Saturday, April 26, 2008

The Growing Uses of AC Power Inverters

I have learned that there are many other uses for DC to AC power inverters. They are very popular with boaters, people who have recreational vehicles, campers, long distance travelers and those who use alternative ways of making electricity.

Those who enjoying boating, camping and traveling in recreational vehicles connect them to their vehicle's battery and use the power inverter for back up electricity. The power inverters change the DC current of their battery into AC current that can power the lights, a television, radio and even appliances. They can enjoy the modern conveniences of home in places where there is no electricity available. They can enjoy being on the water or in a remote location, but it doesn't keep them from staying in touch with the world around them and using the electrical things they want and need.

People traveling long distances can use smaller power inverters inside their vehicles. These are connected to the cigarette lighter or another charging receptacle and used to recharge batteries for MP3 players, video games, cell phones, cameras or any electronics that require 120 watts or less.

There are also people that make their own electricity. They store the electricity in a battery and then need to convert it to AC electricity by using a power inverter. I was contacted by a person who peddles a bicycle to make his own electricity. He has an inverter connected to the battery he is charging and watches a television, that is plugged into the inverter, while he is peddling and charging the battery. Also, people who use solar panels of any size can make electricity and this does save money, but this electricity still has to be converted to be usable.

The one thing I did notice is that not too many people were aware of using the power inverters for a power outage in the home. They probably didn't think about getting a spare 12 volt battery to keep in the house for emergencies. Most people connect their power inverters to a vehicle's battery and probably thought it too difficult to run the power into the house. That is why having a spare battery is the perfect solution. You can keep the power inverter and battery together in one place and when an outage occurs, you are ready for it.

Because so many things require electricity or batteries to operate them, the popularity and uses for power inverters should continue to increase and it wouldn't surprise me if soon, everyone will own at least one power inverter.

Sandra is the owner of http://www.energyigloo.com - a new store with everything you need for free electricity. This information comes from personal experience and research.

See Sandra's products at http://www.energyigloo.com and join her free newsletter for new products and sales news.

What are Power Inverters?

The storage batteries used in alternating power systems store DC (direct current) power. But, most modern electronic appliances depend on AC (alternating current) power. A power inverter can provide the comforts and conveniences of modern living. It is an electronic piece of equipment that converts DC power into conventional AC power.

During blackouts, a power inverter can be used for emergency power. It is used to run all sorts of household equipments, including kitchen appliances, power tools, TVs, computers, and more.

Power inverters are normally small, rectangular shaped units. There are normally one or two outlets available for standard cords. Inverters normally draw their power from 12V, 24 V batteries, or several batteries wired in parallel. The batteries are discharged as the unit draws the power out of it. Automobile motors, solar panels, gas generators, and other standard sources are used for battery charging.

Power inverters are available in several models that differ in watts. The required amount of inverter wattage depends on the total draw of the devices, plus at least 50% more to account for peaks or spikes in the power draw. For example if your computer draws 100 watts and your home theater another 100 watts, a minimum 300 watt inverter is suggested.

A typical power inverter produces square wave, modified square or sine wave, and pure sine wave (true sine wave). The waves denote three dissimilar qualities of power output and three different price ranges. Owing to uneven power delivery, square inverters, the initial types of inverters, are almost outdated. Modified inverters, less expensive and probably the most common, produce consistent and efficient power. True sine wave inverters are highly expensive and they also deliver the most consistent wave output.

Always use highly rated power inverters for the devices you are running. Avoid adapters that would permit more outlets than the unit is designed to accommodate. Since improper use of a unit may lead to burning, make sure that you read and follow all safety measures listed in the user?s manual.

Power Inverters provides detailed information on Power Inverters, DC To AC Power Inverters, Emergency Power Inverters, Car Power Inverter and more. Power Inverters is affiliated with How to Replace a Circuit Breaker.

Honda Invertor Generators

Nothing has been quite so exciting in the generator manufacturing business as the new Honda inverter generators. Honda inverter generators give you all of the power that you need in a generator, with maximum fuel efficiency, light weight, and surprisingly quiet performance. Add to this Honda’s reputation for excellent quality, and these new generators are great news.

Regular gas generators are fine for running certain electrical appliances, such as lights and televisions. However, for more sensitive equipment such as computers, they are usually not sufficient. Computers, printers, and other sensitive electrical equipment need a constant, even electrical signal in order to work properly. The electricity generated from regular gas generators can tend to fluctuate; not a problem for lights, televisions, or coffee pots, but a possible disaster for more sensitive equipment.

The Honda inverter generator is the solution to this problem. Using inverter technology, Honda has created a generator that contains a microprocessor that regulates the flow of electricity from the generator, mimicking the flow that would come from a regular household outlet. This regulated flow of electricity makes it perfectly safe for anyone to run a computer or printer using a Honda inverter generator, without worrying about fluctuations causing a crash in the equipment.

Another benefit of using inverter technology is that Honda inverter generators need only be about half the size and weight of conventional generators, though they have every bit as much power. The alternator is built right into the Honda inverter generator, making it much more compact and light, and giving it exceptional portability. The fuel efficiency of the Honda inverter generator is unsurpassed; one small thirty-pound model can run up to eight hours on a single tank of gas, and a larger forty-six pound model can run up to fifteen hours on one single tank. As far as noise level, the Honda inverter generators run so softly that most people would not even notice that they were in use.

Though the Honda inverter generator is extremely efficient, you still want to choose the right model for your needs. Even though Honda inverter generators are smaller and lighter than their conventional counterparts, there are still different sizes from which to choose. The standard rule does apply with Honda inverter generators: the larger the model, the more work it will do. When shopping for a Honda inverter generator, keep in mind the tasks that you will need it to perform, and buy accordingly. The salespeople and technicians at Honda should be able to help you find the Honda inverter generator that suits your purposes.

Buy a Honda generator or just check out the Honda eu2000i generator today.