T@B 400 inverter - how much can I demand

Tinnitus

I have a new 2020 T@B 400 with an AIMS Power DC to AC inverter (1200W continuous power).

I would like to, occasionally, run a Black & Decker Air Station (130V, 3.3 amps) off the 110V outlet next to the AIMS control panel just inside the door. This would be in case I needed to top up a trailer tire at a rest stop.

The other day, I electrically connected my tow vehicle and started the engine. I plugged in the air station at the trailer and turned it on for a couple of seconds. It works.

But to my question: is this too much load for this inverter? It's been suggested to me that while the system is perfectly adequate for recharging a laptop, the induction motor in the air station might be pushing it. 

Anybody have an opinion on this? I've sent an email to NuCamp, but it may be awhile before I get an answer from somebody at the office, which seems to be closed because of the virus.

rh5555

I think you are fine running your air station.  It is only drawing about 500W, so less than half the inverter's capability.  I have run 500W shop lights off the inverter for a couple of hours with no indication of any problem.

Denny16

Should be good to go,as you are only at half of the inverter’s capacity.
cheers

Tinnitus

Thanks, Roger and Denny. Appreciate it. 

Denny16

You are welcome.  A rule of thumb on inverters, is you can to to 80% of its ratinghandle a , so a 1200 can 950 watts without any issue.