Car batteries are powerful. They have to be because they ensure that the starter motor starts, the air conditioning works, and all the lights and electronic devices in your car are powered. But we don’t just rely on our car batteries to move the vehicle. If you’ve ever plugged your cell phone into the cigarette lighter, you’ve used the car for power.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to plug in a laptop, video game console, or even a small refrigerator. Did you understand that it’s entirely possible to power these devices from your vehicle’s battery?
However, the process is more complicated than simply plugging a device into the cigarette lighter and hoping it works. Because of the different amperages provided by the battery and used by these items, you need a unique tool to make this conversion. This tool, an inverter, can help accomplish this.
What is an inverter?
An inverter converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The car battery uses direct current to power its electrical components; however, many electronic devices in the home use alternating current. The inverter allows you to power these devices using electricity from your vehicle by converting them into usable electricity.
In addition to using car batteries to generate power, inverters are often used for off-grid living; larger inverters are connected to battery banks and solar grids for simple power appliances.
Why do I need an inverter?
The battery in your car delivers electricity in one circuit and one direction. That’s why it’s called “direct current.” On the other hand, alternating current delivers more current than the direct current typically delivers.
It would be best to have an inverter to use electronic devices like DVD players, video game consoles, laptops, or other tools or appliances in your car, truck, or RV.
What type of inverter do I use?
Inverters come in a variety of sizes. Common varieties include 1,000 watt, 3,000 watt and 5,000-watt models. Many users choose the 3,000-watt variety because it is so flexible. With this inverter, you can run standard small appliances. For more significant needs, a higher wattage may be required.
Current converters can be small enough to plug into a cigarette lighter. However, some devices are so large that they take up space in the trunk until needed.
Inverters are available as both pure sine wave and modified sine wave units. Pure sine wave inverters offer better current fidelity than modified inverters but often have a higher price. Modified sine wave inverters have lower efficiency and are often less expensive but cannot power some appliances – such as televisions.
How do I use an inverter?
Depending on the version of your inverter and what you want to power with it, the use of your inverter looks various. For electrical loads up to 200 watts, you can most likely connect the inverter to your car’s cigarette lighter. Standard devices that are powered this way include:
- Laptop computers
- Small power tools
- Most small appliances
- Small televisions (13″)
For more extensive power requirements – or multiple devices at once – the inverter may need to be connected directly to your battery. If you run a load more significant than 200 watts, the inverter should be connected directly to the battery to ensure safe operation.
Do inverters discharge car batteries?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer, of course, is a bit more complicated. If we assume the battery is fully charged and in good condition, a 400-watt inverter can operate for about an hour without starting the vehicle before the battery is fully discharged.
To find out how long the battery can run on a particular inverter, you’ll need to do a little math:
Take the wattage used (400 watts) divided by the voltage of your battery (12 volts) to figure out how many amps the inverter will draw. Four hundred watts divided by 12 volts is 33.33 amps. The inverter is drawing 37 amps. However, inverters can only convert electricity at about 90% efficiency.
Typical vehicle batteries have a reserve capacity of 80 minutes (80 minutes at 25 amps). If you draw 37 amps with the 400 W inverter, the battery will be fully discharged in about 54 minutes: ((80 minutes x 25 amps)/37 amps = 54 minutes).
For this reason, when using an inverter, it is advisable to turn on the vehicle’s engine every 30 minutes to recharge the battery.
What functions must my inverter have?
What you require for your inverter depends on what you plan to use, but some standard features can make your equipment more accessible. Some models of inverters are available with multiple 120V AC outlets for household use, which helps power multiple appliances at once.
Another valuable feature of inverters is a USB port. That permits you to charge your mobile phone or other devices using the inverter.
If you need heavy power tools or multiple devices, you should look for an inverter that you can easily connect or clamp to the car battery.
Standard safety features to consider when buying an inverter include high-speed fans to keep the unit cool, overheat protection, and surge protection. Quality enhancements like a low battery alarm or LED indicator can also help protect your battery and appliances.
Below is a list of our recommendations for the best inverters currently available.
1. Clarke CI1200B 600W Power Inverter
Description
Ideal for use in most cars, caravans, boats & lorries. Converts 12V DC into 230V AC for running a range of equipment where mains electricity is unavailable. Reliable & compact, it can also provide emergency backup during power failures. Provides power for laptops, printers, TVs, games consoles, music systems, lighting, phone chargers, cameras, camcorders, shavers, DVD players, food mixers, electric blankets, faxes, and fast chargers units, small appliances, power tools, toasters & hairdryers. 600W continuous output at 230V. Overheat & over current protection. Low supply voltage shutdown. Includes crocodile clips & ring terminals. Dimensions (LWH) 195x211x67mm.
2.Silverline 12V Inverter – 1000W (2 x 500W)
Description
Converts 12V power supplies to a 230V AC mains supply. Perfect for use in most cars, vans, caravans, and boats to run day-to-day appliances up to the listed wattage. Overload and short circuit protection. Supplied with battery terminal connectors. Continuous rated.
3. Silverline 12V Inverter – 700W (Single Socket)
Description
Converts 12V power supplies to a 230V AC mains supply. Perfect for use in most cars, vans, caravans, and boats to run day-to-day appliances up to the listed wattage. Overload and short circuit protection. Supplied with battery terminal connectors. Continuous rated.
4.Silverline 12V Inverter 300W (Single Socket)
Description
Converts 12V power supplies to a 230V AC mains supply. Perfect for use in most cars, vans, caravans, and boats to run day-to-day appliances up to the listed wattage. Overload and short circuit protection. Supplied with cigarette lighter plug. Continuous rated.
Suppose you’ve decided that using your vehicle’s battery to run electronic devices, tools, and other appliances on your next camping trip or adventure sounds convenient. In that case, the next step is finding a power inverter.
Tools and accessories have a wide selection of power converting devices to meet your requirements; whether you’re a contractor who needs a power inverter to offer some much-needed juice to your tools on an off-grid job site or you’re a video game enthusiast who desires the ability to play from the passenger seat, we can assist. Find the right inverter product for your budget today.
