Sizing an inverter for a simple one-pipe steam system

Jim Murphy

Hello Steamheads,



Posted here because I thought the response would apply to to more than just steam systems. Getting very cold here in Jersey - day 8 with no power and at least 3 more days expected.



I'd like to hook up an inverter to the boiler and get her running before the wife bugs out on me.



The boiler is a Utica PEG-C steamer, 24Volt Electronic Ignition and Low-Water cutoff. Simple one-pipe gravity return steam system. Electronic Damper is inoperative even with power, but is open.



Can't find how much amperage the unit draws so that I can figure out wattage to size the inverter.



Can anyone help me? For any who have done this, any other considerations on the battery side that I should think about.



Thanks in advance for any and all help,

Jim

SWEI

borrow a 1kW or larger inverter

From a friend - should be more than enough output capacity but you still need to test:  Does everything work OK on the inverter waveform?



Assuming everything runs OK, measure the draw using a clamp-on ammeter at startup, while steaming, and after shutdown while idling.

Jim Murphy

Thanks

Ended up getting through to Utica. Couldn't give me exact current draw, but indicated that with such a simple package, it couldn't draw over 2 amps at 24.5Volts, so 49 Watts. Bought a cheap 100W cigarette lighter inverter, wired her in in 15 minutes, in the dark with a flashlight, and she fired. Warm a few hours later - we joyously watched the thermostat rise!



Such a small inverter can only handle a small load, but with the Nor'easter bearing down, we needed heat!



My only concern was drawing down the battery, so I left the car at idle, didn't care about the gas. Fortunately it didn't use much.



Of course the power came on at 1am... Wish I had done the inverter days ago.



This was so easy that I'm surprised that this it is not more common knowledge.

jim_14

sounds close to my system

simple 1 pipe steam with damper, LWCO, flame roll out switch, gas fired.. The only thing different I have is a taco circulator pump for the hot water baseboard tapped off the boiler...

Luckily I had power restored in 2 days so it never became an issue, but to sit in a cold house and freeze when all you needed was a cheap inverter, what a kick in the butt!



Best of luck to you