how big of an inverter?

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Forum Name: Motorcycle Electronics
Forum Discription: Installing Stereos, Alarms, Remote Starters, Lights, Garage Door Openers and other electronics on motorcycles.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=111733
Printed Date: May 05, 2025 at 7:04 AM

Topic: how big of an inverter?

Posted By: feb2009
Subject: how big of an inverter?
Date Posted: February 18, 2009 at 5:39 PM

I want to run a 3.5 amp drill off of an inverter that is hooked onto my ATV.
How big of an inverter do I need(they sell them in watts)?
Can the ATV battery handle that load?

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: February 18, 2009 at 8:10 PM

3.5Amps X 120Volts = 420Watts What are you going to be drilling? What size and type of drill bits will you be using?

Posted By: wiringfool
Date Posted: February 19, 2009 at 10:58 PM

Hi just a little extra watts never hertz.Get a little bigger than that ,for loaded drill and startup current

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wiringfool eieioztztzt

Posted By: Mad Scientists
Date Posted: February 21, 2009 at 1:48 PM

Determining current for an electric motor rquires taking into account power factor.. First thing I would do is take an actual measurement of the current.. this will give you a better idea of inverter size. I have a 1k watt inverter.. I wouldn't use anything smaller than that.

Moot point anyway.. the ATV charging system and battery won't survive long with that kind of draw on it. I'd either carry a big deep cycle battery on the rack, or a small generator, unless you're talking about 1-2 small holes.

Jim