DC to AC Power Inverters transform energy stored in a battery to AC electric power for use in a wide variety of leisure pursuits and industrial / commercial systems where mains is not available.

These DC to AC Power Inverters are suitable for electric power for mobile offices, temporary work outdoors, and home electric appliances in recreational vehicles, caravans and marine use. The modified sine wave power inverter range (of which we supply up to 1.5kW) , is suitable for most grab and go requirements. However when the system is becoming a little more complex for instance when satellite equipment is used or AC motors we do have the inverter solution for you. The Sine wave power inverter range is specially designed for this task

What does a power inverter do, and what can I use one for?

What size power inverter should I buy?

Do I need a modified sine wave power inverter, or a pure sine wave power inverter?

How do I connect the power inverter? What size cable should I use?

What type of battery should I use with my inverter?

How do I connect two or more batteries together?

Using a microwave oven with a DC to AC power inverter

Television and audio suggestions

Appliance problems...be cautious

Safety precautions and installation tips of power inverters

What does a power inverter do, and what can I use one for?

A power inverter changes DC power into conventional AC power that you can use to operate all kinds of devices ... electric lights, kitchen appliances, microwaves, power tools, TVs, radios, computers, to name just a few. You just connect the power inverter to a battery, and plug your AC devices into the power inverter ... and you've have portable power!

The inverter draws its power from a 12 Volt battery (preferably deep-cycle), or several batteries wired in parallel. The battery will need to be recharged as the power is drawn out of it by the power inverter.

A very simple way to use an power inverter for emergency power (such as during a power outage), is to use a car battery (with the vehicle running), and an extension cord running into the house, where you can then plug in electrical appliances.

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What size power inverter should I buy?

Short Answer: The size power inverter you choose depends on the watts (or amps) of what you want to run (find the power consumption by referring to the specification plate on the appliance or tool). We recommend you buy a larger power inverter model than you think you'll need.

Example: You want to power a computer with a 17" monitor, some lights,
and a radio.

Computer:
300 Watts

2 - 60 Watt lights:
120 Watts

Radio:
10 Watts

Total Needed:
430 Watts

For this application, you would need a 500 W DC AC power inverter, and should give some thought to a larger one, as there will likely be a time when you wish you'd bought a bigger model ... in this example, you might decide you'd like to run a fan while you computer is operational or, let the kids watch TV.

Helpful formulas:

To Convert AMPS to WATTS:

Multiply: AMPS X 230 (AC voltage) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of the appliance

To Calculate approximate Startup Load:

Multiply: WATTS X 3 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, though some may require an even greater starting load. NOTE: Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating.

Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether a power inverter has the capability to power it.

For example, you have a freezer with a continuous load of 4 amps, and a start up load of 12 amps:

4 amps x 230 volts = 920 watts continuous
12 amps x 230 volts = 2880 watts starting load

You would need a DC AC power inverter with peak-surge rating greater than 2880 watts.

FORMULA to convert AC Watts to DC Amps:

AC Watts divided by 12 x 1.1 = DC Amps
(this is the size vehicle alternator you would need to keep up with a specific load; for example, to keep up with a continuous draw of 1000 watts, you would need a 91 amp alternator)

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Do I need Modified Sine Wave power inverter , or Pure Sine Wave power inverter?

Advantages of pure sine wave power inverters over modified sine wave power inverters:

a) Output voltage wave form is pure sine wave with very low harmonic distortion and clean power like utility-supplied electricity.

b) Inductive loads like microwave ovens and motors run faster, quieter and cooler.

c) Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, Game consoles, Fax, and answering machines.

d) Prevents crashes in computers, weird print out, and glitches and noise in monitors.

e) Reliably powers the following devices that will normally not work with modified sine wave power inverters:

Laser printers, photocopiers, magneto-optical hard drives
Certain laptop computers (you should check with your manufacturer)
Some fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts
Power tools employing "solid state" power or variable speed control
Some battery chargers for cordless tools
Some new furnaces and pellet stoves with microprocessor control
Digital clocks with radios
Sewing machines with speed/microprocessor control
X-10 home automation system
Medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators

We carry a full line of pure sine wave power inverters. Most of the power inverters we carry are modified sine wave inverters. Modified sine wave inverters works well for most uses, and is the most common type of power inverter on the market, as well as the most economical. Pure sine wave power inverters (also called true sine wave power inverters ) are more suited for sensitive electrical or electronic items such as laptop computers, stereos, laser printers, certain specialized applications such as medical equipment, a pellet stove with an internal computer, digital clocks, bread makers with multi-stage timers, and variable speed or rechargeable tools. If you wish to use those items with an power inverter, then choose a pure sine wave power inverter. If you mostly want to run lights, TV, microwave oven, tools, etc, a modified sine wave power inverter is fine for your needs.

We often are asked if computers will work with modified sine wave inverter. It's been our experience that most will (though some monitors will have interference such as lines or a hum). However, if you have any doubt about any appliance, tool or device, particularly laptop computers and medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, we recommend that you check with its manufacturer to be sure it is compatible with a modified sine wave power inverter. If it is not, choose one of our pure sine power Inverters instead.

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How do I connect the power Inverter? What size cable should I use, and is it included?

The small power inverters (350 watts and under) come with a cigarette lighter adapter, and may be plugged into your car's lighter socket. The small units also come with cables that can be clamped directly to a battery. If you want an DC to AC power inverter that will plug into your cigarette lighter, you must choose one that is 350 watts or less.

Larger DC to AC power inverters (500 watts and over) must be hard-wired directly to a battery. The cable size depends on the distance between battery and DC to AC power inverter, and will be specified in the Owner's Manual.

When connecting the power inverter to the battery use the thickest wire available, in the shortest length practical.

General recommendations — Inverters 1500 watts and under: If battery and inverter are within 1 meter use 16mm cable if more then 1meter, use 25mm cable.

Inverters over 1500 watts will require 25mm or larger cable, in the shortest possible length.

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What type of battery should I use (automotive or deep cycle)?

Small power inverters: Most automobile and marine batteries will provide an ample power supply for 30 to 60 minutes even when the engine is off. Actual time may vary depending on the age and condition of the battery, and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated by the power inverter.

500 Watt and larger Power Inverters: We recommend you use deep cycle (marine) batteries which will give you several hundred complete charge/discharge cycles. If you use the normal vehicle starting batteries they will wear out after about a dozen charge/discharge cycles. If you do not have a deep cycle battery, we recommend that you run the engine of your vehicle when operating the power inverter.

When operating the power inverter with a deep cycle battery, start the engine every 30 to 60 minutes and let it run for 10 minutes to recharge the battery.

When the DC to AC power inverter will be operating appliances with high continuous load ratings for extended periods, it is not advisable to power the inverter with the same battery used to power your car. If the car or truck battery is utilized for an extended period, it is possible that the battery voltage may be drained to the point where the battery has insufficient reserve power to start the vehicle. In these cases, it's a good idea to have an extra deep cycle battery for the power inverter (installed close to the inverter), cabled to the starting battery. It is recommended to install a battery isolator between the batteries.

Tip: Deep cycle (marine) batteries generally have the highest reserve ratings. They are also capable of withstanding repeated drains of power and recharging.

Tip: Engine start batteries should not be discharged below 90% charged state, and marine deep cycle batteries should not be discharged below 50% charged state. Doing so will shorten the life of the battery based on most battery manufacturers recommendations.

Note: If you intend to use power tools for commercial use, or any load of 200W for more than 1 hour regularly (between battery recharging) we recommend installing an auxiliary battery to provide power to the inverter. This battery should be a deep cycle type and sized to meet your run time expectations with the engine off. The auxiliary battery should be connected to the alternator through an isolator module to prevent the DC to AC power inverter from discharging the engine start battery when the engine is off.

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How do I connect two or more batteries?

It may be advisable to operate the DC to AC power inverter from a bank of 12 Volt batteries of the same type in a "parallel" configuration. Two such batteries will generate twice the amp/hours of a single battery; three batteries will generate three times the amp/hours, and so on. This will lengthen the time before your batteries will need to be recharged, giving you a longer time that you can run your appliances.

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Operating a Microwave with a DC to AC Power Inverter

The power rating used with microwave ovens is the "cooking power" which refers to the power being "delivered" to the food being cooked. The actual operating power requirement rating is higher than the cooking power rating (for example, a microwave with "advertised" rating of 600 watts usually corresponds to almost 1100 watts of power consumption). The actual power consumption is usually stated on the back of the microwave. If the operating power requirement cannot be found on the back of the microwave, check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

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Television and Audio Suggestions

Although all our POWER inverters are shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference, some interference with your television picture may be unavoidable, especially with weak signals.

Here are some suggestions that may improve reception:

1. First make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating conditions (i.e., at home plugged into a standard 230AC wall outlet). Also insure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of good quality.

2. Change positions of the power inverter, antenna cables and television power cord.

3. Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt power source by running an extension cord from the inverter to the TV set. Insure that any excess AC power cord is a distance away from the TV set.

4. Coil the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power source to the DC to AC power inverter.

NOTE: Some inexpensive audio systems may discharge a slight "buzzing" sound when operated with an power inverter. This is caused by deficient filters in the audio system. The only solution to this problem is using a sound system with a higher quality power supply.

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Appliance Cautions for power inverters:

DO NOT plug small appliances into the power inverter AC receptacles to directly recharge their nickel-cadmium batteries. Always use the recharger provided with that appliance.

DO NOT plug in battery chargers for cordless power tools if the charger carries a warning that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

Not all fluorescent lamps operate properly with an inverter. If the bulb appears to be too bright, or fails to light, do not use the lamp with an power inverter.

Some fans with synchronous motors may slightly increase in speed (RPM) when powered by an power inverter. This is not harmful to the fan or to the power inverter.

Certain rechargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if plugged into an power inverter. In particular, two types of appliances are susceptible to damage:

Small, battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, cordless razors and toothbrushes that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.

Certain battery chargers for battery packs that are used in some cordless hand-tools. Chargers for these tools have a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.
DO NOT use an power inverter with the above two types of equipment.

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General Safety Precautions and Installation Tips:

Safety Warning: 230V AC Volts of current can be lethal. Improper use of a power inverter will result in property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Please read and follow carefully the instructions in the Owner's Manual provided with every power inverter for important safety considerations and precautions.

Place the DC to AC power inverter on a reasonably flat surface, either horizontally or vertically.
The inverter should not be installed in the engine compartment, due to possible water/oil/acid contamination, and excessive heat under the hood, as well as potential danger from gasoline fumes and the spark that an power inverter can occasionally produce. It's best to run battery cables to a dry, cool power inverter mounting location.
Keep the power inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. DO NOT operate the power inverter if you, the DC to AC power inverter, the device being operated, or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or death.
Avoid placing the power inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the power inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature is between 10C and 40C
In order to properly disperse heat generated while the power inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the power inverter.
Do not use the power inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the power inverter in areas such as battery compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.