If you draw 37 amps with the 400W inverter, you’ll completely discharge the battery in about 54 minutes or so: ((80 minutes x 25 amps)/37 amps = 54 minutes.)įor this reason, it’s a good idea when using a power inverter to turn the car’s engine on every 30 minutes to help maintain battery charge. Typical car batteries have a reserve capacity of about 80 minutes (80 minutes at 25 amps). Inverters can only convert power at around 90% efficiency, however. 400 watts divided by 12 volts is 33.33 amps. Take the wattage being used (400W) divided by the voltage of your battery (12V) to see how many amps the inverter draws. To find out just how long the battery can last with any given power inverter, you need to do a little math:
If we assume that the battery is both fully charged and in good condition, it’s possible that a 400W power inverter can be used without starting the car for around an hour before the battery is fully discharged. The long answer, of course, is more complicated.
If you want to power a load greater than 200 watts, the inverter should be wired directly to the battery to ensure safe operation. Common devices powered this way include:įor larger energy needs-or for multiple items at once-the power inverter may need to be connected directly to your battery.
For electrical loads up to 200 watts, you can probably plug the power inverter into the car’s cigarette lighter. How do I use a power inverter?ĭepending on the model of your inverter and what you intend to run with it, using your power inverter looks different. Modified sine wave inverters have reduced efficiency and are often more affordable, but there are some devices-such as TVs-they may not be able to power. Pure sine waves can provide better current fidelity than modified ones, but often at a premium price. Power inverters are also available in both pure sine wave and modified sine wave options. You can also find devices that are big enough to require dedicated space in the back of your trunk until they’re needed. Power converters can be small enough to plug into a cigarette lighter. For larger needs, more wattage may be required. This inverter allows you to power standard small appliances. Many users choose the 3,000 watt option for the flexibility it offers. Common variants include 1,000 watt, 3,000 watt, and 5,000 watt models. Power inverters are available in a variety of sizes. If you plan on using electronics such as DVD players, video game consoles, laptop computers, or other tools or appliances in your car, truck, or RV, a power inverter is required. This is why we call it “direct current.” Alternating current, meanwhile, provides more power than what DC normally provides. The battery in your car supplies current on one circuit, going in one direction. In addition to leveraging automotive batteries for energy, power inverters are often used for “off-grid” living larger power inverters are hooked up to banks of batteries and solar grids to power basic appliances. The power inverter allows you to operate these devices with power from your vehicle by turning it into current that you can use. Your car’s battery uses DC to supply power to your electrical components many household electronics, by contrast, use AC. What is a power inverter?Ī power inverter changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
#AUTOMOBILE POWER CONVERTER HOW TO#
Let’s look at how power inverters work, why you need one, and how to safely connect them to keep your electronics or tools powered up and working. That tool, a power inverter, can help make this happen. Because of differences in the electrical current provided by the battery and used by these items, you need a special tool to make that conversion. The process is more complicated than simply plugging an item into the lighter and hoping it works, however. Did you know that it’s entirely possible to power these items with your vehicle’s battery? If you’ve ever wondered about the logistics of plugging in a laptop computer, video game console, or even a small refrigerator, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever plugged your mobile phone into the car’s cigarette lighter, you’ve used the car to provide that power. We rely on our car batteries for more than just vehicle movement, though. They have to be, after all, to keep starters starting, air conditioners blowing, and all the lights and electronics inside your car energized.
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