How to choose a power inverter
Find the right size for your power needs
Going on a road trip? Making your car's electrical system safe for home electronics is what power inverters do. Here we'll discuss briefly some factors to consider when choosing a power inverter for your vehicle.
Why do I need a power inverter?
A power inverter allows you to use electrical equipment that requires an AC (alternating current) power supply in your car. AC power is delivered in buildings by 110- or 120-volt outlets, which are basically identical. Your car's battery provides DC (direct current) power, which is also called 12-volt power. Power inverters convert the power from your car's battery from DC to AC, so that you can safely use AC-powered equipment in your vehicle. Power inverters can be a real lifesaver on the road, at the beach, while camping, tailgating, or anywhere you might need some extra juice.
What size power inverter do I need?
Power inverter "size" is a measure of its wattage capacity — how much wattage it can reliably supply to all connected devices before shutting down. For low-power applications, a power inverter can usually get the job done plugging into one of your vehicle's 12-volt ports. For higher-duty loads, a direct connection to the car's battery terminals may be required.
What should I look for in a power inverter?
When you're choosing a power inverter, it's important to choose the right size. The size you need depends on how you intend to use the inverter.
Current draw of connected devices
The most important step is to figure out how many devices you want the inverter to operate at once, then estimate how much wattage they will draw in total. If you can find the specific wattages for your devices, add them together to get a minimum figure. This number will be the smallest inverter that'll suit your needs. From there, add between 10 and 20 percent on top to determine the size of inverter that you should install.
Typical small appliances can be used with most inverters. Smartphones and laptops only draw between 50 and 100 watts, while a small TV can draw 250 or 300 watts, and a microwave could require 1,200 watts or more.
Number of outlets
Most power inverters have at least one three-pronged AC outlet. Some can have as many as four, so consider how many devices you want to have going at once when making your purchase. Most inverters also have a number of USB connections for charging portable devices, such as smartphones, headphones, and tablets.
Type of installation
Do you want the flexibility and portability of a cigarette lighter adapter or a hard-wired, permanent installation? The general rule of thumb is that loads exceeding 150 watts will require a direct connection to the battery. That's generally the better way to go.
![The MobileSpec MSI120C120-watt cup-holder power inverter](http://images.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20221107153300/ImageHandler/scale/978/978/core/learn/article/185/185-cupholder.jpg)
If you're only going to use the inverter occasionally and only for smaller loads (like charging your laptop or a couple of phones), a portable inverter that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter is fine. This method also gives you the freedom to use the inverter in different vehicles. If you won't be using it for a while, you can take it out of the car and store it indoors.
Frequency of use
Will you use your power inverter almost daily, or will you use it only as an occasional convenience item? If you will be using your inverter frequently, you may be better off hard-wiring it into the car. This means using a direct connection to your car battery.
Safety features
To prevent damage to your vehicle's electrical system or the devices themselves, power inverters offer built-in safety features such as high/low voltage, temperature, and overload protection. Some even have visible indicators and/or audible alarms to alert you when conditions are becoming unsafe.
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Comments (6)
Please share your thoughts below.
Jason cundiff from Watson
Posted on 2/27/2022
How much is the inverter
Justin from Tokyo
Posted on 4/2/2021
Hi, I've got a subwoofer installed with a 500w rms amp wired to the battery. Could I wire up an inverter using this same line to the battery, and still run the amp? I would likely not be using the inverter and amp both at the same time.
Jose Saavedra from West Palm Beach FL
Posted on 10/11/2020
I have been using inverters for a long time in large sailboats, now i have an RV and many things are the same. I use the inverter to run a vacuum cleaner, a tv, fans,microwave, induction stove, etc. In the RV, i want to prevent using the generator every time i need some AC power. I have a small 150 W inverter that goes in the cigarette lighter and a 2500 W, hardwired into the batteries. If you need to charge a laptop, run a small fan or charge some batteries, a small inverter will do and you can plug it in the cigarette lighter. Simple. If you need more power, add the total number of watts needed at the same time, double it, this is what i would buy. Look and understand about "Modified and Pure Sine Wave" Modified sine wave are cheaper, but will not run microwaves, or induction stoves or some other sophisticated electronics. Pure Sine Wave is like home, a more stable, cleaner electrical wave, but they are about 30% more expensive In the RV as in a boat, you need a solid, deep cycle, battery bank. I use two or three large batteries from Walmart, The inverter should have a low voltage alarm, so you have enough power to start the engine or generator in the morning. And please, carry with you a long set of jumping cables... The time will come when you just ran off the batteries too long, or left something on, and the batteries will be too flat to get the engine started.
Jaymie Papp from Surrey
Posted on 8/17/2020
Yo, I just wanna rock out with my electric guitar. Ive got a Marshall MG50FX and/or an Orange Rocker 15. For the most part only one amp at a time but you never know when you might meet up with a Bigfoot that wants to rock. HAHA Any input or information would be gratefully appreciated. Papp
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/10/2015
Ralph, the answer is... big. Unfortunately, bigger than we carry. Given the scale of what you need to power and the application, you should inquire with Generac for the best fit for your situation. Good luck!
Ralph from 13830
Posted on 7/9/2015
I will be using a 6kw ecogen for a campsite with flourescent lighting, a fridge, laptop, tv: How big an inverter should I use?