a reset button, I believe it has an auto reset built in. To reset you shut off and turn back on I think but have never had a problem with it tripping off and have not used it much.
The wire size I have is #4 AWG gas and oil resistance and these cables are about 15 feet in length, run from the battery along the truck frame and come up in the back of the bed, the unit is mounted to the side of the bed on a board and looks OK. As I mentioned earlier I have a topper so the unit is dry and out of weather. On the power inverter where the wires are connected it says to use 4 wires #2 AWG not to exceed 6 feet.
So I'm concerned if the unit is wired properly, like I said it seems to work fine, no problems but it is wired directly to the battery with no fuse or switch in line. I was thinking since I rarely use it (came with the truck) I may want to install a disconnect switch under the hood near the battery. If you think this is a good idea what type of switch should I use?
Thank you again for your assistance.
Don
donschone, I should think that the Wiring is correct. Yes, it should have a FRAME ground connection for safety. As for having an IN-LINE fuse, you will need to check the VECTOR unit and look for a reset button (circuit breaker) or some type of "panel mounted" screw-in cartridge fuse holder!!! Get back to me with what you find. Also let me know what size (gage) of wire was used to "hook-up" this unit. 12fixlouie on fixya
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