What is meant by "continuous 2000-watts and peak 4000-watt surge"?

What can an inverter do and what can I use one for?

Can I operate a microwave with an inverter?

What is the difference between Modified Sine & Pure Sine Wave?

Does any inverter above 400 watt include a cigarette lighter adapter?

What is the difference between a 12-Volt and 24-Volt?

How long can I run the inverter on my battery?

 

Inverter Type Voltage 400W 1000W 2000W 3000W 5000W
12 Inch color TV 16W tick tick tick tick tick
Video games console 20W tick tick tick tick tick
Satellite TV receiver 30W tick tick tick tick tick
CD or DVD player 30W tick tick tick tick tick
Electric piano 30W tick tick tick tick tick
HiFi stereo 4-head VCR 40W tick tick tick tick tick
Guitar amplifier (at average volume) 40W tick tick tick tick tick
Stereo system (at average volume) 55W tick tick tick tick tick
CD changer / mini systtem 60W tick tick tick tick tick
GE 9 Inch color TV/radio/cassette 65W tick tick tick tick tick
13 Inch color TV 72W tick tick tick tick tick
19 Inch color TV 80W tick tick tick tick tick
20 Inch TV/VCR combo 110W tick tick tick tick tick
27 Inch color TV 170W tick tick tick tick tick
Stereo amplifier 250W tick tick tick tick tick
Home theatre system 400W   tick tick tick tick
Power Drill 400W   tick tick tick tick
Small Coffee Machine 600W   tick tick tick tick
Small Microwave Oven 800W   tick tick tick tick
Toaster
1000W   tick tick tick tick
Full Size Microwave Oven 1500W     tick tick tick
Hair Dryer & Washing Machine 2500W       tick tick
Air Conditioner 18000 BTU 2500W       tick tick
Air Compressor 3HP 2800W       tick tick
Heavy duty power tools 2800W       tick tick

 

12 Volt Battery Chart

Inverter

Output

Power

(Watts)

Typical Load

Battery Size

BCI Group Size 22NF 24 27 8D Dual 8D
Reserve Capacity 90 Min 140 Min 180 Min 400 Min 900 Min
Amps-Hrs 50 75 100 200 400

50

Stereo System

Operating Time

9 HRS

14 HRS

20 HRS 40 HRS 80 HRS

100

19" Color TV

Operating Time

4 HRS

6 HRS

10 HRS 20 HRS 40 HRS

200

Computer System

Operating Time

2 HRS

3 HRS

4.5 HRS 10 HRS 20 HRS

300

Blender

Operating Time

1.3 HRS

2.2 HRS

3 HRS 6 HRS 12 HRS

400

Power Drill

Operating Time

1 HR

1.5 HRS

2 HRS 4.5 HRS 10 HRS

600

Small Coffee Maker

Operating Time

N.R.

N.R.

1 HR 2.5 HRS 6 HRS

800

Small Microwave

Operating Time

N.R.

N.R.

N.R. 1.5 HRS 4 HRS

1000

Toaster

Operating Time

N.R.

N.R.

N.R. 1 HR 3 HRS

1500

Full Size Microwave

Operating Time

N.R.

N.R.

N.R. 0.5 HR 2 HRS

2500

Hair Dryer & Washing Machine

Operating Time

N.R.

N.R.

N.R. 0.2 HR 0.8 HRS

 

 

What is meant by "continuous 2000-watts and peak 4000-watt surge"?


Some appliances or tools, such as ones with a motor, require an initial surge of power to start up ("starting load" or "peak load"). Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate ("continuous load")

 
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What can an inverter do and what can I use one for?


A power inverter converts DC power into conventional AC power which can run all kinds of household products such as: kitchen appliances, microwaves, power tools, TVs, radios, computers and more. You just connect the inverter to a battery, and plug your AC devices into the inverter and you've got power on the go.
The inverter draws its power from a 12volt battery, or several batteries wired in parallel. The battery will need to be recharged as the inverter draws the power out of it. The battery recharges by running the automobile motor, gas generator, solar panels, or wind and not with the inverter. During blackouts, an inverter can be used for emergency power by use with a car battery with the vehicle running and an extension cord running into the house, where you can then plug in electrical appliances.

 
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Can I operate a microwave with an inverter?


The power rating used with microwave ovens is the "cooking power" which refers to the power being "delivered" to the food being cooked. The actual operating power requirement rating is higher than the cooking power rating (for example, a microwave with "advertised" rating of 600 watts usually corresponds to almost 1100 watts of power consumption). The actual power consumption is usually stated on the back of the microwave. If the operating power requirement cannot be found on the back of the microwave check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

 

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What is the difference between Modified Sine & Pure Sine Wave?

Modified Sine Wave
If your equipment can accept some voltage fluctuation, consider a modified sine wave inverter. These inverters provide mobile power at a more affordable price and come in a full range of sizes.
Sine Wave
If you want to run your equipment exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications, choose a true sine wave inverter. With true sine wave, motor loads start easier and run cooler. Some equipment only operate properly with true sine wave power—laser printers, variable speed motors and digital clocks.
Waveform is an important consideration when choosing an inverter. Sine wave inverters provide premium power that is identical to or even better than power supplied by your utility company. Modified sine wave inverters provide good performance at a great value.


 

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Does any inverter above 400 watt include a cigarette lighter adapter?


No, cigarette lighters cannot handle large loads, the highest model with a cigarette lighter is the PI-400. If the cigarette lighter in your car is rated at 10 AMPS you will only be able to use the inverter up to 120 watts, 15 Amps will allow you to use it up to 180 watts and a 20 Amps up to 240 watts or up to 400 watts using the cables by connecting them directly to the battery.

 
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What is the difference between a 12-Volt and 24-Volt?


The difference is the type of battery you want to run your power inverter on. Most vehicles run off a 12 volt battery. The 24 volt are generally used in large trucks or industrial motors.

 

 
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How long can I run the inverter on my battery?


To calculate the approximate power drain on your battery you will want to estimate the reserve power ("amp/HR") of the battery, and the amps the inverter will require, to meet the continuous load demands of the appliance.