Risks in using inverter's surge capacity?

[ricardo]

Just a general question.

I have an inverter that is 600W rated output and 1000W surge rated output.

if you run the inverter over 600W for longer than the surge rating time, it shuts down. (i've tested that).

If there any risk to make use of that surge capacity. -- for example. I've hooked up a small 1.6cu ft fridge to the inverter.

The fridge is rated at .8 A (~96 watts). -- When the fridge starts the surge is roughly 600W .. (the inverter is serving a load of about 20 - 40 W at all times.  -- so we're asking the inverter to serve ~650 W for that initial surge.

This happens about every hour.

Would be better to have a 1000W inverter, but thats not what i have at the moment.

Is there a risk on running this setup long term  -- should the surge last too long i'm counting on the inverter to protect itself and shutdown.

if it matters the inverter is a Samlex -- 600W 24V

[mike90045]

Wattage rating is usually all that it can deliver before shutdown.  Surge is usually spec'd for 5 seconds or less.

it's not like a generator that can deliver an extra 200w for 10 minutes.  Electronics heat up real fast, and then fry.

pic of the surge spec for a large inverter:

[ClassicCrazy]

Samlex makes pretty good products. If the surge is within the inverters rating I wouldn't worry about it .  The inverter should be fine . They are designed with that surge capacity to start motors just like your fridge is doing.

Larry