These oscillations are rough and tend to create a square waveform rather than a rounded one, so filters are required to smooth out the wave, allowing it to be used by more electronic devices. Most electronic devices require AC power to work correctly because they are designed to be plugged into a standard wall outlet, which supplies AC power.
These devices need a specific amount of low, regulated voltage in order to operate. AC power is easier to step up or down, or change from one voltage to another, than DC and easier to regulate. In many cases, when a power inverter is in use, DC power is being converted to AC power, which is then stepped down and turned back into DC power inside the device. Most modern power inverters produce either modified square or modified sine waves, or pure sine or true sine waves.
Modified square wave inverters don't provide the smooth peaks and valleys that AC power from a home's electrical outlet does, but it can deliver power that is consistent and efficient enough to run most devices. This type of inverter is relatively inexpensive, and probably the most popular type.
Pure sine wave inverters are the most expensive, but they also deliver the smoothest and most even wave output. Any device will run on a pure sine wave, but some sensitive equipment, like certain medical equipment and variable speed or rechargeable tools, requires this type of inverter to operate correctly. Radios, for example, work better with pure sine wave inverters because the modified square wave inverter's less-smooth waves disrupt the radio's reception, causing static and other noise.
Basic power inverters are often small, rectangular devices that plug directly into the cigarette lighter or DC outlet on the dashboard of a car or other vehicle. This size inverter is usually sufficient to run a laptop, a small television, a portable DVD player, or similar equipment.
Other power inverters come with jumper-like cables so they can be connected directly to a battery. Modified sine means that the current is run through some filtering, so it isn't a square wave, but it isn't totally smooth either. You won't be powering a washing machine or clothes dryer with an inverter, so you'd better get out the washboard and the clothesline.
Most U. Inverters are very easy to install. Most of them are "plug and play" devices, especially smaller, low-wattage inverters. These inverters have a cable with a plug that fits into the cigarette lighter on your car or truck. They're meant to be portable, so there's no other mounting to be done.
Below watts, the cigarette lighter connection is still a possibility, but wattages above that require direct connection to the battery. The inverter's input cables have clips that can be attached to the terminals of the battery, similar to a set of jumper cables. If the installation is to be permanent, the cables can be bolted to the terminals. The inverter itself can be mounted anywhere, although it should be in a place with good air flow.
Inverters generate a fair amount of heat, and they use cooling fans and heat dissipation fins to prevent overheating. Larger, heavier inverters have mounting holes in their chassis so they can be bolted to any surface.
Obviously, with a permanent installation, you'll probably want to bolt your converter in place, but this isn't absolutely necessary. It's possible to simply place the inverter in a secure, stable position, clip the leads to the battery and plug in.
Just what does an inverter look like, anyway? Well, the smallest inverters can fit in your pocket, while higher-wattage models are roughly the size and weight of a large dictionary. As a general rule: The higher the wattage, the larger and heavier the inverter. At the top of the inverter wattage scale, some inverters can be more than two feet long and weigh over 30 pounds. Modern inverters have some built in safety features that make them even easier to use.
Some models sound an alarm when the battery's voltage gets too low. This is more of a convenience, but depending on what sort of equipment you're powering, it could also be a valuable safety feature. Inverters typically have automatic shut-off capabilities, too. If the unit detects a current overload or an overheating situation, it will shut down to lessen or prevent the chance of a fire. Inverters can also shut off in the event of a short circuit, such as a piece of metal falling into the chassis or the inverter getting wet.
Short circuit shut-off is an effective way to prevent electrocution. So how much is all of this going to cost, you ask? If you'd like to read more about automotive electronics and other related topics, follow the links on the next page.
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Car Gadgets Image Gallery An inverter like this watt unit is easy to use and install. It's very portable, but its best suited for powering small electronic devices.
See more pictures of car gadgets. Making Direct Current Alternate " ". This unit provides 1, watts of pure sine wave power.
Watts, Peaks and Surges The first step in selecting an inverter is to match the inverter to the voltage of the battery you'll be using for power. Hand Wash Only. Inverter Installation " ". If you have serious power requirements, you might need an inverter like this. It requires a heavy-duty volt battery and has an output of 3, watts. You could run almost anything with this, including air-conditioners and other large appliances. A DC to AC inverter converts and increases the DC electricity from a source such as a battery to AC electricity before sending it out to power a device.
If that isn't enough, there may be an OEM option for a higher output alternator that you can swap in, and aftermarket units that provide even more power are sometimes also available.
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Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Jeremy Laukkonen. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn. Updated on November 12, Ryan Perian. Lifewire Technology Review Board Member. Article reviewed on Nov 18, Tweet Share Email.
In This Article. How Inverters Work. Who Needs a Car Inverter?
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