electrical idea/question

[snoredog]

I bought a 2500 watt inverter (5000 watt surge) a while back and never hardwired it to the batteries because I heard something about it still drawing power even turned off. Manual said the only way to not drain the batts is to disconnect it. So I thought why not wire up a set of heavy relays so I dont have to mess with the batteries every time I need the inverter hooked up. Only thing is those relays get expensive in the higher amp range. Both cables are rated for 200 amps a piece, so I would need 2 relays capable of at or close to 200 amps each. My question is this: would a starter relay work just as good for this or not? I dont know what amperage they are rated for or if they are designed to stay engaged for hours at a time or what. Any ideas?

 

[typ4]

you need continuous duty relays, a starter relay will burn up in 2 hours, yes this is a personal experience thing.

I prefer cole hersee relays for this, 200 amp is nothing for them
NApa number st85 is one we used all the time

 

[snoredog]

I kinda figured that would happen, seemed too easy. Where could I find them and what would a pair of 200s run?

 

[RLDSL]

Try here clicky

 

[Agnem]

A marine battery switch is probably your best bet. Cheap and simple.
http://www.nextag.com/battery-perko-switch/search-html