I have a question my friends

[timlsalem]

Okay I just looked at the switch again and then remembered what type of switch I was thinking of using. I thought I could just connect a battery disconnect between the inverter and receptical. When not in use just disconnect the battery from it. what's your thoughts about that?

[madjack]

I would think it would work between the BATTERY and INVERTER...you wouldn't need it between the inverter and dedicated 110 receptical(unless wanted)..........
madjack

[timlsalem]

I think your right. I mixed up my watts with amps. I hate when that happens. both the batteries and inverter are in the galley. I can run 10 gage up to 15' and my run will be 9'

[Corwin C]

Also, if your switch is between the inverter and the receptacle (outlet), the inverter will keep running and drain your battery.

[Corwin C]

If all your components are in the galley I would do it like this :

Battery --> Switch --> Inverter --> Coffee

Didn't mean to muddy the waters (so to speak).

[timlsalem]

you're right madjack I do need it between the battery and inverter. I'll have to rethink this a little bit being my inverter and battery is in the same spot.

[timlsalem]

that would deffinetlly be a lot of copper to run. battery---switch---inverter---coffee. Guess I do need a different setup where my original idea will work.

[timlsalem]

the 200 amp relay would work. where would I find something like that?

[Corwin C]

The relay option would be:

Battery --> Relay --> switch ---> Ground or + depending on the relay

and from the Relay --> Inverter --> Coffee

Black is heavy gage wire, blue is light gage wire and red is 120V AC.

Clear as mud?

[Corwin C]

the 200 amp relay would work. where would I find something like that?

Any good auto parts store should have them in stock (or be able to get one overnight) ... make sure you ask for 200 amp 12 volt and continuous duty. Be prepared for $60 - $80.

[timlsalem]

Okay, I know what I have to do. I'll put the disconnect between the battery and inverter and get off my lazy butt in the morning and switch it on to brew my coffee while I'm doing what everyone has to do when they first wake up in the morning. It's very true. You can really over think something until is a bigger problem then it originally was.

[deceiver]

Maybe it's me but wouldn't it be less expensive and easier to purchase a percolator to put on your gas stove? Or even one of those drip coffee pots that fit over a burner.
The using golf cart batteries to power a coffee maker. I didn't do the math but you'll probably drain the battery to make a pot. Not to mention the expense of it. I will tell you that I have worked with high current 12 volt stuff. If you don't have rock solid connections while trying to draw that much current you'll melt something.

1,500 watts at 12 volts is = to 125 amps

Have I got this right?

[eamarquardt]

I dunno! Electricity is a very inefficient way to heat water. Also going from mechanical energy (alternator), to chemical energy (battery), back to electrical energy (12 volt) and then again to electrical energy (120 volt), and then to heat energy is introducing more inefficiency into the equation.

My electric teapot (used at home) is 1500 watts. Without seeing the specs on your coffeepot and inverter can't say exactly how many amps you will require but 1000 watts will probably be 100 amps or so.

Check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

to see the recommended wire size for 100 amps. You can probably get by with smaller as your run is short (I routinely run 300 amps through approximately 12 gauge wire but the wire is surrounded by a water jacket and the water cooled with a big radiator and fan) so the table is a "guideline".

...not knowing specifics of amp carrying capacity for heavy cables, I couldn't/wouldn't make specific recommendations but would certainly look at wiring in the 0 to 2 ga sizes.............
madjack 8)

Madjack appears to be "in the ballpark" with his suggestion.

A propane burner seems like an easier and more efficient way to go.

A friend runs a business, and I often work with him, doing custom fabrication, engine replacements, and installs on boats that are rarely connected to shore power. If a 120 volt generator were not on board, batteries, an inverter, and a coffee pot would be our last choice for brewing coffee aboard a boat, but I recognize a teardrop isn't a boat but the requirements are similar and weight is even less a consideration on a "displacement" type boat.

There you have it, again, "The World According to Gus".

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[Grid Runner Adventures]

wow two pages on this thread already for a coffee maker

what about using a zero power cold brew coffee maker. its 69% less acid, it brews a super concentrated coffee into a decanter that you can take with you camping. just a teaspoon or two into some hot water and you have a cup of hot coffee, or in a cup of ice and milk for an iced coffee its good stuff.

http://tinyurl.com/2bwkors

theres always more then one way to skin a cat. and this is one example of that old adage.

there are lots of low power/zero power alternatives to alot of the 110 appliances we are use too using.

[eamarquardt]

I haven't a clue on how well a cold coffee brewer would work. Have you used it and does it live up to its claims?

Just for the record, not that anyone cares, I have had exactly one half cup of coffee in my entire life. I didn't like it even when it was "butt cold" out while on manuvers and it was the only hot drink my "uncle" (Sam) was serving.

Hot water and a teabag works for me, ha!

Cheers,