Power invertors?

Question

Has anyone owned a small power invertor. The AC to DC type, when you use your car outlet to recharge them.

Are you able to store power in them and use them at a later time.

When a unit says, for example, 800 watt. Am I right that it means, it can operate a unit/units requiring up to 800 watt. But, my main question is for how long.

If you own one. Are they worth-while having.

Answer 1

You mean 12 VDC to 120 VAC inverter, right?

They don't store power, they only convert it. The battery stores the power for later use.

Inverters typically have two numbers -- the peak wattage (or current) and the average wattage (or current). The inverter can run the average current 24/7 (as long as you have the DC volts), if all of the manufacturer's conditions are complied with (air flow, air temperature, humidity, etc). Usually it's best to not push an inverter to 100% of the average wattage for 24/7 -- better to be at 80-75%. The peak is usually for a very short time, less than 5 minutes, and is there to allow for motor startup, initial power on surge, etc.

They are useful for emergencies and taking electronic conveniences to remote locations. Only you can decide if you really need to have the AC powered device where you happen to go. Just remember that if you use your car battery too long, it may not start the car when you want to leave!