An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current from batteries to alternating current. These days, life and work depend very much on smart devices, and whether you're camping outdoors, on a road trip, or on your way to work, you must keep them charged. That's when you need a cigarette lighter power inverter to keep you connected to the world.
The function of a car power inverter
Vehicle inverters are versatile tools for road trips, camping, and emergencies, allowing users to power devices that require AC power, such as laptops, lights, power tools, and more. They come in various power capacities (measured in watts) to suit different devices and appliances. Some advanced models also include USB ports for direct charging of devices, making them convenient for use in various applications that require portable power.
How to use a power inverter with a car?
There are two places in a car where you can connect an inverter, one is the car starter battery and the other is the cigarette lighter socket. Before delving into the proper use of a car inverter, it's vital to understand its specifications and limitations. If you have an inverter with a power rating of 400 watts or less, you can plug it directly into the cigarette lighter. However, if you have a more powerful inverter, it must be connected to the battery.
Connecting the inverter: Insert the plug of the inverter into the 12V cigarette lighter socket of the car. Make sure the plug is firmly inserted and the connection is good.
Turn on the inverter: Turn on the switch on the inverter, usually, the inverter will beep or light up to indicate that it is running.
Connecting equipment: Before connecting any equipment, check its power requirements and compatibility with the inverter. Avoid connecting equipment that exceeds the power rating of the inverter as this may cause malfunction or damage.
Add power gradually: When using the inverter for the first time, or when powering multiple devices at the same time, start with low-power devices and add more gradually. This method helps to prevent sudden power surges from overloading the inverter.
Monitor the battery voltage: Buy an inverter with a built-in voltage monitor or use a separate voltmeter to monitor your vehicle's battery voltage. If the voltage is too low, the vehicle may not start and you should consider reducing the load on the inverter.
Switch off when not in use: To conserve energy and avoid unnecessary strain on your vehicle's battery, switch off the inverter when not in use. If the inverter is switched on and no devices are connected, it will still draw power.
Proper ventilation: Vehicle inverters generate heat during operation, so proper ventilation is critical. Avoid placing the inverter in an enclosed space or covering it as this can lead to overheating and reduced efficiency.
How to choose a power inverter for cigarette lighter?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a cigarette lighter inverter.
Firstly, make sure the inverter is rated for the total power of the devices you plan to charge. Secondly, the input voltage of the inverter should be compatible with the vehicle's voltage.
The type of output waveform of the inverter is also an important consideration, with a pure sine wave, modified sine wave and square wave being common. If you are looking for the best cigarette lighter inverter, a 12V pure sine wave inverter is the best choice!
Sine wave inverters are more efficient than other inverters. It provides a smoother waveform, which ultimately generates less heat and minimizes the risk of the inverter overheating.
Finally, there are some other important factors:
- Safety features: some inverters should have overload, short circuit, and overvoltage protection to ensure safe use.
- Size: Choose the right size and weight of inverter according to your vehicle space and transportation needs.
- Price: Choose the right product according to your budget. Pure sine wave inverters usually cost more than modified sine wave inverters.
- Brand and quality: Choose a reputable brand, you can read online reviews and feedback from previous customers.
How to secure power invert in a car?
To ensure that the inverter does not wobble or fall off while driving, some inverters are equipped with a mounting bracket or mounting holes that you can use to screw the bracket to a suitable location in the vehicle and then mount the inverter on the bracket.
When mounting the inverter, make sure that the inverter's connection wiring doesn't interfere with the driver and that it doesn't obscure any safety equipment or gauges. Whichever mounting method you choose, ensure that there is sufficient ventilation space around the inverter to prevent overheating and to ensure that the inverter operates properly.
How many watts does a car cigarette lighter use?
The output voltage of a car cigarette lighter socket is typically 12 volts DC, but the actual power output may vary depending on the vehicle and its electrical system.
It is important to note that the power of the equipment that can be plugged into a car cigarette lighter socket is limited by the fuse rating of the socket. Typically, car cigarette lighter sockets have a fuse rating of around 12-15 amps, which means that the maximum power output is around 150-180 watts. Therefore, most vehicles can easily handle 150 watts or less.
When using a device that draws power from the vehicle's electrical system via the cigarette lighter socket, such as an inverter, it is important to ensure that the total power consumption of the connected devices does not exceed the maximum power output supported by the socket to avoid blowing a fuse or damaging the vehicle's electrical system.
What can't be plugged into the inverter?
The cigarette lighter Inverter can only convert a small amount of DC voltage to AC voltage. Therefore, connecting a high-power, high-voltage device (such as a toaster or refrigerator) could result in damage to the device and the inverter.
Second, avoid using anything sensitive to surges. For some sophisticated electronic devices, such as medical equipment, computers, etc., using the inverter to supply power may produce unstable currents that can cause damage to the device. Any inrush current can burn out the circuitry of these items. It is always a good idea to read the manufacturer's guidelines when connecting anything to your inverter. That way, you can be sure that your cigarette lighter Inverter will operate without interruption or failure.
Can the inverter be left on all the time?
When an inverter is plugged into a car, it will drain the battery whether the car is on or off. Of course, it discharges very slowly, and most inverters have a standby mode for backup power. However, if it is plugged in for extended periods, it will drain the battery and shorten its life.
