Power inverters allow you to power various appliances using the car electrical system. They convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), and can also change its parameters and power output.
Power inverters: 8 key facts
- AC-DC converters should be chosen based on the voltage rate of the electrical system. As a rule, 24 V equipment is suitable for lorries and 12 V appliances for passenger cars.
- These devices differ in their waveform output: they produce either a pure or modified sine wave. Pure sine ones are expensive but produce a better quality signal and are ideal for powering portable devices and some electric tools. Modified sine versions have a low price and compact size. They are universal and can be used as a power supply for most appliances and gadgets.
- Their housing can be made from plastic or aluminium. Plastic ones are less robust but cheaper. Aluminium ones are resistant to mechanical damage and dissipate heat better, protecting inner elements from overheating.
- If you need a more powerful device to connect several appliances at once, it’s better to buy a model with an active cooling system. This allows it to withstand high loads and resist overheating. Its drawbacks include a high noise level, which might cause some discomfort when using it while driving. Standard, non-cooled equipment is suitable for providing low-power devices with electricity. They are budget-friendly and silent.
- When you connect several appliances, bear in mind that their total power rating shouldn’t exceed that of the inverter.
- Not all converters change DC to AC. Some of them are used only to change the voltage level.
- Low-power devices can be plugged into a cigarette lighter, while powerful ones should only be directly connected to the battery terminal posts.
- Inverters with an output of 300 W or less are enough to provide electricity to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Small domestic appliances need versions with up to 1,500 W. More powerful equipment might need converters that produce more than 1,500 W.
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