Using a power inverter in your car is gradually becoming a special necessity. Most users yet do not know how to install and use a power inverter in your car properly. Do your research to pick the best power inverters for your car, as it is highly crucial for the safety of your ride. Let’s discuss how to use a power inverter in your car.
Understanding a Power Inverter
A power inverter converts DC power to AC power. Car batteries use DC power for their functions. On the other hand, your semi-conductor devices (smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other devices) have an AC battery installed and require an alternative current (AC) power source.
A power inverter in a vehicle lets you safely utilize its battery to juice up your essential electronic devices.
A Car Power Inverter
A car power inverter is a type of standard inverter which transforms DC power to AC power. To function inverters, use a unidirectional DC power source to imitate an alternating current (AC) power source. Automobile inverters are essentially oscillators that incessantly change the polarity of the DC power source, which successfully generates a square wave.
There are primarily two types of power inverter for installation in automobiles:
- Modified Sine Wave: It is the cheaper of the two inverters. The output of this inverter is nicely matched with the most common consumer electronic devices. In addition to that, they offer a wide range of adaptability.
- Pure Sine Wave: This type of inverter is usually a little expensive. However, they replicate almost similar AC flow of power outlets of the home.
Importance of having a power inverter in your car
If you live in a city where the roads are clogged with dense traffic or have to travel a lot, then having a power inverter installed in your car can be a great relief. If you are an intense user of your electronic devices, then you can easily charge your important devices on the go.
Other than a laptop or smartphone, you can also power up the following devices and appliances:
- Television
- CD or DVD players
- Cooking equipment
- Catalytic heater
How to Use a power inverter in your car
To use a power inverter in a car, you have to establish an electric connection with the battery. The most common and feasible methods to do that are:
- Direct wire to the battery
- 12v (volt) adaptation socket
- Fuse panel
- The integrated electric lighter of cigarette (inside the car)
Using a 12v accessory socket is the easiest way to do that, but this type of setup has significant drawbacks as such inverters do not have adaptability with devices consuming a higher flow of electricity.
For compatibility of working with heavy-duty devices, connect the inverter to the fuse panel. If your vehicle has no available slot on the fuse panel, upgrade it. It is strongly recommended to always use a slot of the fuse panel to any unexpected hazard.
To install a car inverter, keep in mind the following points:
- Power Supply Limit of Portable Inverter: The inverter is capable of supplying and sustaining power flow if you plug all your devices at once.
- Spot of setting up the inverter: Make a feasible and appropriate assessment of setting up or gluing the inverter inside your car. Otherwise, you may face discomfort using charging and inserting the plug into the inverter.
- Ease of wiring issues: Small inverter can easily be plugged into an accessory port, and a big inverter needs a wired connection from a battery.
It is essential to hire a recognized service person, especially for sophisticated vehicles, to avoid issues of fire and circuit breakage. That will also ease the burden of calculating the estimated amount of power requirement for all your devices.
Some common spots on your vehicle to install a power inverter are:
- Underneath a front seat
- Under the dashboard
- Inside a glove box
- On the floorboard
Many inverters, nowadays, comes with a fan to minimize the heating issue. Make sure the inverter location will not hamper the airflow.
Installation of a power inverter won’t damage the engine of your vehicle, but it will put some pressure on the battery. (if used appropriately).
Conclusion
Due to the increasing dependency on consumer electronic devices, the use of a power inverter in a car is increasing rapidly. Installing the right inverter for your purpose is important. Decide your needs and make your inquiry to set up the right inverter for your vehicle.
