Inverter Question

Hi All,

Am looking at inverters and have a quick question.

If I get a 150W inverted and have a couple of things that are just over that (eg: 160W and 180W) that I might use, is this possible as they are only just over or is it a no no to exceed the 150W. Also the items would only be used for a minute at a time at the most but not sure if that has a bearing or not?

Cheers, Lloyd
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: wombat100 - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 15:54

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 15:54
You'll probably find that even marked at 150w- you would be real lucky to get 150w out of it.
Go at least 300w for piece of mind !!!


AnswerID: 511754

Reply By: olcoolone - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:09

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:09
It all comes down to quality of the inverter and even the series of inverter in a specific brand range can be different.

We do a lot with Cotek , Cotek are good quality but even in their range they do cheaper inverters that don't offer the same peak power output as there high end ones.

When buying cheap inverters one can say the deliver X amount of power but in real world conditions it may be much less....... a cheap 150w inverter may only deliver 130w.

Most inverters will have a peak supply and a constant supply...... most electrical gear has the same with start up power and run power.
AnswerID: 511757

Reply By: Ross M - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:47

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:47
Weavey72
One thing to consider is the item you plug in may only like a sine wave supply.
Some laptops and many devices use switchmode power converters and if they can't SEE sine wave they don't run or will burn out before they ever start.

I have two laptops, one will run on modified square wave and the other won't, it likes sine wave only.

Try the items before you buy if possible.

Ross M
AnswerID: 511760

Follow Up By: Weavey72 - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:59

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 16:59
Am definately thinking of a pure sine inverter but I guess I am just wondering what happens if you plug something in that is bigger than what the inverter is rated at?

Ultimately I'm guessing you'll damage/blow-up the inverter?

Cheers, Lloyd
0
FollowupID: 790029

Follow Up By: auzinomad - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 18:17

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 18:17
Mine just give a huge BEEP and shuts down !


Ron
0
FollowupID: 790037

Follow Up By: KenInPerth - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 18:29

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 18:29
As Olcoolone said, a lot of stuff (depending on quality) is not even rated at what they say it is, and it is just not that simple either when you start talking power factor and VA vs Watts) - many discussions are posted about that subject.

What will happen depends on the quality of the inverter

1. it will shut down the inverter due to overload / start up demand

2. the inverter will get into "power down / power up" mode due to the device being plugged into it and will sit there going around in circles.

3. rarely I might expect it to sit there and start to go red in the face and smoke as most I would expect to have some form of overload protection built in.


The only way you will be guaranteed for it to work is go somewhat higher than your maximum requirement (as in buy some "fat factor"). When someone designs the ultimate product where you can get out more than you put in they will be a very rich person.

Ken
0
FollowupID: 790038

Reply By: Member - J&R - Friday, May 24, 2013 at 19:27

Friday, May 24, 2013 at 19:27
Pure sine wave inverters are cheap as atm.
Get a chunky one.
If a borderline one bleep s itself, it may take your equipment with it.

So spend the extra 10 cents and go bigger.
AnswerID: 511772

Sponsored Links