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Thread: DC to AC power inverter question

  1. #1
    Destined to be a child molester! Jpdst29's Avatar
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    DC to AC power inverter question

    i wanted to get a dc to ac power inverter to plug into the cigarette lighter of my jeep so i can run electric tools on it, mainly a small shop vac for when i clean out the jeep...does anybody have one model in particular that they would suggest. i would like it to be rather small and not to bulky and cumbersome. would i have to order it online or can i find one at home depot, advance auto, napa, etc...?

    thanks
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    Moderator of the DeeDeeDees! Bill's Avatar
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    The first thing you are going to need to do is find out the specs on the electrical items you want to use. That will determine what size inverter you need.
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  3. #3
    Destined to be a child molester! Jpdst29's Avatar
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    the shop vac is 120v, 60hz, and 5.75a

    does this help?
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    Moderator of the DeeDeeDees! Bill's Avatar
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  5. #5
    Go Big Or Go Homo! jeepxj3's Avatar
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    I have one under the seat of my Jeep, typically use it to power the laptop on long trips.

    Look on the unit itself, it tells you what kind of power specs it can support. Can never hurt to buy one that supports more than what your needs are.

    I believe I have a 250 watt converter by Vector, I bought it from Best Buy a while back. I will have to go look.
    Last edited by jeepxj3; 05-13-2007 at 01:58 PM.
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    I have grease stains on the knees of my dockers Muzikman's Avatar
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    The only reason it will hurt to go with a larger unit than you need is that it generates that much power, even if you don't use it. Meaning, a larger unit will not run as long if you should need it with the engine off.

    I have a 250W that is over 10 years old.
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  7. #7
    Less posting, more wheeling!
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    i have a 1000 watt power inverter for sale, with all the cables (power and remote turn on) and a inline fuse...

    has 3 or 4 outlets... worked when i took it out of an escape? will to sell for 100 bucks obo

    i'll get the name and model tonight

  8. #8
    PghOffRoad Forum Addict!
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    Watts = Volts x Amps

    Your shop vac is 690 watts (120x5.75) when being used on 120v circuit. I would think this is how they inverter people base it on the wattage it normally draws.

    I'm not sure of what is the deal with inverters, but with fuses, you usually only want to use 80% of the rating max (i.e. 16 amps for a 20 amp breaker).

    That being said, you are going to need a big inverter like a 1000 watt deal.

    I know there are some specific vaccums that just plug into your cig lighter from the get go, but they arent nearly as *sucking* as the big shop vac.

  9. #9
    "Has anyone ever mistaken the chicken outside for a crab?" JeepGeneral's Avatar
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    Cigarette lighters in Jeeps are prone to blowing out...or atleast constantly blowing fuses. I hardwired mine to the battery with a big in-line fuse and it has worked flawlessly for me. Go that route...mine had disconnects on the unit itself so I could leave the wires under the dash and plug the inverter in when needed.

  10. #10
    Premium Supporting Member OverkillZJ's Avatar
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    Mel's got it, you won't find one big enough for you that runs off of the cigarette lighter.

    A bigger one will draw MORE power than a small one when it isn't used, but it will not draw 100% of what it'd draw under more load. Overall the bigger one's aren't as efficient, and keep in mind it's a modified waveform, there's some electronics that won't even work on it, but most common things will.

  11. #11
    The common DC to AC power inverter is DC 12v to AC 110v. Power inverter is necessary to car travelers. In the travelling period, we need to charge camera, phone and laptop. A simple bestek 300w power inverter can meet all charger requirements. Or we can compare different brand power inverter on Google to decide which one is best for us.

  12. #12
    Noob! Desert_Runner's Avatar
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    Like most have said here, I run a 400W that plugs into the cigarette lighter for laptop and phone. I also have an 800W that is directly wired to a second battery, I use it for running the air pump that inflates my air mattress, and a drill motor for odd jobs around the camp site.

    Jay

  13. #13
    If you just want to charge cellphones, tablets, and small vac, you can get a 300W to 600W power inverter. I have a portable bestek 300W power inverter. The inverter is compact but also has two AC outlets and USB ports to allow me to charge multiple devices at the same time. If you said you also want to use drill motor and other high powered appliances, then I think you should a 1000W or higher power inverter. Not sure 800W power inverter is OK for you. But don't use high power appliances that way in car. That is not good for your car battery.

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    PghOffRoad Forum Addict!
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    This thread is from 2007... but hey thanks for the info!

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    www.RalphsOffRoad.com RalphDogg's Avatar
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    Its an old post but what a molester avatar. Is she 18 yet?

  16. #16
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    It's always great to learn new things. This is definitely informative.

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