Solution for Cobra 800 Watt Inverter draining Battery?

Just like it says, my inverter drains my battery and I have to disconnect the negative terminal when not in use. That creates a fire hazard under the seat where I have the inverter.

I need a more permanent solution so I can mount the inverter and be done with it. What do you suggest? Like an inline on/off switch or something?

How has this problem been solved in the past?

Thanks!
Bruno

 

Inline switch with relay or have the relay wired so it is keyed

 

bring back up battery

 

I'll do some research when I get home, but do you know of any write ups on something like this?

 

All three of my inverters have on/off switches?
Else, I guess you need to put a circuit breaker/switch in the positve supply somewhere. If you don't have a fuse or breaker, that's a good idea anyway. I've used the small Bussman magnetic breaker from Blue Seas.

 

Negative. A good idea but not to fix this problem.

Yeah, the Cobra does too. Even when it is off, it sucks power. I've tested it and the battery gets drained when its off but both terminals are connected. Its only when I physically disconnect the negative does it not drain.

What is the reasoning for putting the breaker in the Positive line vs the negative? (curious)

 

There's gotta be a mistake.. You can definetly wire it so its off with a switch, or so it turns off with the key. Is there a diagram that came with it you used?

 

Well I'm not an electrical guy but I ran wires straight from the battery, through the firewall and right to the inverter. Is there a better way to do it? It has a low voltage alarm the twrips for 1/2 a sec when I turn off the car...I'm thinking maybe that alarm circuit is constantly monitoring the voltage and sucking juice. Or maybe on LED but my guess is its something internal.

No diagram that I can recall, but I could be wrong.

 

This what you have?

You should be able to run the power wires through the normally open contacts on a 30a vehicle relay. Wire a switch to the coil and whoila....when the switch is off, all power to the inverter is cut off....period. There is no need to unhook anything from anything.

Edit: After some quick math.....at full capacity that inverter is drawing 67a.

 

Remove the amp, and sub stuff from this diagram and maybe this will help clarify how to hook what to what....

 

Yeah, thats exactly what I have.

Your explanation sounds good! The problem is I literally have never done anything electrical except the stereo and fm modulator so I don't really understand it. I seriously hate to ask but can you make a little diagram of what your proposing? And explain how it works. Sorry, I seriously hate to ask. I have to spend some time learning about relays and switches.

 

Boom, beat me to it. Your the man.

 

I don't have "diagram" capabilities but I can tell you....it's not too hard. Become VERY familiar with google, youtube and even tacoma world. i'm sure someone out there has already done a write up on this. Use the search function, it'll help you out. Watch mass vids on youtube...and browse the internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zU71R59oz-c

Not a toyota truck but an install nontheless.