80. Battle stations! Inverter vs electric kettle

Continuing from the cliffhanger of the last video, this one sees me debug the problem which switched off the induction hob and go on to test the new inverter & battery setup with both the hob and an electric kettle.
Prior video is at • 79. Oh no! Did I blow ...
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, here's the link: www.ko-fi.com/... and thank you!
Tools & Parts used for my campervan build
Autoterm diesel heater: geni.us/Van_Au...
Renogy 2kW inverter: geni.us/Van_Re...
Sink: geni.us/Van_Ne...
Induction hob: geni.us/Van_In...
Portable toilet: geni.us/Van_To...
Fridge: geni.us/Van_Co...
Charger: geni.us/Van_Ma...
Solar Controller: geni.us/Van_So...
Gas Alarm: geni.us/Van_Ga...
Old sink unit: geni.us/Van_Si...
Old heater unit: geni.us/Van_Pr...
Old inverter: geni.us/Van_In...
DeWalt jigsaw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt drill: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt mitre saw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt circular saw: geni.us/Van_De...
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[@keykeypr8292]

Good on you for thinking of the possible fuse in the plug. It's the little things that are so easy to forget, and then are often forgotten while I check all the other bits and pieces and connections, wondering why things "just don't work the way they are supposed to." LOL Thanks for taking us along on your "steamy" adventure.

[@ferretywalton6860]

What could be finer on a bank holiday Monday than to settle down with a cup of tea, a cheese sarnie, and watch the next thrilling instalment of vandemonium ☺️

[@0HARE]

Curious American here. What’s a cheese sarnie?

[@bobwilliamson5574]

Possibly to watch coronation Street !

[@CaptainBee100]

@@0HARE Cheese sandwich.

[@terranno]

Just about the best upload about lithium and inverters on KZbin 👍

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks 👍Definitely not the case but thanks 🤣🤣

[@zapfanzapfan]

And now, for the exciting conclusion! That little 3A fuse held on bravely for some time 🙂

[@madhungarian3024]

Very nice. I admit that i was rather skeptical about all that current going over a 12V circuit, but what i forgot is that it's only 12V for like 4 inches or so, and then it's 230V the rest of the way. No problem. And very nice too that everything failed correctly.

[@6panel300]

A little safety tip. When feeling live electric cables always use the back of your hands or fingers, just in case if you get an electric shock causing your muscles to spasm, you won't end up grabbing a cable you can't let go of.

[@pollenhead]

True confession. I've been watching Cruising the Cut for years and knew you had a van channel but never bothered to check it out. I guess the stars are aligned because I watched today and enjoyed the same level of interesting information and witty repartee I've grown to appreciate from "CTC". Would chat more but I've got eighty videos to catch up on.

[@Vandemonium]

Welcome along!

[@fairmania]

Couldn't help but chuckle about the fuse in the plug, you're not alone with that comedy error! That all looks like it will serve you well, even if I and others were worried about the potential heat build-up from the inverter. That's some quality equipment you have bought there, operating well within safe temperatures. And then there's the Whitesnake mention; nicely done!

[@terrycook8914]

You had me at "it's getting steamy in the van". A memorable scene from Titanic came to mind! 🤣🤣🤣

[@rickkearn7100]

Your quick troubleshoot and solution show an appreciable knowledge of your power system, David, and impeccable logic! Well done. Cheers.

[@andrewjones-productions]

In the comments section of the last video, someone described the ending as a cliffhanger. Well David, you left us at the top of a very high cliff and quickly brought us all slap, bang down to earth with nothing more than a 3 amp fuse in a plug! Love it!! It is indeed testament to the fact that everything does work well and proper. You should give yourself a pat on the back as this is a result of some excellent work!

[@Bill_9797]

For someone new to DIY that’s a great bit of work. Lovely install. Should be proud of it. 👍🏻

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks 👍

[@amfwelsh]

I have been waiting for the second part as I haven’t slept since the cliffhanger. But like a good story it all ends well

[@iMcWatch]

the shunt is alive with the sounds muttering with the words they have used for a thousand years the plug has a fuse with a very low value my heart wants to sing to every bite of beans

[@jamesa7506]

🎶 "Here I go again on my own. Burning down the only home I've built alone. Like a drifter I walk the railroads recording with my phone. So take my advice and don't do what I have shown! 🎶 😎👍 Glad to see that this wasn't your ballad, well done sir!

[@rutherose23]

Glad you figured it out! Looking forward to your first trip with the new battery! 😊

[@the_useless_photographer]

Me too, I need to see a road trip haha.

[@davidoickle1778]

My wife recently picked up some extra mature cheese "Product of England" white cheddar cheese from the supermarket. The brand name seems to be "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar." It is a marvellous cheese. I thought of you when I tasted it, expecting it would make a right fine cheese sandwich. Cheers!

[@praisebewibble]

Well spotted. I'm an electrician and I hadn't thought of the 3amp fuse( hangs head in shame). I was itching to find the cause.

[@Vandemonium]

🤣

[@dheade]

You might need to check cable, it might only be for a light ie 3 amps. 13 amps cables are quite stiff. HTH.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, I do intend to check it

[@dennisbishop3842]

Finally! The 2nd half; you're alive and not injured. It's a win. 🎉

[@castingshadows282]

👏👏👏& to think it was only a fuse, who'd a thought that. Honestly. I did... Now you just need to remember to use the pan lids to help contents come to the boil or warm up quicker. Heat produces more heat when covered, where as an open pan releases heat. 🖖👍

[@cbeuck5024]

What a relief electonics😊 van😊David😊 I can now happily start my day 🙏 Jan Adelaide

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Like a drifter, you were born to walk (or drive, or float) alone? What does Whitesnake know, anyway?!? Thanks for sharing your adventures with us, David! We appreciate them!

[@maobfh]

Well done! Don’t laugh but I did not realize that you could change out a fuse for a larger one. I have rejected so many devices over the size of a fuse. Crazy. I need to study a bit more to know when one should NOT do that. Or where, and why.

[@carycoombe3380]

Good to see everything is working both "hunky" & "dory".

[@billharris6886]

Well done David! I'm glad the power outage was a simple fix. You did well to go with the larger battery, the extra capacity will come in handy at some point. Cheers!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Phew. Glad it was only the fuse in the plug. A happy ending. Well done David 👏👏👍😀

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

I had to laugh...at your opening by line.. battle stations !!! 😊😊😊😊

[@RobMartin1ds]

I love the Whitesnake reference, that's taking me back to my high-school days

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Excellent experiment David. Quicker cooking of water and another will take place with a lid top on the pans and more importantly less steam. Hope you're doing well

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, this was just testing that it worked

[@century2298]

Looks like you have it set up just right. 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Great to see it all working well and keeping cool. I’ll be using one of those Renogy inverters in my new van build so I’m pleased i saw this video 😊👍🏼

[@randyw2539]

"And LOOK They are both boiling most emphatically!" I've no idea why your delivery of that line made me nearly spit cola all over my computer laughing. I needed a good laugh, just finished (unsuccessfully trying) a bit of DIY furniture repair. YAY for reaching the end of the electrics conversion! In light of my reclining couch mechanism repair failure, I'm living vicariously through your triumph. Now we wait on tenterhooks for the next project. And, no, I'm not being sarcastic.

[@JeghedderThomas]

Phew! Cliffhanger resolved - Now I can sleep again.

[@heathwellsNZ]

You were such a tease at the end of that last one! Glad nothing untoward happened!

[@lindapeterson5810]

Excellent, now you can do an egg as well!

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Sherlock Ohms saves the day!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Watts on?

[@firefly24601]

I lost it at the Whitesnake reference.... 😆

[@nilo70]

I am not surprised that you know what you’re doing 😊 you are a methodical person . You will eventually get everything completed of that I’m sure Cheers from California 😊

[@stephenbrooks1692]

Good grief David you could cook a small potroast n veg or meat n veg stew on those circuits in a slow cooker on a long drive. Drive all day and ghen a cup of tea and a meal all ready!!!!! Steve n Joan Scotland

[@markattardo]

A 3amp fuse in a 13 amp rated plug, makes perfect sense. I guess it's better than a 20 amp fuse in a 3 amp plug.

[@kevgermany]

Fuses are there to protect the wiring, accuracy/quality varies. Many appliances draw a very high start up power, so headroom is good. Usually RCD needs to be changed to cope with a microwave if you install one.

[@Vandemonium]

I've no space for a microwave

[@noyopacific]

My old van has a 2Kw generator installed in a cabinet. I start it (with a button) for a few minutes in the morning to run the coffee maker and microwave my oatmeal. This also gives me a head start on charging before the solar panels light up. It also gives me an option for battery charging when there isn't enough sunlight to recharge. My generator is quiet but not silent. If I were doing a new installation I would consider a large battery and inverter. Thanks for the video David !

[@johnkey1682]

13A is for 3kW load, but that fuse is protecting the wire from the inverter to the outlet. there is another fuse in the apliance plug.

[@Vandemonium]

True

[@robertlalor8090]

Who else but you could captivate me with a kettle boiling😁? Thanks David

[@lilbatz]

If you're gonna quote White Snake, you need to do it while wearing Spandex pants. Go big or go home David! 💪💕 Glad everything worked out.

[@Vandemonium]

🤣🤣

[@darrenleigh201]

Don't forget the big hair!

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

If you have a vent fan in your roof, that could help with the steam accumulation.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

I think I see a manually operated vent above David?

[@Vandemonium]

I had the side door open! If I was really cooking, I'd have lids on the pots

[@wanderingzythophile9083]

I had a similar experience yesterday when testing out my electric system, inverter, induction cooktop. I've got a 120v breaker panel (USA) rather than just a plug, had my induction cooktop in a socket wired to a 15amp breaker. Handled the two burners both at half power (most the cooktop would allow) and I wasn't pushing the inverter to its limit, so I fired up a heat gun on the other socket. Pow! The 15a breaker tripped. Worked as designed.

[@craig-duncan]

This had me on the edge of my seat. Brilliant stuff!

[@malcolmelliott1876]

Amazing the advances in battery technology.. I had to have 8 x 110Ah AGMs powering a 3Kw inverter to get similar capacity on a boat... plus 15 mm diameter welding cable!! Yours is a nice compact, well laid out setup that does what's needed most efficiently, David.

[@BrassLock]

Goodness Gracious David, you've been jolly busy!

[@jayoneill1533]

Well done David, that’s an expert installation.

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks. I've since added the temperature sensor and more plastic shielding / wrapping to all the wires to make them triply-insulated from each other.

[@Ben-311]

That works perfectly as all you have to do is write a 1 in front of that 3 and you’ve got an updated amperage label.

[@0HARE]

Nice work, David. Those little temperature sensors are a great tool.

[@davetaylor4744]

The reason it was a 3 amp fuse is connected to the wire you chose is because the cable in your connection is not large enough for a larger fuse. Never simply increase the fuse unless the wire diameter (gauge) is matched to the fuse.

[@Vandemonium]

The reason is was a 3A fuse is because that's what I put in there 5 years ago when it went to a 375W inverter!

[@janebrown3587]

Wheeeeee! Nothing quite so comforting as being able to have your favorite hot beverage whenever you want. We have frequent power outages here (grrrrr) so I bought a single burner propane camp stove for my emergency coffee and hot chocolate. ❤ Hmm... you said beans. Now I want a grilled cheese sammich with a cup of beans for dipping. 🤔

[@donaldripper3354]

Been waiting for this one David! Great outcome, and thanks... Don

[@sianwarwick633]

Very good. Very funny at the end... useful exercise all round

[@rhiantaylor3446]

My understanding is that (in the UK) a plug outlet will normally connect to a 30a fused ring so the power capability of the wiring feeding a typical mains socket is actually 30a - so much more than the 13a spec limit. Any equipment connected to that plug should be fused as the wiring comes in to its enclosure so that just leaves the flex itself and the fuse in the plug is designed to protect that cable from being the weakest link. I would be suspicious that any lead wired to a plug that clearly says it has a 3a fuse will be rated for less than 13a and the black cable you showed didn't look like 13a-capable flex - though it is not easy to tell from a quick video. If you upgrade the fuse you should check that the cable is also up to the job. :)

[@Vandemonium]

I am definitely going to check the wire

[@dglcomputers1498]

@@Vandemonium for 10A you really want 1.0mm2 minimum, though better to go with 1.25mm2 or 1.5mm2, though the shortness of the flex will work to your advantage. Also I like to use bootlace ferrules when wiring anything with stranded cable, makes a much neater job and no chance of loose strands, paid £20 in Lidl a few weeks ago for my current set with a ratchet crimping tool. I wonder if there would be any use in getting a coloured socket for your inverter driven socket it's easy for anyone to identify, MK certainly do a red one.

[@simoncroft9792]

Would recommend 1.5mm sq flex in this application. Its rated 13Amps minimum , plenty for your application. Ref BS7671 wiring regulations , table 4D2A

[@bennysh]

so it wasn't the flux capacitor.. my bad.

[@pixie706]

Love whitesnake or any metal music and i really admire your water boiling skills. !

[@sylviapage8572]

Well that all looks good to me but I know nothing about electrics! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@skandanderson9739]

I am exceedingly pleased as well, David. Excellent work!

[@dave300m7]

And they said a watched kettle never boils 😂 On a side note, sticking a fuse in the supply from a solar panel is potentially a waste of time, the panel(s) can never generate sufficient current to blow the fuse. Whereas the connections to the fuse holder are another potential failure point. A good quality solar controller (such as you have) is going to provide the electrical protection you need.

[@Vandemonium]

But as someone said to me, if the wire were ever to fall out of the charger and meet a negative then said fuse would protect the battery shorting through the wires

[@hellsop]

@@Vandemonium Would the solar charge controller even allow the battery to backflow like that? That's where the other end of the panel supply wire ends up, isn't it, not the battery itself?

[@dave300m7]

@@Vandemonium If you start going down the line of “if this wire falls out” there's more options than its possible to compute! The basis of electrical safety assumes that the installation is done correctly (and wires don't “fall out”). The primary aim of a fuse in a cable is to protect the cable from damage due to overload or short-circuit which results in too much current in the cable. If the thing at the end of the cable cannot supply sufficient current to blow the fuse, its pointless. Its a problem for solar pv installation standards haven't got to grips with yet

[@FixitFrank]

Now that I watched, I am glad I was wrong. I did see that it is a true sine wave inverter which is great. You perfectly over designed the robustness of that system and its paying off. That inverter will shut itself down well before it gets too hot. Use it and enjoy it. For a home-gamer/DIY'r you do pro level work. My offer stands to 3d print you some custom covers for those lug connections. I'd be honored to do so. Looking forward to some more Van vids David. Thank you and have a great day!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you 😊

[@shirleylynch7529]

Well done. Mission accomplished. Clever man. So glad it was just a fuse.

[@the_useless_photographer]

I love this channel, thanks.

[@Wildmutationblu]

Phew! You managed to troubleshoot the bromlem with great ease. Well done sir!

[@HYUKLDER1]

The slow melting reaction of that 3 amp fuse to overcurrent is why electricians now fit Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent 'fuses' because RCBOs detect faults quickly and switch off within milliseconds.

[@Vandemonium]

Indeed. I have MCBs doing the same job on the incoming shore power

[@GrahamRead101]

Very true, although British plugs still have the fuses in.

[@HYUKLDER1]

@@Vandemonium MCBs detect overload to protect the circuit and RCDs detect current leakage to protect people; RCBOs detect both so safer for both van and you.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers, yes, I know. You were specifically mentioning cutting off for over current. I also have an RCD for earth current leakage.

[@GoUSA111]

"gone off" ... while I was very excited to see if water was in fact boiled... I took pause to wonder if caribou were nibbling at your croquet hoops... (apologies for the gratuitous Python reference). As always, very entertaining and educational... again, well done and carry on.

[@brianbarney1885]

Mmmm- cheese sandwich and baked beans, one of my favorite lunches!

[@DiHandley]

Excellent result David. Now if I can only figure why my induction plate shuts off after a minute or two. I suspect it might be a dodgy inverter. More testing required me thinks.

[@layalabi1667]

Bravo for solving another problem!

[@Lego6980]

Another thrilling video - cheers! 🙏🏻

[@Vandemonium]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Brilliant and ideal for one pan meals. I like tin potatoes and tinned steak. Used it a lot when camping. However you have to drain the liquid off the tin potatoes as mainly salt water etc. Maybe we should do a meet up one day in our vans. Or meat up. Cheers from old George. Foxton or Rutland Water ?

[@BareFootDuck]

Well! There ya go. I've never seen a plug have a fuse in it like that.

[@Vandemonium]

Standard British mains supply plug :-)

[@BareFootDuck]

@@Vandemonium Ok! Australia doesn't have fused plugs. Most GPOs are 10amp fused at the meter box. Your inverter would have an overload shut off. Do a test with the same amount of water in the kettle and 1 pot on the induction to see which one is quicker. Cheers mate, glad it was a simple fix.

[@ColinWatters]

It's to protect the wire from the plug to the appliance. For example a short in the appliance could overheat the wire causing a fire.

[@paulmatthews5470]

best plugs in the world

[@ahwilson1744]

Fuses are NOT to protect items; they are to protect wiring. Here in the States, National Electric Code fuses should be 80% of the wiring. You need to get a bigger cable for the Inverter to outlet. (I put 6 children through college rewiring vehicles that people put bigger fuses in the wire. ) Also watch out for cheap insulation wire, the melting temperature is too low. It's slick and shinier than the good stuff. The cheap stuff slides through your fingers and the better stuff will have some resistance. I have seen cheap 12 gauge melt before factory 16 gauge.

[@Vandemonium]

I will be checking the wire, cheers

[@BillMSmith]

Excellent. You'll like that induction system, I was pleasantly surprised when I got one for my home. As for the naysayers, since this is working I'm sure they will soon discover that you're wearing the wrong color socks when wiring and your feet will burn to a crisp and you'll have no toes left. And I bet those aren't steel toed boots you're wearing either. 😎

[@peterbrown5816]

I wonder what they will be like when your other systems are operating. I.e. fridge, lights, heater and lights all at the same time.

[@Vandemonium]

The draw from the van appliances is negligible in comparison with the inverter; about 12A at 12V if everything ran at once!!

[@Innerspace100]

Was a reference to a song off of Whitesnake's 1982 album Saints an' Sinners something I'd expected when I clicked on this video? In a word: No. :)

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Very nice - I agree, it looks like it's going to work. Looking forward to proper use ;)

[@eekee6034]

Where's the kaboom? There was supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom. Points if you know the quote; glad it didn't happen! :D

[@jimnelsen2064]

Listen to Marvin the Martian here!

[@century2298]

😆🤣👽

[@billharris6886]

A quote from Marvin Martian, episode Haredevil Hare, a Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes, Warner Brothers cartoon from 1948.

[@bernadettec6386]

Unless you have one already , it would be a good idea for you to get one of these Thermos type cookers, where you just bring everything to the boil and then switch off and forget it and at the end of the day you have a lovely curry or stew. Most interesting.

[@Kld4402]

Anxiously awaiting your first test during use in the field. Interested to see consumption vs input from the solar charger. Thanks for the interesting content!

[@cyrildhy8993]

Hope you didn't waste the hot water. You made a brew.

[@1zaj34]

Nah, if you've got leftover hot water, just freeze it. There will always be a good use for hot water later. 😁

[@Vandemonium]

🤣

[@exfiremanstan]

All that actually remains is to buy an air fryer 😉 great vlog to watch thought 🥳

[@Vandemonium]

Haha maybe

[@noakeswalker]

The best result really - I am amazed quite how long that 3A fuse took to blow though - at least it did. Glad your inverter is running fairly cool in that location anyway - put your hand over the fan outlet and see how hot that is - I would expect it to show a bit higher temp than the case really. Difficult to measure with IR thermometer.

[@danieltaylor5231]

All that water boiled and not a cup of tea made? Are you feeling alright David?

[@clearprop]

Tested and proven bulletproof, I'd say. Another very enjoyable watch, David. 👍

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks 👍

[@slots1407]

Ignoring all the well-meaning, but tedious "you should" comments - that's a nice install, nothing going bang or emitting showers of exciting flashes. Nothing else needs to be done, so, if they could all just shut up now, that's be great.

[@snubbedpeer]

A most electrifying episode ! 😄👍

[@linz_in_NZ]

Good to see it was just a fuse. Always amuses me that people boil water in a pan without the lid on for a demo. I'd be interested to know how many AH are used to boil the electric kettle via the inverter and a stove top kettle on the Induction hob - wondering if these are different - currently trying to work out the size of battery I need for my limited electrics in Sprintie the Campervan as Big Bertha has expired - thinking I'll probably go Renogy Lithium if I can get away with just 100AH

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Go big or go motorhome.... reallly...just bite the bullet and build in some spare capacity to deal with the unexpected.. and possible upgrades in the future that will require more "oomph"...

[@cagedavis9334]

You should add a 12v RoadPro car cooker to your van. i got one last week and cooked a Shepherd's Pie from Aldi worked a treat solar was giving 120w cooker was taking 95w , was fantastic

[@Vandemonium]

I won't have anything to do with RoadPro since (a long while ago) they downloaded one of my videos and uploaded it onto their own channel without even telling me, let alone asking my permission. Then they got arsey with me after I got it taken down.

[@christopheryoung2892]

This really is impressive

[@Bicyclehub]

Very interesting and food for thought. You did a good job on the installation which was a result of careful planning. I wonder if the kettle is a more efficient way to boil water than the hob?

[@Vandemonium]

Don't know

[@BareFootDuck]

One advantage I see in using the kettle v hob is the kettle has auto shut-off. Although I think the hob would be quicker. Cost wouldn't be a major consideration when using solar power.

[@Dmate89]

Very happy to see all things coming together nicely for you Although not asked, I'd like to "say", that I would have fitted the vent, facing the leg-corridor on the wall of the inverter compartment to the very bottom, so colder air could have been let in. I know it is a minute modification, even less important in the intake temperature, and of even less importance in the light of the readings and test results, but I would have done so. All this being "said", surely it is not criticism, and I do happily congratulate on how it turned out.

[@Vandemonium]

There's loads of cold air coming in from the back of that cabinet as shown in either this or the prior video, I forget which.

[@Dmate89]

@@Vandemonium I was sure about that, and like I said: no criticism, nor unwanted advice, just a crumble of thinking how I would have placed that, and for what reason. Most certainly because of me being as over-cautious as possible.

[@Vandemonium]

Absolutely, I was just clarifying 😀

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done David, good result

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

That title gave me a good laugh!

[@salan3]

I would like to suggest that the cable from the inverter to the socket is a bit thin for 13A.I looks more 5 amp cable. Perhaps use a thicker cable? Just to be sure. Compare it with the thickness of the kettle lead.

[@Vandemonium]

I need to check but as I recall it's standard mains cable (I can't imagine I'd have deliberately used downrated cable for that connection to the old inverter)

[@salan3]

@Vandemonium I say because fuses in UK plugs are there to protect the cable NOT the device. Having a three amp fuse suggests a lower rated cable ( 5A?) . But easy to check and if need be change. It will probably say on the outside of it.

[@Vandemonium]

I will definitely check it

[@TrotterDel]

13amp fuse rules, okay! Been there, done that, ripped everything out before the penny dropped.. Red face, late dinner. Nobody died 👍

[@lucindawilson5510]

interesting thank you