Car inverters are becoming increasingly popular as the demand for electronic devices and appliances increases and the normal 12V power supply is no longer sufficient. Daily devices such as laptops, televisions, fridges, power tools, etc. require AC power, while cars provide DC power. Car inverters solve this problem.
However, many car owners are still concerned about the safety of car inverters. Can inverters damage cars?
Car inverter working principle
The main function of a car inverter is to convert DC power from the car battery to AC power for use in the home. The inverter can be connected to the cigarette lighter socket for lower power requirements. For higher power requirements, it is connected directly to the battery terminals.
The state of the vehicle affects the operation of the inverter. When the car is running, the generator charges the car's battery, which supplies power to the inverter. At this time the inverter does not affect the car. When the engine is off, the car battery has a limited capacity. Continued operation of the inverter will most likely result in a loss of battery power and reduced battery life.
After receiving the DC, the oscillator circuit in the inverter rapidly switches the DC on and off using electronic components such as transistors or MOSFETs to produce a square wave signal. The alternating DC signal is then passed through a transformer. The function of the transformer is to adjust the voltage to the desired level. If the inverter needs to output 110V AC, the transformer will step up the voltage from 12V DC to 110V AC. This process involves two coils: the primary coil receives the DC signal, while the secondary coil outputs the higher voltage AC signal.
Some inverters may require the converted signal to pass through additional circuitry to smooth the waveform. In a modified sine wave inverter, this process may be relatively simple, resulting in an output AC signal that is only a rough approximation of a sine wave. In a pure sine wave inverter, however, the additional components ensure that the output signal is a smooth, continuous sine wave that closely approximates the AC power provided by a household socket.
The final output is a usable AC signal which is then transferred to the output socket of the inverter. This AC power can be used to operate a wide range of electronic devices and appliances that require standard household AC power to function properly.
Are inverters safe for cars?
Car inverters are specially designed devices for cars that have been rigorously tested and certified. Proper use of the car inverter will not cause any damage to the car.
At the same time, a good inverter should have the following features: overload protection, overheating protection, under-voltage protection, overcurrent protection, and high-voltage protection. These features also increase the safety of the inverter. So, as long as you buy and use car inverters that meet the standards, they will be safe and reliable.
How to use the car inverter safely?
Check the power
Check the power requirements of the electronic equipment and make sure the inverter has enough power to handle the load. Overloading the inverter can damage the inverter or connected equipment.
When the car inverter is connected to the cigarette lighter, the battery is essentially unloaded if no other devices are connected. However, as soon as a device is connected, such as a 70W laptop, the battery will take the load. If the car inverter is 85% efficient, the power delivered from the battery to the laptop is equivalent to 83W.
Maintaining ventilation
The vehicle inverter generates a lot of heat during operation, so it is particularly important to keep it ventilated. If the temperature is too high, the vehicle inverter may overheat and burn, which not only affects the vehicle's electrical system, but may also cause a fire, which is a significant safety risk.
Therefore, always ensure that there is sufficient space and ventilation around the vehicle inverter to avoid potential safety problems.
Prevent battery drain
Unplug the vehicle inverter when the vehicle is switched off, as the cigarette lighter does not normally disconnect when the vehicle is switched off. Continued use of the cigarette lighter may drain the battery and prevent the car from starting. It is also advisable not to switch on the air conditioning when the engine is switched off, as it uses a lot of power and can drain the battery in a few minutes. For other electrical appliances, try to minimize their use after the engine has been switched off, as the battery will be in a constant state of discharge and this will reduce battery life.
If an appliance is to be used for an extended period, the engine should be started in neutral for 10-20 minutes to generate power and avoid draining the battery. Most fuses connected to the car cigarette lighter socket have a maximum current rating of no more than 20 amps, which equates to a maximum power of 230 watts. Exceeding the maximum wattage will cause the fuse to blow and may also cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system. It is therefore important to be aware of the power when using electronic devices and it is generally recommended to choose a device of around 150 watts or so, preferably not exceeding 200 watts, to ensure safe use of the car inverter.
Note: The battery is always in a state of charge-consumption-charge-consumption and there is no harm in the car inverter draining a little power.
When should a car inverter not be used?
When the engine stops
Normally the inverter is powered by the car's battery, which is charged by the engine. Therefore, using the inverter when the engine is switched off draws power directly from the battery, which can lead to a discharged battery and ultimately prevent the vehicle from starting.
High power appliances
Avoid high-power appliances such as microwave ovens when using the car inverter. High-power appliances can sometimes drain the battery and damage certain electronic components in your car.
High temperature
When DC power is converted to AC power, the inverter generates heat. This can cause the inverter to overheat, and if the temperature becomes too high, it can cause damage or malfunction. The inverter should be kept at an optimum temperature in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating.
Overload operation
Make sure that the total power of the equipment is less than the ratings of the sockets and inverters, and don't rely on fuses alone. Using electrical equipment over the inverter's rated power may overload the inverter, resulting in equipment damage or fire.
Sensitive equipment
Some electronic equipment requires high power quality, such as medical equipment, precision instruments, etc. The AC power generated by the inverter may have voltage fluctuations or electromagnetic interference. This can cause damage or interference to some sensitive equipment.
Prolonged no-load operation
Running the inverter without load (i.e. with no equipment connected) for a long period can damage the inverter. It is best to switch off the inverter when not in use.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to run an inverter off a car battery?
A: It is safe to use the inverter with the correct car battery, ensuring that the power requirements of the inverter do not exceed the rated capacity of the car battery. Excessive loads can cause the battery to be over-discharged, shortening battery life or damaging the battery. Also, pay attention to ventilation and heat dissipation when operating the inverter. Pay attention to the battery power level when using the inverter with the vehicle switched off to avoid over-discharging the battery and preventing it from starting the car.
The use of car batteries for stable operation of high-power inverters is generally not recommended. Car batteries are designed to start the engine and power the vehicle's electrical system and have limited energy for use in high-power equipment.
Q: Can I install a power inverter in my car?
A: You can simply place the inverter anywhere in your car that is safe and well-ventilated. Typically the inverter is placed in the back of the car. This allows you to plug in any portable device almost anywhere in the cabin without exposing it to the elements.
Conclusion
Automotive inverters are safe, but require proper use and attention to certain factors. Purchase a compliant inverter and follow the manufacturer's installation and use guidelines to ensure safety. By taking care to match the power, connect properly, and avoid prolonged use, you can ensure the safety of your vehicle and equipment.
