In the past, people had to choose between the utility of home technology and the convenience and enjoyment of travel. Even when needed for important business, certain devices such as computers, televisions, and video players functioned only in the office or the home on AC outlets and could not function on the DC power of car batteries.
Vector Car power inverters have solved this problem with technology that converts DC electricity to AC electricity that can power virtually any electronic device whether it be on a business trip or an outing for sheer enjoyment. Typically shaped like small rectangular boxes, car power inverters house one or more standard electrical outlets and plug directly into the car's cigarette lighter. Occasionally, a car power inverter will come equipped with jumper cables that directly connect to the battery. These power inverters are especially popular with campers, and can safely provide electricity provided the engine runs frequently enough to prevent battery drain.
Car power inverters come in a variety of wattages to accommodate different electronic devices. A simple rule of thumb applies when choosing the right wattage in a car power inverter. Multiply the total wattage of all connecting devices, and add another 50% to accommodate for any fluctuations in power draw. Generally, smaller devices on a single outlet function well on 300 watts. Larger devices on multiple outlets may require up to 3000 watts when plugged into the car's power inverter. Campers, hunters, and fishermen especially value Vector power inverters for their cars, trucks, and SUV's when they find themselves in idyllic settings and no electrical outlets, or when the regular campgrounds are full. Many of our customers frequently use Vector power inverters to power electric grills, televisions and stereos, and even laptops with satellite Internet uplinks.
Vector car power inverters also offer a wide range of wattage outputs and features to accommodate virtually any need. Not only do they offer convenience by combining technology and mobility, but they also prove highly reliable in emergency situations. For example, during a power outage, one of our larger 1500, 2000, or 3000-watt Vector power inverters can direct electricity from the vehicle to the home through an extension cord. This should only be done while the engine runs to prevent battery drain, and we strongly recommend that if you garage your car that you open the bay door to vent the carbon monoxide. In many emergency situations such as blackouts and storm advisories, the right car power inverter can literally prove itself a lifesaver by maintaining power to essential home appliances.
In light of the many uses Vector power inverters offer owners of cars, trucks, SUV's, and RV campers, it serves well to think beyond convenience and immediate need when making a purchase. Especially when one considers possible emergency usage in life or death situations, it is best to err on the side of larger wattage and more outlets than to limit options based upon the occasional use of only one or two appliances in the car. As travel becomes more demanding and frequent, power inverters in cars and other vehicles may well become a standard feature. Until that day, comes, however, trust Red Hill Supply to continue to supply the very best designs and latest technology today's market can bear.
So what you should consider when choosing a car power inverter? Power inverters are become more and more common everyday. Most of us now take our electronic devices on the road with us and the need to have an A/C outlet in our cars has been a problem. From our iPods to our laptops, there are countless toys and work related items that we need and want in our cars. This is where the power inverter can save the day. These unobtrusive metal boxes fit easily into a glove box. They can be taken out, plugged into a cigarette lighter and presto, you have an A/C outlet. Now there are many different sizes and models to choose from and also a lot of confusion.
Normally you need to consider the model and size:
not all power inverters are created equal or priced equal for that matter. You can pick up an inexpensive model at your local big box store for under $30. However, don't expect it to last very long. I personally purchased 2 of these cheaper models trying to save a buck and neither one lasted more than 2 months. I suspect it was because the cheap model didn't come with a cooling fan and simply burned up. Based on my past experience, I would recommend a model that has a cooling fan. Power inverters build up heat and need to be cooled in order to function properly. Also, look for a model with metal construction as opposed to a plastic shell. I have dropped mine several times getting out of my car and the heavy duty metal construction has saved my car power inverter on more than one occasion. Another feature that the larger models have is the ability to hook your inverter directly to your car battery with a pair of cables and clamps. This is a nice option if you are camping or have a temporary power failure at the house. You won't have to crank your car and the direct connection is superior to going through the thin cigarette lighter wire. The cigarette also limits the amount of watts you pull.
Power inverters come lots of sizes, ranging from small 100 watt inverters that fit directly into a cigarette light all the way to a 3,000 way model with 4 or more A/C outlets. Selecting the right size car power inverter is a relatively simple process. How many and what types of devices will you be running from your inverter? To find out, just look for a sticker or label that specifies how many watts that device will require.
The smaller 100 watt models are the easiest to install. They simply plug into your 12 volt cigarette lighter plug and some models are totally self contained. This means that the whole unit fits right into the power source. This basically converts your cigarette lighter into a 110 volt A/C plug. Larger inverters are in a metal box with a cooling fan and have a cable with an adapter that plugs into the lighter. These models are generally small enough to be stored in a glove box until needed or can be mounted under the dashboard as well. The biggest models have cables that can be directly connected to your car's electrical system or hooked directly to the battery terminals with some clamps. These large 1,000 to 3,000 watt models are great for emergency power in a blackout or on a camping trip.