An Inverter or Inverter/Charger is a device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) to power a variety of equipment, including power tools, computers, appliances, pumps, audio/video equipment and more. Inverters and Inverter/Chargers utilize a vehicle's or boat's battery or separate user-supplied batteries to supply power to connected equipment.
In addition, Inverter/Chargers provide reliable alternate AC power during utility power problems, such as blackouts, brownouts, overvoltages and surges. When utility power is present, Inverter/Chargers automatically pass through power to your equipment while simultaneously recharging your connected batteries. When utility power is absent, such as during a blackout in stationary applications or while driving in mobile applications, Inverter/Chargers automatically switch from utility power to battery backup power.
Inverters and Inverter/Chargers are typically used in mobile applications where utility AC power is not available. To understand their applications, you need to consider the different types of Inverters and Inverter/Chargers.
Compact/Lightweight Inverters are smaller with lower continuous wattage output for mobile business, traveling, camping/boating and trucking applications. They're ideal for powering laptop computers, cell phone chargers, game systems, DVD players and other low-wattage devices.
Heavy-Duty Inverters are designed for industrial, service fleet, jobsite, trucking and camping/boating applications. They deliver peak surge wattage output to handle heavy-draw start-up of drills, saws, pumps, timing motors and other equipment.
Inverter/Chargers are reliable power sources for uninterruptible emergency backup applications. When utility power is present, Inverter/Chargers automatically pass through power to your equipment while simultaneously recharging your connected batteries. When utility power is absent, such as during a blackout in stationary applications or while driving in mobile applications, Inverter/Chargers automatically switch from utility power to battery backup power. Inverter/Chargers are designed for EMS, RV and other applications where reliable battery backup is necessary while on the road.
| Application | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|
| Laptop computer, cell phone charger, game system, DVD player, food processor, toaster, hair dryer, other small appliances | Compact/Lightweight Inverter |
| Drill, saw, pump, timing motor, bench grinder, hedge trimmer, finishing sander, other equipment | Inverter with Battery Charger |
| Anything requiring electrical power when utility power is unavailable (while driving or when a generator is turned off; while in areas with limited or unreliable access to on-grid power sources; during power failures; while at remote sites) | Inverter with Battery Charger |
Determine the combined wattage of all items you expect to plug into your inverter, and select an inverter with a Continuous Output Capacity rating at least 10-20% greater than that number. Some tools, appliances and electronics require more power during brief periods, such as at startup. Powering one of these items requires an inverter with twice the item's Continuous Wattage rating.*
Input Voltage: Select an inverter that matches the voltage of the battery supplying power to it. For example, if you are using a 12V battery, choose a 12V DC inverter.
Output Voltage: Electrical devices in the United States, Canada, Mexico and much of Latin America typically use 120V power; devices in the rest of the world use 230V power.
Runtime depends on the number and size of your batteries. Small inverters running off a single automotive or deep-cycle marine battery can typically provide power for between 30 minutes and 60 minutes with the engine off, depending on the electrical load and condition of the battery. For larger loads and longer runtimes, you can connect batteries in parallel.
Some models include remote control function.
Inverter/Chargers are equipped with Automatic Transfer Switching (ATS), which enables them to provide mobile power and backup power for generators and other AC power sources. They are especially useful in areas where the utility power grid is unreliable or unavailable.
GFCI models prevent shock by instantly disconnecting the electrical circuit in case of a short. GFCIs are often utilized in areas where water is present.
Tripp Lite inverters with HF in their model numbers and ratings from 700W to 3000W are lighter-weight, more compact units than their non-HF counterparts.
Tripp Lite inverters with FC in their model numbers include Frequency Control, which locks AC output at 60Hz for operating stability. For use with motor loads and other inductive loads with high-current startup requirements.
* Devices with induction motors, such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, may require an initial (start-up) electrical current 3-5 times greater than the current required for normal operation.
Now that you have some idea of what you're looking, the best way to choose the right model is to visit our quick and easy online Inverter Selector Guide.
Launch Inverter Selector Guide