A power inverter changes DC current to AC current. Power inverters can be mechanical (e.g. motor), ferroresonant, or solid state. The DC current to be converted is often from a battery and can be used to power electric lights, kitchen appliances, power tools, radios, computers, TVs and more.
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A power inverter is a small, rectangular device that has a trailing wire with a jack that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter on the dashboard of a car. It may also come with cables in order to connect directly to a battery. Power inverters usually draw power from a 12 volt battery or many batteries wired parallel to each other. The two principal types of power inverters are modified sine wave power inverters and pure sine wave inverters. Modified sine wave power inverters are portable, lightweight, and low in cost. They should be considered if the device being powered can handle voltage fluctuations. In comparison, pure sine wave power inverters have cool running motors, are long-lasting, and provide clean power. Laser printers, digital clocks, and medical equipment often require this type of power inverter in order to run correctly.
The use of power inverters presents many benefits. They allow for DVD players, CD players, or laptop computers to be used during transportation, whether for business or personal use. Power inverters are also helpful when camping when no electricity is provided so that toasters or radios may still be used. In case of a power outage, a power inverter can be used by running an extension cord to a car battery and providing power to a radio, lights, or anything else necessary.
