How Inverters Work
Simply put, an
inverter is an electronic device that converts
low voltage DC (direct current) battery power to
115 volt (or 230 volt internationally) AC
(alternating current) household electrical power.
Hand-held inverters can be plugged into any
vehicle cigarette lighter outlet, producing
output power levels ranging from 50 to 250*
watts. Larger, high output inverters can be hard
wired directly to a DC battery source and deliver
power from 800 to 2500 watts.* Intermittent
operation only. Over 150 watts continuous
requires direct connection to the 12 (or 24) volt
power Most inverters
convert DC power in two stages. The first stage
is a DC-to-DC converter that raises the low
voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts DC.
The second stage is the actual inverter stage. It
converts the high voltage DC into 115 volts, 60
Hz AC (230 volt, 50 Hz internationally).The DC-to-DC
converter stage uses modern high frequency power
conversion techniques that eliminate the bulky
transformers found in inverters based on older
technology. The inverter stage uses advanced
power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge
configuration. This gives you excellent overload
capability and the ability to operate tough
reactive loads like lamp ballast's and small
induction motors. Safe - do
not install the unit in the same compartment as
batteries or in any compartment capable of
storing flammable gases or fumes such as
gasoline. Do not install the unit in a
zero-clearance compartment Close to
Battery - install as close to the battery as
possible (keeping item #4 in mind) in order to
minimize the length of cable required to connect
the inverter to the battery. It is better and
cheaper to run longer AC wires than longer DC
Q: "Can
I mount my inverter in a cabinet?"
A: Your
inverter can be mounted in any location as long
as it is clean, dry and has adequate ventilation.
In general, it is best to keep your inverter as
cool as possible.
Q:"Can
the inverter be hooked up under the engine
hood?"A:
No, the inverter is an electronic
device and should not be placed in the engine
compartment. Criteria for an installation
location is: dry, cool, ventilated, and safe.
Yes, as long as adequate ventilation
is maintained. If mounting a high output inverter
in this location, you must ensure that the bottom
of the inverter remains unobstructed, as this is
where the air intake is. If the intended mounting
surface is not smooth (such as on carpeting),
then you should raise that inverter with mounting
blocks of some kind to
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