Power Inverters to the Rescue
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Power Inverters to the Rescue
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute
For thermographers who must travel between job locations, finding an AC power source for recharging batteries or powering small devices can be a challenge. In some cases, a portable power inverter can provide a solution.
Power inverters are electrical devices that convert DC power from a battery into conventional AC power. Designed to work in most automobiles, portable power inverters can provide AC power for charging portable batteries or operating small AC devices.
Recent advances in technology have resulted in power inverters that are both small and dependable. With prices starting at less than $50, portable power inverters have become surprisingly affordable. Price is largely dependent upon two key specifications: wattage rating and sine wave output.
When choosing an inverter, keep the following in mind:
- Prior to selecting an inverter, make sure your AC device(s) can be used safely with an inverter
- Choose an inverter with a continuous output rating greater than the connected load. Ideally, inverter rating should be 20% greater than maximum continuous load
- Motorized appliances may draw up to seven times their continuous current rating during startup. For such devices, choose an inverter with adequate peak output rating
- Small inverters (<400 watts) can be powered from a cigarette lighter socket. Larger models will require direct wiring to the automobile battery with properly sized conductors
- Most inverters provide a modified sine wave output which may be incompatible with certain electronic devices such as laptop computers. For these devices, choose an inverter with a pure sine wave output
Inverters can produce enough heat to start a fire. Never overload an inverter or leave it unattended. Lastly, inverters are capable of producing dangerous or lethal voltages. Never use an inverter in a wet location as electrocution may result.
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