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 Owing to uneven power delivery, square inverters, the initial types of inverters, are almost outdated.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.

12 Volt Power Inverters

To take full benefit of an independent electrical system, a power inverter - a complex piece of electrical hardware - is very essential. It converts battery supplied power (DC) into an oscillating type of electricity (AC), which is needed to run nearly all devices in and around the house. A 12 volt power inverter is a method of inverting or changing 12 volts to 115 volts. Other power inverter voltage ranges, such as 24 volt input and 240 volt output, are also available.

12 volt power inverters come in many types and sizes. In addition to providing the alteration of one power type to another, they are constantly modified to provide better efficiency and stability. These devices are used to produce the same kind of power made from generators and utility companies.

A 12 volt power inverter enables you to run all home and office appliances, such as microwaves, central heating pumps, lighting, tropical fish aquariums, DVD theaters, fax machines, laptops, etc. Since they are good standby power sources, the inverters are extremely useful during power cuts. They are also ideal for use in your caravan, motor home, boat or RV.

The most common types of 12 volt inverters are modified sine wave inverters or modified square wave inverters. Another variety is a true sine wave inverter that provides utility grade power. Occasionally it offers a better quality than utility grade power. Pure sine wave inverters can power any appliance inside its power range. It is used in most RV and marine 12 volt power inverters.

Once you have decided to buy a 12 volt power inverter, think about what power (wattage) it should be carried. The total wattage is calculated as a product of current and voltage (i.e. Amps x Voltage = Watts). It is wise to purchase a little larger power inverter than you need.

12 volt power inverters are usually connected through a cigarette lighter or hard wired to the battery. Over 300 watts needs a direct battery connection. A good unit features under and over power shield and also low battery alarms. Read and follow your manual for safety and proper installation of your 12 volt power inverter.

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.

What Type of Power Inverter is Right For You?

Choosing a power inverter that correctly fits your needs can be quite a challenge. After all, the product itself is confusing and since they can be quite expensive, choosing the wrong type can be a costly mistake. The first thing to do is to get a solid idea of what you want to use the power inverter for. If you just want it to run some simple electronics while driving your car, then you can probably just get a cheap one that plugs into your cigarette lighter. Obviously there is no need for a true sine wave inverter if you are only running simple electronics.

The process gets more difficult when you plan to run electronics directly from your car battery. You have to choose a product that can withstand the current that your battery can give you. In addition you will want to use the lowest wattage power inverter that you can so that you don't drain your battery any faster than you have to. Check how many watts the electronics you plan to use need to run, add a small percentage extra, and start looking for inverters in that wattage range.

It seems that a lot of people intend to run televisions from their car or boat batteries. This can be great fun for camping and boating in places where you wouldn't typically find television (and video games). However, it may not be much fun if you drain your car battery and can't leave the campsite. Make sure you periodically run your car's engine to recharge the battery. This is especially important if you are running a strong power inverter that is capable of over 500 watts as they can drain a battery especially fast.

Brad Allmendinger is an entrepreneur and an electronics wiz. For more information regarding power inverters and how to choose one, go to this power inverter website.