- 10/5/2007 10:07:20 PMHow to dummy-proof your power inverter1. Keep the wires connected to the inverter
2. Tie or strap one of the wires in a knot so it is shorter in length than the other wire
3. Fix the inverter in such a way so that it is always in the same relative position to the source of power.
If you examine the image below closely, you will see that the deep-cycle battery is strapped to the board on which it rests. Previously, I would keep the inverter in its case, and the board and battery in the basement for storage when not in use. They were never all together. When I wanted to use them, I set the battery back on the board, screw the inverter on and then make all of the connections. There was no guarantee that it would be positioned the same way as before.
As you can see, the red wire from the inverter has been shortened with a zip-tie and it cannot reach the black terminal. I feel much better about the whole thing now. One thing is for sure - this is a heavy unit to move around. When I carry it, I have visions of the battery handle breaking and it falling on my foot. In my mind, I can see my toes shattering as acid leaks from the cracked case... Oooohhhh Ouch! It is too painful to think about.
