On Sat, 24 May 2014 22:56:46 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Sat, 24 May 2014 22:04:06 -0400, wrote:



The typical 100 amp alternator will burn out in as little as 20
minutes at full load. Just look at the guage of the wiring in the
alternator stators if you want to know why!!!!

Like I said, you have to know what you're doing.
You never pull 100 amps.
Typical fridge pulls 3 amps running the compressor.
That's 33 12v amps, assuming 120v AC, but only when running the
compressor.
Throw in some amps for lights, you're still ok.
It's a viable emergency power source for some folks.
Plenty of examples of people who do it.

And plenty of GM alternators failed trying it.
And you underestimate the power required by a refrigerator. A 16cu ft
frost free refrigerator draws an average 724 watts. That's a LOT more
than 3 amps.

The statement was people can "run their house" on a 1000 watt inverter
run off the car battery. 60 watts for a tv (or more) plus a few 60
watt room lights - you have 300 watts in no time, then the fridge
comes on. Or you attempt to run your furnace. (another 500 to 800
watts). The 1000 watt inverter is going to be running pretty close to
it's limit - and so is the 100 amp alternator.

If you want short term, extremely limited power at very low
efficiency, run your car engine at idle to charge your 12 volt battery
to run your inverter. Much farther ahead to just buy a cheap 1000 or
2000 watt generator and siphon the gas out of your car to run it. The
generator can be purchaced for less money than a decent 1000 watt
inverter.