I am running a 24/12 volt, 400 watt inverter off of a 24 volt AGM motorized wheelchair battery (split load: 2x12 volt in series for 24 volt rail; 1x12 volt for accessory 12 volt rail).
The inverter is powered by the 24 volt rail. My laptop charger/switching adapter keeps tripping it into circuit protection and I can't figure out a way to prevent this. the charger is input 120VAC and beside that says "1.5A max (don't know what that's referring to) and output is 19VDC, 3420mA.
Also running a 12VDC class-D amp with 4.5A power supply off the inverter and a Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect V1.0 power adapter which outputs 12VDC/1.0A.
Also maybe relevant: the inverter supplies two AC plugs, so I was trying to use an AC triplex in one plug but didn't think that would be an issue. Maybe it is?
Now, I can deal with running the laptop off batteries I think for the application but would be better if I could set it and forget it. Also want to know the answer to why it keeps tripping.
That's all the relevant information I have, unfortunately. Thanks for the reply, that inrush of current just seems like it should be no factor. Still...
Then you need to use appropriate equipment at actually measure the instantaneous current draw at the component that trips. Do you know that circuit breakers wear out over time with many trippings? Replace the circuit breaker with a similar sized fuse and see if the fuse goes. I bet not.
I mean, sure maybe the store bought inverter is defective. That's a possibility for absolutely everything though, isn't it? It's brand new if that matters and runs other things just fine.
it's all good though. I'll run the laptop off its battery; it only has to last four hours and I can run the charger to mains if worse come to worst.
Yes, Paul, I'm aware things wear out over time. This inverter is brand new. Purpose bought for the application and 400 watts was the only option available (chip shortage yada yada) at 24 volts for less than $200CAD. Is it likely the instantanous current draw? Sure. That that would be a possibility hadn't occurred to me since a) it's only a laptop charger and b) the info supplied in the marketing literature specifically lists laptop charging as one of its exciting potential uses.
Normally Motomaster equipment is good enough for purpose and then some. Oh well.
Try putting a small incandescent light bulb in series with the laptop charger. That will limit the inrush current, but not stop the charger from working.
Cheers, might try that eventually to quench my curiosity. Don't have appropriate cord handy (or spare light socket with available end to plug grounded AC plug into, or an incandescent light bulb for that matter, I mean who does these days (I think they're banned in Canada but could be wrong)) so for now I'll have a go the brutal way and charge the laptop externally to the robot as required.
No, not going to hack into laptop power cord. Everything in the arcade robot is already wired up, neatly bundled and organized, tight and looking good. All fuses, switches and chokes are already in and no time for this experiment. Still have another chest to build and a dragon animatronic game to make, plus general decorating and scavenger hunt game design. One week away...
Thanks for your help, Paul, much appreciated. @jremington , thanks for your ear a minute, too.
I mean who does these days (I think they're banned in Canada but could be wrong)) so for now I'll have a go the brutal way and charge the laptop externally to the robot as required.