INVERTERS
When you want to use a 230V appliance and you only have be seen from the 12V or 24V available, you need an inverter. When connected d i a g r a m ,
to a 12V or 24V D.C. power source, such as a battery, the w a v e f o rm t h e y inverter simply converts the power into 230V A.C. which can produce is far from then be used to operate any domestic or light industrial smooth. The result is equipment.
There are two main kinds of inverter and they have significant as efficiently or as differences:
that some appliances won't run as smoothly,
Modified sine-wave inverters are the least expensive type. normally. Microwave They are usually light and compact and they range from ovens may take models supplying 100 watts or less to others which can power longer to cook; battery chargers may overheat or make a equipment requiring several kilowatts. They work by imitating buzzing sound; power tools may run roughly and some the waveform produced by 230V mains electricity but, as can equipment may actually be damaged or just won't work at all.
quietly as they would
For most applications however, a modified sine-wave unit will do the job and the possible disadvantages are outweighed by the low cost of a modified sine-wave unit.
Pure or True sine-wave inverters produce A.C. electricity in a smooth sine-wave like the one shown in the diagram here, which is virtually the same as that supplied by the National Grid. As a result, any electrical appliance will run just as well on this type of inverter as it will when plugged into the mains. Their only disadvantage is that they are considerably more expensive but, if the inverter is to be used with sensitive electronic equipment and appliances which use thyristors - such as washing machines - they are worth the additional cost.
Do You Need One? You need an inverter if:
What Are They & What Do They Do? t h e
[ You want to use 230V appliances and you only have access to 12V / 24V power. It’s as simple as that!
How To Choose The Right One For You As long as you have access to 12V or 24V, you can use an
inverter. Which one you should get depends entirely on what appliance you’re planning to run from it. If you’re intending to run different types of product - a laptop computer and a hairdryer for
the maximum power output that it will require plus a bit more - say 25%.
Many appliances draw a lot more power when starting up than they do when running. A fridge or anything using an induction motor can draw more than twice the power it needs when actually running. Make sure that your chosen inverter can deal with this surge or peak power.
Although pure sinewave models produce a much better class of electricity, a modified sinewave model will work well in most situations as described above. If in doubt, consult an auto- electrician or contact RoadPro.
If using an inverter to run power-hungry appliances such hairdryers, it’s essential to ensure that your batteries are up to the job. If the inverter can’t get sufficient voltage or current from the batteries, it will simply stop working. As a rule of thumb, your battery's Ah capacity should be at least 25% of the inverter's rated output so, if you want to run a 1200W vacuum cleaner, use a 1500W inverter supplied by batteries rated at least 375Ah (25% of 1500 = 375).
example - always consider the one with the highest power wiring is not used, the inverter will not operate properly. When consumption. You should then consider an inverter with at least
considering installation of an inverter, it’s also necessary to bear in mind that, because of “voltage drop” - see page 31 - it should be
located as near the battery as possible. It’s better to have a longer run of cable from the output side to the appliance than from the battery to the inverter itself.
If you have a larger inverter and it’s stowed away near the batteries, switching it on and off can be inconvenient; Sterling power inverters above 1000W are supplied with a remote control.
Sterling Power have a range of very clever “combi” units. When they’re connected to 230V they act as multi-stage battery chargers but, when away from hook-up, they become inverters. These units are available in modified and pure sinewave models. You can see them on page 26.
When choosing an inverter, don’t be tempted by the lowest price. We know from experience that cheap inverters - unless being used simply for powering small appliances such as ‘phone chargers - can be much more trouble than they’re worth. In our opinion Sterling Power inverters combine great value for money and excellent performance: a winning combination!
Prices and models can change. For up to date prices, to find a dealer near you or for further information on any of our products, please phone us on 01327 312233 or visit our website:
www.roadpro.co.uk 23
Low power inverters (100W - 200W) can be plugged into a typical 16 Amp lighter socket but anything rated at a higher wattage should be connected directly to a battery. It’s essential to use the correct cable for this - see our wiring chart on page 31. If suitable
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