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    shulace717's Avatar
    shulace717 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 21, 2013, 12:11 AM
    Modify electrical heater to reduce current demands.
    I have a DC to AC Inverter rater for 1500w (3000w peak). I have an electric heater rated for 1500w. When set to "fan" the unit operates appropriately; however, when set to "heat" I throw an over current breaker on the inverter.

    Is it feasible to somehow reduce the current draw of the heating coils of the unit by isolating them with a transformer; allowing me to step down the supplied voltage to the coils but step up the current to a level necessary for generating heat?

    I'm sure knowledgeable respondents will desire greater details on the devices involved, and I will obtain that information. But, generally, does this sound like something that can be done?
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #2

    Nov 21, 2013, 05:26 AM
    hey does this sound similar to an electric oven?
    So exactly what are you trying to do?
    simply reducing the applied voltage to a resistive element will reduce the measured current...
    P = I * E Power = Current x Voltage...
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #3

    Nov 21, 2013, 07:48 AM
    If you installed a transformer to step down the voltage, and assuming that the heating elements are purely resistive, the current through the heating elements would also be reduced, thus producing less heat. The current draw from the inverter would be reduced as well. So the answer is - turn down the amount of power being consumed by the heating elements and you need less power from the inverter. There may be other ways to accomplish this that may be easier - can you isolate one or more of the heating elements - i.e. cut it out of the circuit (assuming there are multiple elements wired in parallel)?
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