Inverter Buying Guide

Mobile AC Power
ac power in a car truck or boat

Provide a power source for most electrical devices in RVs, cars, trucks or boats

Perfect for mobile professionals and travellers on the go

  • Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
  • Power laptops, battery chargers, TVs, game systems and power tools

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Emergency Backup AC Power
emergency backup power

Protect your home and belongings during a power outage

Ideal for powering essential equipment during severe weather

  • Charges connected batteries until backup power
    is needed
  • Power sump pumps, freezers, fish tanks and medical equipment

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What is a Power Inverter?

A power inverter is a device that converts low-voltage DC (direct current) power to standard household AC (alternating current) power. An Inverter allows you to operate household appliances and electrical equipment using the power produced by a car, truck or boat battery or renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

how inverters work

How are Inverters typically used?

Inverters provide a source of household power for electrical equipment in RVs, cars, work trucks and boats. They are also used to protect your home and belongings during a power outage, by providing emergency backup power to essential equipment such as phones, freezers, sump pumps, or medical devices.

What type of inverter do I need?

Inverters are primarily used to provide normal AC power from a vehicle's battery.

Inverter/Chargers are typically used to provide backup AC power in an emergency, such as a power outage.

Inverters and their applications

Compact/Lightweight Inverters
are used in cars, SUVs & mini-vans.

Ideal for powering:

Heavy-Duty Inverters
are used in trucks, boats & RVs.

Ideal for powering:

Inverter/Chargers
are used in homes & remote work sites.

Ideal for powering:

What size of inverter do I need?

One of the key differences between inverters is how much AC power they produce. Add up the wattage
of each device you will run simultaneously, and make sure the inverter will supply sufficient AC power.

How long will my equipment run without AC power?

Small, in-vehicle Inverters
can run equipment indefinitely while the vehicle's engine
is runningand battery power is available.
Large Inverter/Chargers
can provide power for extended periods. Need more time?
Just add more batteries.

What input and output voltage do I need?

Input Voltage (DC):
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 (AC):
Electrical devices in the United States, Canada, Mexico and much of Latin America typically use 120V AC power; devices in the rest of the world normally use 220-250V AC power.

Do I need any special features?

Models with sine wave output
and fast transfer times

are ideal for powering sensitive electronics like computers and network equipment.

High initial power

support devices with high initial power requirements such as motors, compressors and pumps.

Models with GFCI outlets

meet OSHA requirements for safe operation in wet or humid environments.
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For Mobile Professionals

Model Watts AC Outlets DC Voltage Key Features Dimensions (H x W x D)
PV375 375 2 12V
  • Cigarette lighter plug
  • Easily moved from vehicle to vehicle
  • Ideal for operating or recharging computers or small electronic devices on the road
 2 x 4.25 x 7 in.
PV1000HF 1000 4 12V
  • Take your whole office on the road!
  • Rugged all-metal housing, permanent mount
  • Available remote control
 4.25 x 6 x 13 in.
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For Trucks, Boats & RVs

Model Watts AC Outlets DC Voltage Key Features Dimensions (H x W x D)
RV750ULHW 750 Hardwire 12V
  • Use with utility/shore or battery power
  • Extend runtime with additional batteries
  • Built-in battery charger and premium surge protection
  • Ideal for boats, RVs and long-haul trucks
 7 x 8.75 x 9 in.
APS1012SW 1000 Hardwire 12V
  • Use with utility/shore or battery power
  • Extra-clean, stable power for sensitive electronics
  • Extend runtime with additional batteries
  • Easily handles variable power demands
  • Ideal for boats, RVs and long-haul trucks
 7.25 x 7.5 x 18 in.
APS1250 1250 2 12V
  • Use with household AC or battery power
  • Light weight, portable design
  • Extended runtime with additional batteries
  • Ideal for small sump pumps, refrigerators and fish tanks during an emergency
 7 x 8.75 x 9 in.
PV2400FC 2400 2 24V
  • Designed to power motors and other devices with a high initial power draw
  • Built-in overload protection
  • Optional remote start/stop
  • Ideal for heavier loads e.g. refrigerators, power tools, pumps
 7.25 x 8.5 x 16.25 in.
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For Emergency Power

Model Watts AC Outlets DC Voltage Key Features Dimensions (H x W x D) ERP*
UT1250UL 1250 2 (GFCI) 12V
  • Use with utility/shore or battery power
  • Extend runtime with additional batteries
  • Built-in premium Isobar® surge protection
  • OSHA compliant, GFCI shock protection
  • Ideal for work trucks and service vehicles
 7 x 8.75 x 9 in.
APS2012SW 2000 Hardwire 12V
  • Use with household AC or battery power
  • Extra-clean, stable power for sensitive equipment
  • Extended runtime with additional batteries
  • Ideal for most common sump pumps, refrigerators and other equipment during an emergency
 7.25 x 7.5 x 22 in.
APS2448UL 2400 Hardwire 48V
  • Use with household AC or battery power
  • Fast transfer time to battery ensures backup protection
  • Extended runtime with additional batteries
  • Ideal for large sump pumps, refrigerators and other equipment during an emergency
 7.25 x 8.5 x 16.75 in.
UT2012UL 2000 2 (GFCI) 12V
  • Use with household AC or battery power
  • Extend runtime with additional batteries
  • GFCI shock protection for wet basements
  • Ideal for plug-in sump pumps, freezers and other equipment during a power outage
 7.25 x 8.5 x 16.25 in.

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