![]() Example: a 100W light bulb in a lamp, operating on your inverter, will draw about 9.25 amps from your batteries. For an inverter, operating at 90% efficiency, the conversion can be represented thus: AC watts /12 volts X 1.11=DC amps. For those of you who must have the math, here it is: WATTS=VOLTS X AMPS, SO AMPS=WATTS/VOLTS. It’s easier to calculate that way and errs on the side of safety. For inverters rated at 90% efficiency, the number is closer to 9.25 amps per 100 watts, but for ease of calculation, just assume that 10 amps of DC power will produce 100 watts of AC power. Put simply, for every 100 watts of AC power that your inverter is producing, it needs to draw about 10 amps from your 12-volt battery system. What we need to do first is figure out how many DC amps the inverter will draw when it is making that AC power for your appliances. Inverters are great for smaller electrical loads, but it’s difficult to operate large electrical loads (air conditioners and major appliances) with an inverter. AC wattage ratings are available from 100 watts up to 4,000 watts or more. ![]() Inverters range from simple portable units that plug into a cigarette lighter to larger, hard-wired units that are permanently installed. This will allow you to operate many of your appliances and accessories that require AC power without the noise and cost of operating a generator. The Purpose of RV InvertersĪn inverter is an electronic device that converts 12V DC power to a reasonable simulation of 120V AC power. When only running smaller loads, like a TV and a phone charger or two, it will still consume up to one-half gallon per hour. Unfortunately, generators are also noisy, require maintenance, and can burn through quite a bit of fuel.Ī typical RV generator will consume one gallon (or more) per hour when running a big load, such as an air conditioner. In an RV, a generator can provide power to run small electrical devices and chargers, charge your house batteries, run air conditioners and large appliances and keep your TV and satellite dish going. Purpose of RV GeneratorsĪ generator converts the energy in a fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane) into electricity. That means you’ll need either a generator, or an inverter or both. Your house batteries will provide 12V power for lights, fans and appliance controls, but if you want to run AC appliances or devices, you’ll need to manufacture your own 120- volt AC power. When you’re boondocking far away from electrical hookups, you’ll be operating your RV on its 12V battery system. ![]()
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