Looking to find out whether power inverters have fuses?
Good news, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll go through all the important information about inverters and their fuses.
Do Power Inverters Have Fuses?
Yes, the majority of modern inverters contain multiple internal fuses.
The size of the fuse depends on the power capacity of an inverter.
For example, a 1000 watt inverter might have four 30A fuses built-in while a 2000 watt inverter might have eight 30A fuses.
The total capacity of a single or multiple fuses should match the power of the inverter.
What Size Fuse Does an Inverter Need?
The size of the fuse is related to the power capacity of your inverter.
To work out the required fuse size you need to divide continuous watts by voltage. So for a 1000 watt 12V inverter, the equation would be:
1000 watts ÷ 12 volts = 83 amps
Plus it is wise to add 25% to this amperage as a safety factor. So 83 x 25% = 103 amps.
Now we know the maximum amps of our inverter we can pick a fuse the can handle this current. For 103 amps current, a 110 or 120 amp fuse would work.
Where is the Fuse Located in a Power Inverter?
The built-in fuses can be found on the inside of the inverter. To find them you need to unscrew the shell. You should be able to remove screws in the front or rear panels to access the inside.
Once you remove the case you should be able to clearly see the fuse. Here’s an example:
This is only one example of a fuse in a power inverter and you can replace these, similar to a car fuse.
You should check your user manual and product information for more details about specific fuse requirements for your inverter.
Can Inverter Work Without Fuse?
No inverter will not work if you remove a fuse. The fuse is a part of the electrical circuit and is designed to trip if there is a malfunction such as short circuits.
Do I Need an In-line Fuse with Inverter?
It is not essential to use an in-line fuse with your power inverter but it is highly recommended.
Many people use an in-line fuse even if the inverter has an in-built fuse. This is because the in-built fuse will not protect the cables between the battery and the inverter.
It is best practice to install an in-line fuse between the battery and the inverter.
Final Words on Do Inverters Have Fuses?
You should now have a better understanding about whether inverters have fuses.
Most modern inverters should have at least one fuse built-in to protect you, your inverter, and your appliances.
It is also wise to add an in-line fuse for a large power inverter that is permanently mounted and attached to a battery.
