A typical power inverter will convert a battery direct current (DC) voltage into a regular alternating current (AC) voltage that is normally required by all kinds of household devices. You can power electric lights, power tools, a TV, radios, kitchen appliances, electronics, and computers, with a power inverter, just to name a few.
The power inverter can provide an emergency electric supply when used in conjunction with your 12 Volt automobile battery. 24 Volt power inverters are also available, usually used in trucks and heavy equipment.
Power is drawn from the 12 Volt battery by the inverter. If available, several 12 Volt batteries can be wired in parallel and connected to a power inverter to increase the time needed before the batteries must be recharged. The batteries can be recharged by the power system in the automobile, or using a gas generator or even solar panels.
In a simple hookup for a power inverter, the inverter is connected to the auto battery and then an extension cored is connected to the AC output of the power inverter and the necessary appliances are plugged in. The auto engine should be kept running in order to prevent the battery power from becoming too low and requiring a recharge.
The power inverter should be installed as close to the battery as possible with the shortest cable run possible, using the proper size cable for the power inverter being installed.
Determine the wattage rating needed for your power inverter prior to purchase. The wattage ratings of the devices and appliances being powered by the power inverter will determine the required wattage of the power inverter. Always know what devices you will be plugging into your power inverter, and what their Peak wattage rating is.
Manufacturer's specifications for power inverters will include the Operating Wattage rating and the Peak Wattage rating. Some devices such as electric motors will require a higher peak wattage rating for the power inverter, as they use extra power when first starting up. Be sure to include peak wattage requirements when determining the size of your power inverter.
