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--- electrical:inverter [2024/04/05 21:24]
frater_secessus [special case: tiny loads]
+++ electrical:inverter [2024/04/20 22:18] (current)
frater_secessus [efficiency]
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 It is **more efficient to use DC power directly** whenever possible. In particular it is more efficient than running a laptop of phone charger off an inverter.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Here-s-one-for-you-inverter-lovers))
-AC-only items will require an inverter.  [[electrical:12v:wallwart|Devices that run off a "wall wart" adapter]] almost never require an inverter.
+Note:  **only AC loads will require an inverter**.  [[electrical:12v:wallwart|Devices that run off a "wall wart" adapter]] that output DC almost never require an inverter.  Things that charge off USB (phones, fans, tablets, etc)  can use a [[https://amzn.to/3JmopvO|12v-to-USB port]]. Laptops often have car chargers that run off 12v ([[https://amzn.to/3Wax1Nw|example]]).  Search for "[specific make/model] car charger"
 ===== efficiency =====
@@ Line 16: / Line 18: @@
 Inverting from DC to your local shore power spec will necessarily incur losses.  These might be 10-30%, depending on the inverter, the inverter's efficiency spec, etc.  In the absence of hard information you might use 20% losses as a rule of thumb.  This means it will require 20% more power to run your load than the rating spec.
-w * 0.8 efficiency = 60w demanded from the system
+w / 0.8 efficiency = 60w demanded from the system
@@ Line 99: / Line 101: @@
-For ~120w loads you can use [[https://amzn.to/4cMWwdW|a small inverter intended for the cigarette lighter port]].  They are typically fused at 10A, hence the wattage limit (12v x 10A = 120w).((technically you could use any size inverter as long as you remembered not to draw >10A))
+For ~120w loads you can use [[https://amzn.to/4cMWwdW|a small inverter]] intended to be powered by the [[electrical:12v:ports#the_cigarette_outlet|cigarette lighter port]].  The ports are typically fused at 10A, hence the ~120w wattage limit (12v x 10A = 120w).((technically you could use any size inverter as long as you remembered not to draw >10A))
-Note:  Ciggy ports are already delicate so having an inverter that sticks out of the socket will cause poor connections and often failure of the inverter or socket.  To avoid stressing the socket you can use an inverter with a built in power cord (as pictured above).  If you already own [[https://amzn.to/4aLoUuT|one designed to hang out of the socket]] consider using [[https://amzn.to/3UgnTWF|a soft wire extension]] that will allow you to relocate the inverter.
+Note:  Ciggy ports are already prone to failure and poor connections.  An inverter that hangs out of the socket will make matters worse.  To avoid stressing the socket you can use an inverter with a built in power cord (as pictured above).  If you already own [[https://amzn.to/4aLoUuT|one designed to live in the  socket]]((don't buy this!)) consider using [[https://amzn.to/3UgnTWF|a soft wire extension]] that will allow you to relocate the inverter.
 In any case, find out what kind of fuse your ciggy port uses and have some on hand.  Mistakes are easy to make and easy to fix (if you have the spare fuse waiting).

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