DC to AC Conversion Technology- Basics and Guide
INVERTER
What does a power inverter do, and what can I use one for?
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A power inverter changes DC power from a battery 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 inverter to a battery, and plug your AC devices into the inverter ... and you've got portable power ... whenever and wherever you need it.
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 inverter. The battery can be recharged by running the automobile or motor, or a gas generator, solar panels, or wind. Or you can use a battery charger plugged into an AC outlet to recharge the battery.
Technology and Advantages
Cleaner, Greener Backup Power: Better for You, Your Equipment and the Environment
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Quiet, Fume-Free Operation
With no fumes, fuel or excess noise, Inverter/Chargers are better for applications where generators would be hazardous (such as indoors) or too loud (such as residential areas or outdoor areas during quiet hours).
Fewer Trips to the Pump
Inverter/Chargers consume no fuel, drawing power from your AC source or battery system instead. Generators require frequent, costly trips to the pump. Inverter/Chargers also store power while your generator is running, allowing you to turn it off and save fuel without turning off your equipment.
With no fumes, fuel or excess noise, Inverter/Chargers are better for applications where generators would be hazardous (such as indoors) or too loud (such as residential areas or outdoor areas during quiet hours).
Fewer Trips to the Pump
Inverter/Chargers consume no fuel, drawing power from your AC source or battery system instead. Generators require frequent, costly trips to the pump. Inverter/Chargers also store power while your generator is running, allowing you to turn it off and save fuel without turning off your equipment.
Reliable Power & Less Maintenance
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More Reliable Power. Inverter/Chargers produce stable, microprocessor-controlled voltage and frequency. Generators can compromise the reliability of your equipment by producing unstable voltages, frequency variations and surges. Inverter/Chargers are ideal for backing up generators and conditioning generator output to protect your equipment.
Less Maintenance.
Inverter-Chargers provide years of trouble-free operation without maintenance. Generators require frequent upkeep and parts replacement, increasing expense and inconvenience.
Less Maintenance.
Inverter-Chargers provide years of trouble-free operation without maintenance. Generators require frequent upkeep and parts replacement, increasing expense and inconvenience.
How To Choose The Right Model
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For Your Desired Type of Application
1. Decide whether you need an Inverter or an Inverter-Charger.
Both Inverters and Inverter/Chargers provide household current (220 V AC) from stored battery power, but only Inverter/Chargers connect to AC sources, pass AC through to equipment, recharge batteries and automatically switch to battery when AC power is unavailable. Inverters do not connect to AC sources and rely on vehicles to recharge batteries.
2. Determine the wattage required by connected equipment.
The continuous output rating of the Inverter or Inverter/Charger you choose must be greater than the wattage of the equipment you will power. (Add up the wattages of any equipment that will be powered simultaneously.) Equipment wattages are typically listed on nameplates or in manuals. If equipment is rated in amps, multiply by 220 V to estimate wattage.
3. Decide whether you need special features.
Many Inverters and Inverter/Chargers have features that make them especially suitable for certain applications:
• Heavy-duty models support demanding inductive loads like motors, compressors and pumps.
• Models with sine wave output and fast transfer times are ideal for backing up sensitive electronics like computers and network equipment. Some devices require sine wave output, including computers with active PFC power supplies.
1. Decide whether you need an Inverter or an Inverter-Charger.
Both Inverters and Inverter/Chargers provide household current (220 V AC) from stored battery power, but only Inverter/Chargers connect to AC sources, pass AC through to equipment, recharge batteries and automatically switch to battery when AC power is unavailable. Inverters do not connect to AC sources and rely on vehicles to recharge batteries.
2. Determine the wattage required by connected equipment.
The continuous output rating of the Inverter or Inverter/Charger you choose must be greater than the wattage of the equipment you will power. (Add up the wattages of any equipment that will be powered simultaneously.) Equipment wattages are typically listed on nameplates or in manuals. If equipment is rated in amps, multiply by 220 V to estimate wattage.
3. Decide whether you need special features.
Many Inverters and Inverter/Chargers have features that make them especially suitable for certain applications:
• Heavy-duty models support demanding inductive loads like motors, compressors and pumps.
• Models with sine wave output and fast transfer times are ideal for backing up sensitive electronics like computers and network equipment. Some devices require sine wave output, including computers with active PFC power supplies.