Car inverter 12/220V allows you to connect various equipment (for example, laptops) to the machine. The best voltage converters They are compact in size and are connected to the battery or on-board power supply of the car through the cigarette lighter socket or socket in the passenger compartment. When using, the load power must be taken into account.
If the parameter is exceeded, the insulation may melt and the vehicle may catch fire.
Main selection criteria
It is impossible to identify the best model, but there are several principles for choosing an inverter. Here they are:
- The power of the inverter should not be higher than the power of the generator so that it does not damage the car battery.
- Determine which devices will consume energy from the inverter, since they all require different power.
- Find out whether the device has a protection system that, in the event of a breakdown, will prevent fire not only of the inverter, but also of the car itself.
- Understand which additional options the driver needs and which ones he doesn’t.
Thus, there are 4 main criteria that a car owner should use when choosing an inverter.
Approximate cost
The basic version of the device on Chinese trading platforms costs from 600 rubles. (excluding postage rates). Sellers provide a limited warranty, but the quality of such converters is poor, and the characteristics often do not correspond to the declared parameters.
In Russian stores, equipment can be purchased at a price of 920 rubles. for portable models, versions with improved capabilities and a convector for cooling will cost from 1.1 thousand rubles. Professional equipment has a price of up to 38 thousand rubles. (for example, MAP "Energy" 900).
The best manufacturers
The best and most powerful car inverters are from 1000 to 2000 W, they will allow you to connect a kettle, drill and other tools. Inverters with low power will only be able to charge household items that require a load of up to 100W.
An important criterion when choosing an inverter is a protection system that automatically turns off the device in the event of a short circuit or overload. If it is missing, the device may burn out.
Inverters from the best manufacturers can operate in 3 modes. Starting - the maximum power required for items that consume large amounts of electricity. Standard provide the operation of standard items that must work stably and for a long time. Overload is a condition of the inverter in which it can produce 1.5 times the permissible energy.
Wester MSW1300 – from RUB 5,990.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Power | 1300 W |
| Peak power | 2600 W |
| Output waveform | approximated sinusoid |
| Input voltage | 24 V |
| Output voltage | 220 V |
| Efficiency | 85% |
An inverter that produces 1300 watts is excellent in terms of power, but it is not suitable for everyone. The minimum input voltage is 21V, which is sometimes a minus, but extremely rarely. For connection, the manufacturer includes battery clips in the kit.
It has slightly less protection than the previous one. There are places for mounting, and all the power goes out to a couple of sockets + one USB port.
People often buy it because you get good performance, stable operation and several ports for your money. Webster handles most everyday electrical appliances well.
Design and principle of operation
Power from a DC source (12 or 24 V battery) is supplied to a pulse-type step-up transformer, characterized by reduced size and weight. By switching electronic switches (field-effect transistors controlled by a microprocessor), a high-frequency signal is generated, which is supplied to the rectifier and stabilizer.
The electronic inverter provides polarity switching at a frequency of 50 Hz, generating a sinusoidal alternating voltage suitable for powering household equipment.
Car inverter circuit.
How to make a 12/220 converter with your own hands
A conventional pulse converter has a very simple circuit. Most of the required parts are soldered from the old power supply. True, the output voltage of 220 Volts will be far from sinusoidal and does not correspond to a frequency of 50 Hz. This means that it will not be possible to connect electronics or instruments directly. But there is a solution: installing a rectifier with smoothing capacitors at the output.
The main part of the circuit in the photo is the TL494 PWM controller. The frequency is set by capacitor C2 and resistor R1. Their denominations may differ from those presented.
This homemade inverter is capable of delivering more than 300 watts of power, with proper installation. A ready-made store-bought inverter, assembled according to a similar scheme, would cost about 3-4 thousand rubles.
The other circuit is old, assembled using domestic elements, but produces a voltage of 220 Volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. The generator here is a dual D-trigger, which is an analogue of the foreign CD4013 microcircuit. If necessary, replacement can be made without changes to the circuit. This circuit has many disadvantages: rapid overheating, the mandatory use of a powerful steel core, non-sinusoidal output, noise during operation.
It is possible to do without an adapter if you need to use a drill or other tools. Instead, a gasoline generator is installed - fed from the engine. This device can even charge a dead battery - a handy thing!
Types of car inverters
Power supplies for cars are usually divided into categories:
- by the quality of the output signal amplitude;
- according to the permissible load power;
- according to the territorial location of the manufacturer.
Sine wave
Converters can generate several types of voltage curve:
- Pure sine wave without graph deviations. Designed to connect any consumers. The disadvantage of the equipment is the increased price, since complex electronic circuitry is required to obtain a uniform curve.
- Modified or approximated (has a stepped nature). The equipment is not suitable for connecting asynchronous motors or electronics. Deviations of the curve cause background noise and increased heating of the engines with a simultaneous decrease in efficiency and service life.
By power
Before choosing a converter, you should determine the load power. Manufacturers indicate the peak and nominal values, which differ by 1.5-2 times. The normal parameter allows you to determine the power over a long time (for example, an output of 1000 W allows you to connect a variety of electric tools). It is recommended to purchase an inverter with a reserve of at least 20% of the rated power.
The peak value determines the permissible load at the time of startup of the connected devices.
By country of origin
Most of the inverters were manufactured in China, some of the products were assembled in Russia using Chinese components (transformers, electronic components or housing parts). This practice is the norm. When selecting, you need to pay attention to the technical parameters and analyze customer reviews.
Question answer
Can I use a long cord to connect to the car's wiring?
An extended cable should not be used as it will result in partial loss of power.
How to choose a switching cable?
The cross-section of the conductors must correspond to the load, and the insulator must not be destroyed by temperature changes and bending
.
Is it allowed to use adapters to connect to the battery?
Additional elements should not be used due to the risk of overheating and ignition of the insulating layer.
Choosing a quality inverter
For greater clarity, we will analyze several models of inverters visually. We take three devices of different power:
- Power 220 - 300 W, costing 1600 rubles.
- Power 600 W, price 1540 rubles.
- Power 2000 W cost 8280 rubles.
The first type is attached to the cigarette lighter, but only under light loads. Directly connecting to the battery will be much more reliable; first you should start the engine. When starting the engine, the converter must be turned off, otherwise it may burn out.
When checking the second option, it turns out that instead of the indicated 220v or 220 V, the output is 196 Volts. A 600 Watt inverter is 200v, but a 2 kW inverter showed exactly 220v. Thus, powerful automotive inverters up to 2 kW reduce the service life of the battery and generator, and are also expensive. Cheap inverters are very weak, so you should opt for optimal models with a voltage of at least 220 V.
Helpful tips when choosing
When choosing a high-quality and reliable 12-220 V voltage converter, you must consider the following recommendations:
- Carefully study the car inverter, its operating principle, power supply methods and technical characteristics.
- The model must have a built-in function of protection against short circuits and possible overloads.
- Some models are equipped with a sound alert. It is triggered when the battery voltage decreases.
- When choosing this device, decide what devices you will connect. In this case, the output power is important.
- All converters consume current depending on the parameters of the connected devices. In this case, the load power should be approximately 15% more, and the result is divided by the converter supply voltage, that is, 12v.
Most popular models
In the modern world, there are a huge number of different models of car inverters, which differ in type, power supply and power. Low-power converters include converters with a power of up to 300 W. They are used to charge smartphones or laptops. This type of car inverter is connected to the cigarette lighter socket.
The average power car inverter is designed for voltages from 300 W to 1000 W. These devices are connected to the battery using terminals. Below we present several popular models of this class, among which you can choose the most suitable one.
What is important to know?
In the marking of any converter there is a number that indicates the maximum possible power that the device is capable of providing. The case is often made of durable aluminum alloy, which provides excellent heat conductivity and promotes good cooling to avoid possible overheating. In addition, if the model is designed for high power, the manufacturer installs fans that promote efficient cooling.
Depending on the model purchased, converters may be equipped with additional functions that are designed to protect equipment from various overloads or reverse polarity. There are also options that have good short circuit protection, which can be useful in some cases. However, this is not the only way the representatives differ; on the shelves there are inverters that differ:
- Signal shape;
- Maximum power value;
- Connection method;
- Auxiliary functions.
To better make your choice, it is important to understand what each parameter means.
Difference in output waveform
Often there are models with a modified and pure sinus. This is an important characteristic for any converter. It must be taken into account if equipment that requires a certain value of this parameter is connected to the device in order to eliminate unforeseen circumstances during operation. For example, when connecting noise-sensitive medical equipment or measuring instruments, electric motors, compressors and similar devices, then the presence of a pure sine wave at the output is a mandatory requirement. Otherwise, a person will receive a small efficiency value, which will affect the quality of the signal and may negatively affect the operation of the product.
In another case, when incandescent lamps, laptops, telephones, heating elements or TVs are connected, pure sine does not play a special role, which allows you to buy a simpler inverter. Most often, this option is in great demand among ordinary drivers; its cost is 2-3 times lower than the previous design, which is an additional advantage.
Selection by output power
This parameter is important to calculate, since any electrical device requires a specific power value to operate. The recommended value depends entirely on the user and the devices he plans to use. Only on this basis is this or that option purchased.
Devices that consume constant power
Such products are characterized by a constant value of power consumption. The main feature of such products is the absence of a large starting current, which does not interrupt the nominal parameter upon first start-up. When connecting such elements, it is important for a person to remember that the power consumption should not exceed the output value of the inverter. If this is not observed, there is a risk of the converter breaking down or the connected device simply will not function.
This parameter is important to consider if a person plans to use the product for a long period (one hour or more). If you connect devices that have a high indicator, then there is a high probability that the converter will overheat and the protection will trip. Such products are usually classified as:
- Household equipment: incandescent lamps, electric kettles, modern televisions, radios, etc.
- Office equipment: laptops, printing devices, personal computers, etc.
- Charger for smartphones or cameras;
- Electrical tools.
Devices that consume maximum power only when first started
Such products are characterized by a high inrush current when first turned on. Power consumption reaches the nominal value only when a person first starts or operates the device under high loads. In normal mode or when operating with minimal load, the user will experience low power consumption. Most often, such devices include elements operating on a commutator motor:
- Mixers, small vacuum cleaners, some models of old printers and similar household appliances.
- Electric tools: jigsaws, spray guns, angle grinders, drills, etc.
It is important to understand that often when using such equipment, situations may arise where the rated power becomes higher. This occurs due to the extreme loads that affect the device at a particular moment. For example, a drill bit or jigsaw gets stuck in a workpiece. Therefore, when operating such instruments, it is important to monitor the power consumption and listen to how the instrument operates so that you can determine when it is experiencing difficulties. Here it is best to buy inverters that have a high margin of this value; this is the only way to achieve stable operation and increase their service life.
Products that consume 2 times the specified value
Such devices include various devices operating on an asynchronous motor. For example, pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. The devices produce high inrush currents when first started, and then consume power that is 2 times the set value. Manufacturers indicate on such products only the useful value, which is calculated without taking into account large losses.
In order for the devices to function normally and not break down overnight, you need to buy a converter that has a double reserve. For example, if a product consumes 500 W, then it is best to purchase an inverter with a reserve of 1 kW. The same characteristic applies to a microwave oven; it consumes twice as much energy as the converter, which is important to consider when purchasing.
Devices that do not have stable consumption
Using such products when connected to a car inverter can be dangerous, since a person will never guess what value the equipment is consuming at a particular moment. These items often include portable welders or outdated refrigerator-freezers. During operation, the maximum value can reach 100 W, but in some periods it reaches 1500 W, and in some cases 2 kW or more. A person will only dream of stable operation, and the fuses will break most often; over time, the inverter will completely fail and will not turn on again.
Difference between devices by connection method
There are three known options for connecting the converter to the vehicle’s on-board network:
- Through the cigarette lighter socket;
- Via a special socket;
- Connection to battery.
If it is convenient for a person to use the first two options, then it is enough to connect a special plug to the connector and the inverter will start working. In the third option, alligator clips act as a connecting element. However, some manufacturing companies complete products with combined options so that it is convenient for a person to use the converter. Since the maximum power consumption depends on the connection method.
Even if the inverter has a permissible power of 1000 W, if it is connected through the cigarette lighter, the load on it should be minimal. It is best if devices with a value of 150 W or less are used. This limitation was not invented on purpose, since automotive wiring is not very durable. A careless attitude will lead to a fire, as all the wires in the car will burn out and the socket will melt. Therefore, such rules cannot be neglected.
Some foreign cars have a special socket into which the converter is connected. It immediately indicates the voltage and maximum power, which allows you to operate the product without the risk of malfunction. It will be easier for the user to navigate the permissible power range.
However, there are times when a person needs all the power of the converter, and not part of its capabilities, then the connection is made using clamps. The crocodiles are connected directly to the battery and guarantee the user reliable operation anywhere. It is important to know that connecting such clips to the cigarette lighter is prohibited and will cause the inverter to malfunction, and worst of all, damage the car.
Special abilities
Some manufacturers create inverters that have a number of additional functions and can provide the owner with a variety of functionality; for example, the most common are converters that have:
- LED indicators notifying the user when the voltage is overheating;
- Built-in flashlight for working in dark areas;
- Air purifier. This device is able to create a favorable atmosphere, killing all harmful microbes and bacteria, and also cleanse the car interior from the strong smell of tobacco;
- On powerful products, a forced cooling system is installed;
- For convenient control there is a remote control;
- The presence of USB connectors and several regular sockets.
Rating of the TOP 7 best car inverters from 12 to 220V
In the material below you will learn reviews and functions of the best models. In our opinion, the TOP 7 inverters look like this:
- AVS IN-2000W.
- AIRLINE API-1000-06.
- AIRLINE API-150-01.
- WESTER MSW250.
- STURM AW98A03.
- MEANWELL A301‑150‑F3.
- MAP "Energy" 900.
Let's look at it in the article below.
AVS IN-2000W
from 6,550 to 6,950 rub.
7th place 4.1/5
This model is the best automotive inverter for powering tools with power up to 2 kW. The device is made in an aluminum case, it promotes natural temperature relief. The built-in cooler helps keep the product cool. The case is equipped with mounting holes, thanks to which the device can be installed as convenient as possible during continuous use in the car. The device also provides high current strength up to 1 A.
| USB | Yes |
| Power | 2000 W |
| Size | 26x14x5 cm |
- there is short circuit protection (sensor);
- manufacturer's warranty (5 years);
- the device has a built-in parameter monitoring system (if a strong deviation occurs, a sound signal sounds and warns the owner);
- One socket is built in, a double is needed, it can power several electrical appliances.
The power of the converter corresponds to the declared one, despite the low cost. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles (in the form of an electronic voltmeter), there are two sets of wires - to the 12 V power source and directly to the battery with alligator clips.
Autoinverter AVS
AIRLINE API-1000-06
from 3,950 to 5,320 rubles.
6th place 4.2/5
It is the best model designed for trucks with a 12V network. Outputs 1000 W AC. To maintain durability and warmth, the body is made of metal. The set includes two screw-on clips with black and red designations. The unit does not create sudden loads, but begins work with a soft start.
| USB | present |
| Power | 1000 W |
| Compactness | 38x25x15 cm |
- built-in fan (cools the system);
- there is a European socket;
- the inverter operates without changes, even strong temperature changes from -20 to +45 degrees will not damage the device.
- short wires (65 cm).
An excellent inverter, small and convenient, produces electricity according to the specifications, quickly charged the phone and laptop on the road, without fear of a possible surge in electricity. When a car requires a real 220V outlet, the inverter will become an indispensable addition. I recommend!
Autoinverter AIRLINE
AIRLINE API-150-01
from 1,189 to 1,600 rubles.
5th place 4.3/5
This car inverter is quite famous among car enthusiasts. The two main wires are small and connect directly to the cigarette lighter. It's very convenient that you don't have to open the hood and put clamps on the battery. All actions take place inside the car. Modern devices include a main outlet and an additional separate USB connector.
| USB | present |
| Force | 150 W |
| Dimensions | 27x5x17 cm |
- built-in protection against overload and heating;
- capable of delivering 300 W at peak;
- combined type socket (it is possible to include plugs of standard and rare shapes).
- You cannot turn on equipment more powerful than 150 W.
It works at low temperatures, stated up to -25 degrees, tried it at -14 outside the car. Half the power of 75 W pulls calmly, I didn’t load it any further. Without a load, there is not 0.4 amperes, but 0.6, and until you give it a load, the voltage will be 214 Volts. It is better to connect the load already when the green readiness indicator on it lights up, because interference comes first. It's better not to take risks.
Autoinverter AIRLINE
WESTER MSW250
from 1,728 to 1,839 rubles.
4th place 4.4/5
This device provides you with a stable power of 250 W and a peak power of 500 W at the same time; it is connected to the cigarette lighter, does not require stopping along the way and connecting to the battery terminals. The body is made of black metal with the ability to be mounted on the inside wall of a car. A wire with a plug is attached to it, then everything is attached to the cigarette lighter. Unplugging devices does not make the dashboard socket any heavier.
| USB | Yes |
| Force | 500 W |
| Dimensions | 18x10x6 cm |
- there is a fuse against short circuits;
- light weight (600 g);
- indicator indicating readiness for work.
- not detected.
I purchased the device and have never regretted it. Thanks to its small dimensions, it is very convenient to use. There is an indicator, it indicates readiness for work, after some time it turns off to avoid overheating. He does his job with a bang.
Autoinverter WESTER
STURM AW98A03
from 2,328 to 2,599 rub.
3rd place 4.6/5
The converter guarantees a constant transmission of alternating electrical current to the machine. The durable casing reliably protects all internal ligaments from mechanical stress. The built-in protection sensor turns off the load when the current output is high. It is not recommended to connect fancy electrical appliances, because the type of input signal is an uninterruptible power supply.
| USB | present |
| Power | 300 W |
| Size | 19x10x5 cm |
- expanded equipment (wires to the battery like crocodile type and wires to the cigarette lighter);
- overheat protection sensor;
- built-in fan (cools the system).
- not detected.
I purchased the converter six months ago. Using the device is easy and simple, control is expressed in one button. It is equipped with protection against overheating, overvoltage and short circuit. Satisfied with the work, an indispensable assistant on the road.
Autoinverter STURM
MEANWELL A301‑150‑F3
from 2000 to 3000 rub.
2nd place 4.8/5
The presented company specializes in current converters. The appearance of this representative is simple at first glance: the metal cylinder is equipped with a socket, electrical appliances are connected to it, and there is also a cord connected to the cigarette lighter. Among other things, the device notifies the owner with a signal and automatically turns off when the battery charge is below the permissible limit. Equipped with a sensor against overheating, polarity reversal and overvoltage.
| USB | No |
| Power | 1300 W |
| Dimensions | 16x9x7 cm |
- minimum weight (800 g);
- signal indicating low battery charge;
- metal body.
- not detected.
A worthy kid, he has been working for two years. A necessary alarm system, that is, when the battery is discharged, it starts to squeak, you manage to recharge it in time. You can easily charge your phone or laptop on the go. I'm happy with the model and have no intention of changing it. I recommend!
Autoinverter MEANWELL
Energy AutoLine 1200 – from RUB 7,500.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Power | 1000 W |
| Peak power | 1200 W |
| Output waveform | approximated sinusoid |
| Input voltage | 12 V |
| Output voltage | 220 V |
| Efficiency | 92% |
A rather expensive device, although not the best in terms of characteristics. Power is 1000 W, which it really holds, but again not the maximum. On the plus side, there are 2 sockets, but there is no separate USB port, which is not such a strong minus. Still, it is better to have an additional 220V outlet.
All standard protections have been added, plus protection against full discharge, which is extremely useful. In general, it is not recommended to discharge any batteries to zero.
Based on experience, you should not connect non-standard crocodiles, since the inverter immediately goes into protection against high power. Indeed, 1 kilowatt is difficult for a device, although 1 watt is a plus – protection.
Top 5 best car inverters
Airline API-1500-10
★ High power Country: Russia (manufactured in China) Average price: 6500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6 If you need a really powerful car inverter, you should consider the Airline API-1500-10 model. Its average output power is 1500 W, which allows you to connect not only small electronics, but also quite large equipment - car refrigerators, power tools. The model also saves during a power outage in a private home or country house. The efficiency of the inverter reaches 90%. The connectors are standard – USB and 220 W socket.
The model provides all the necessary protection - from short circuit, overload, overheating, low and high voltage. Users are satisfied with everything - workmanship, power, performance, uninterrupted operation. No serious complaints were found regarding the device. Therefore, the only obvious disadvantage is the very high cost of the device compared to other automotive inverters.
RUCELF SBL-120
★ Stylish design, affordable price Country: Russia (made in China) Average price: 817 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7 Unlike most voltage converters, this car inverter has the best, stylish design. The advantages of the model are its very compact size, ease of use, and the possibility of stationary mounting in the car. It connects only to the cigarette lighter and is intended for charging phones, laptops, and turning on other small electronics. It will not handle more serious electrical appliances due to the low output power of 120 W.
The manufacturer provides good protection - against overheating, power surges, overload, as well as cooling. The device operates quietly and has standard output connectors - USB and socket. Some buyers are completely satisfied with the device, others complain about quick breakdowns after just a few days of use, which suggests a large number of factory defects. I would also like to see the power of the device higher, but for such a price it is difficult to find more productive options.
Ritmix RPI-4002
★ Compact and quiet operation Country: Russia (manufactured in China) Average price: 2800 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8 This car inverter can operate either from the cigarette lighter or directly from the battery. With an output power of 400 W, it can be used to charge a wide variety of electronic devices and connect various electrical appliances. The most common outputs are provided - Euro socket and USB. The output signal is a modified sinusoid. The manufacturer provides for the safety of using the device - it has protection against overload, low and high voltage, overheating, and short circuit.
When connected to a cigarette lighter, the power consumption of devices should not exceed 250 W. According to users, the inverter is not bad - it is not noisy, quite powerful, compact, has a successful, pleasant design, and copes with its purpose quite well. But you shouldn’t rely on its reliability; for most buyers it breaks down within the first year of use.
TITAN HW-600E6
★ Best protection Country: Russia (manufactured in China) Average price: 3990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9 The TITAN portable inverter is equipped with multi-level protection - against short circuit, overload, overvoltage and undervoltage, overheating, battery polarity. When the battery is low or disconnected, an audible alarm sounds. The output power of the car inverter is 600 W. The universal voltage converter from 12 to 220 V has a metal case, a standard socket and one USB port.
This car inverter connects via the cigarette lighter or battery terminals, ideal for charging laptops, mobile phones, powering other electronic devices. Users choose it because of its reliability, safety of use and high performance.
AVS IN-1000W
★ The most popular model Country: Russia (manufactured in China) Average price: 3500 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0 A powerful inverter with a standard socket and one USB port will ensure uninterrupted voltage conversion from 12 to 220 V. The peak power of the device reaches 2000 W (average 1000 W), active cooling is provided to prevent overheating. Useful functions include protection against overvoltage, full discharge, short circuit, and reverse polarity. The inverter is connected via the cigarette lighter or using alligator clips.
Judging by the reviews, this inverter is really very powerful. It helps some residents of private houses in cases of power outages. He easily copes with the work of a well pump, pulls an angle grinder and a hammer drill. It is also convenient to be able to connect inside the car via the cigarette lighter and directly to the compressor. In general, this model can be called one of the most popular.
Instructions for installing the device in a car
Experienced motorists are advised not to use standard wires if the voltage converter from 12 to 220 is connected to the battery. In addition, they often do not reach and are short. It is better to run separate cords on the driver's side directly from the battery, leading them into the hole under the mounting block. The cables should not be thick, otherwise they will not pass through.
A thick copper cable, considered as a more reliable option, is routed along the right side of the car. Such a wire will make it possible to connect powerful inverters with a power of up to 10 Amps. For example, on a VAZ 2111 car, the cable can be inserted into the hole for the glass washer hose, although you will have to remove the frill. On other car models you also need to look for convenient options.
There should be 2 wires coming from the battery - positive and ground. It is not recommended to take a minus from the body, as it is considered an unreliable conductor. Power cables must have ferrules and be crimped. The sockets should be brought into the cabin between the front and rear seats. A regular extension cord with several sockets, which is easily secured to the back of the chair with self-tapping screws, is quite suitable.
An under-seat inverter is a good option, but it can be placed almost anywhere that moisture does not penetrate. It is attached using two soft metal strips or plywood, screwed with self-tapping screws. If dimensions allow, you can install it in the glove compartment. Some people put it in the trunk.
We must not forget that some car adapters can absorb current when turned off. Therefore, it is recommended to install a separate battery in the car specifically for the converter.
Popular models
Of the variety of inverters, consumers prefer the following models:
STURM AW98A03
The rated power of the device is 240 W. Shutdown occurs when the load exceeds 360 W (30 A). Equipped with a durable housing and protection against overheating, overvoltage and short circuit. Easy to use, controlled with one button. Produces a modified sine wave. Cost – about 2500 rubles.
MAP "ENERGY" 900
Power – 900 W (shutdown occurs when reaching 1300 W). Equipped with a digital display and a wide range of different settings and functions. Can be used as a charger for a car battery. Average cost – 28,000 rubles.
TBS POWERSINE PS600-12
A device with a remote control, active cooling and high efficiency (92%). The body is made of steel. Load – up to 500 W. Pure sine wave. Protection against too high and too low input voltage. Cost – about 26,000 rubles.
MEANWELL 12/220V 1500W
Can be powered by a cigarette lighter, battery or solar panels. It features high power and small dimensions. Costs about 7,000 rubles. Produces a pure sine wave.
RITMIX RPI-6010 CHARGER
Combines the functions of a rectifier, a charger for a car battery and an autonomous power source. Costs about 5000 rubles.
MOBILEN SP-150
Power – 150 W. The output is equipped with a USB connector and a regular socket. There is overload protection. Plugs into the cigarette lighter. Cost – about 1000 rubles.
LUXEON IPS-2000S
Power – up to 1 kW. Pure sine wave. High level of protection. Efficiency – 90%. Maintainability. Cost – from 8000 rub.
STIHL PS12/300
Power – 300 W. Pure sine wave. Connects to battery or cigarette lighter. Average cost – 7500 rubles.
Comparison table of characteristics
The table below shows the main parameters of the equipment of popular models.
| Model | Continuous power, W | Weight, kg |
| AVS IN-2000W | 1000 | 0,9 |
| Airline API-1000-06 | 1000 | 2,5 |
| Wester MSW250 | 250 | 0,7 |
| Airline API-150-01 | 150 | 0,2 |
| Acmepower 12/220V | 1000 | 5,8 |
| Defort DCI-150C | 150 | 0,41 |
| TBS Powersine PS600-12 | 500 | 6,2 |
| Mobilen SP-150 | 150 | 0,56 |
| Ritmix RPI-6024 | 600 | 0,98 |
| Calm PS12/300 | 300 | 1,35 |
| Luxeon IPS-2000s | 1000 | 2,2 |
| Sturm AW98A03 | 300 | 0,56 |
| Meanwell A301‑150‑F3 | 150 | 0,5 |
| MAP "Energy" 900 | 900 | 12,0 |
How to choose a suitable car inverter
To figure out how to choose a car inverter, you need to understand that the main characteristic of this device is the voltage power, which can be equal to the following indicators:
- 150 W
- 300 W
- 220v
That is, these are indicators of the final power into which the autoinverter converts the voltage reserves available in the car battery. The differences in such indicators can only be clarified by giving examples of equipment that can be connected in various cases. Below is a table that shows in detail at what inverter voltage power levels it will be possible to connect a particular device:
| Power | Possible connections |
| 150 W | Tablet, laptop, cell phone, simple electric razor, screwdriver |
| 300 W | TV, portable DVD, soldering iron, pump, stereo amplifier, electric planer, jigsaw |
| 500 W | An auto-inverter capable of converting the voltage to 220v, 500 W makes it possible to connect a Personal Computer, Portable Vacuum Cleaner, Electric Drill, Spray Gun, Hammer Drill, Grinder |
From this table it becomes clear that it is better to immediately choose the optimal option that has the maximum capabilities. Regardless of future voltage requirements, it is best to always have some power reserves for unexpected situations.
It is also worth noting that a higher power auto-inverter, that is, 300 W, requires a professional approach to use and is rarely in demand among ordinary car owners.
Airline API-750-04 – from RUB 3,700.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Power | 750 W |
| Peak power | 1500 W |
| Output waveform | approximated sinusoid |
| Input voltage | 12 V |
| Output voltage | 220 V |
| Efficiency | 90% |
The model produces 750 W and is connected only through crocodiles to the battery. You can connect devices that are a little more powerful, but the ports are also a simple set – a socket and USB. The manufacturer has added all the necessary protection and active cooling.
From experience, the inverter works reliably without interruptions if you use 80-90% of its declared power. At peak it can handle up to 1500 W, but it is better not to supply that much power.
What other indicators play an important role when choosing
In addition to voltage power indicators, autoinverters have other characteristic features:
The presence of various connectors and inputs, and USB ports, this can be important for the modern driver. The notification function when the battery is approaching full discharge can also be very convenient. The function of protecting the 220V auto-inverter from such troubles as:
- Voltage drops
- Overheating
- Short circuit
- Polarity changes
When choosing a car inverter, you need to pay attention to its external indicators, that is, its design. For many car owners, this indicator plays a decisive role, especially for women.
Regardless of its design, it must certainly have a cooling fan that controls the entire operation of the device. You should always pay attention to the weight of the device and operating temperature.
The dimensions of the device itself are also important when choosing, since the motorist will have to allocate some space in the car to store it. And the last indicator should be clear and detailed operating instructions for the device, from which the user must obtain all the necessary information.
Temperature protection
When buying a converter, almost every motorist wants to use it both in the cold season and in the hot summer. Therefore, if this parameter is also important for you, be sure to check this point with the seller, or better yet, read the instructions and characteristics of the device. Most often, manufacturers indicate a range from -5 to +40 degrees, but there are also more resistant models or, conversely, inverters that do not tolerate temperature changes well.
In addition, a high-quality inverter will definitely be equipped with a system that protects against:
- incorrect connection of electrical appliances;
- non-compliance with polarity;
- short circuits;
- input voltage too low or high;
- overheating;
- output overloads.
Useful tips
Tips for selecting and installing an inverter power supply:
- When using a converter connected to the vehicle's on-board network, the power consumption should not exceed the output of the generator (taking into account the energy consumption of lighting and ignition systems). Otherwise, the battery will begin to discharge, causing the engine to stop.
- It is recommended to purchase equipment with an aluminum housing that provides heat dissipation. There are devices with active cooling and a steel casing that can withstand increased loads. Converters with such housings are designed for use in harsh conditions.
- When selecting, you should take into account the standard of the socket on the converter. Most devices are equipped with a European-size plug with a grounding contact; there are products with a universal socket.
Installation and connection rules
Basic requirements for proper installation and connection of the device:
- Before connecting to the battery or cigarette lighter, the converter switch should be switched to the “off” position.
- When installing equipment in the cabin or trunk, you must choose a dry and ventilated place ; do not allow hot air from the heating system or radiator to come into contact with the device.
- The housing should not be exposed to sunlight or come into contact with flammable materials.
- Before making connections, check the condition of the cigarette lighter housing and electrical wiring. Do not apply excessive loads or install oversized fuses.
How to connect
So, initially make sure that the device is turned off. Now connect the wires to the inverter. The port is located in the back, and wires, crocs or terminals are almost always included.
Carefully check that the polarity (+ and -) is not reversed and connect the reverse side of the wires to the battery or cigarette lighter. Again, do not reverse the polarity.
Now you can turn on the device and connect electrical appliances.
You should not use various adapters or anything that provides poor contact. In case of problems, the inverter will go into protection, but in some cases, poor contact can cause the car to catch fire.
Refinement of the tool to work in conjunction with the inverter
It often happens that your inverter, according to its declared current, is suitable for the device that you plan to turn on through it, but in reality it constantly turns off due to the high starting current. This is often observed when implementing such a common applied task as turning on a grinder in the field... If your grinder or other tool does not have a button with a dependence of the speed on the degree of pressing, which allows you to start the tool softly, without an inrush of current, a soft start can be done with your own hands. To do this, you will need a universal soft start module, which can be purchased and easily integrated into almost any device in ten minutes. Such a module looks like a tiny box with two wires, and it is plugged into a break in any of the two power wires of an electrical appliance - inside the case or even outside, at the outside! By the way, it can also be built into the inverter itself...
Calculation of battery life of a backup power supply system
Calculating the inverter power will require building a special table. In two columns, enter a list of electrical appliances and their power consumption. It will turn out something like this.
The higher the capacity of the battery or battery system, the longer the connected equipment will work in the absence of a centralized power supply or access to other energy sources.
To calculate the battery life of a voltage inverter you need to know:
- capacity and number of batteries;
- power consumed by the load per hour.
During the calculation process, one should take into account the fact that the maximum power of electrical appliances does not reflect the actual load on the battery. Devices turn on and off. In many cases, the power consumption of the equipment is much lower than the maximum value.
Let's look at an example. In this case, the following are connected to the inverter:
- Electric kettle;
- Class A refrigerator;
- 15 energy saving lamps;
- sliding gate motor and control system;
- boiler with forced burner;
- 4 heating circulation pumps;
- well pump.
We calculate the average hourly energy consumption of devices. We get the following.
| Device | Average hourly consumption |
| Electric kettle 2 kW, boiling water for 6 minutes, i.e. 1/10 of an hour (assuming it was only turned on once during that hour) | 200 W/h |
| A-class refrigerator | 70 W/h |
| Energy-saving lighting lamps (20 W/h each), let’s say 15 lamps are lit in total | 300 W/h |
| Gate 1.5 kW, opening and closing time - 1 minute (2 hours = 1/30 hour) | 50 W/h |
| Boiler with forced burner 100 W/h and 4 heating circulation pumps of 75 W/h each | 400 W/h |
| Well pump 3 kW, turns on 3 times for 2 minutes per hour (6 minutes = 1/10 hour) | 300 W/h |
| Total in total: | 1320 W/h |
Now let's calculate the total capacity of the available batteries. Let’s say there are 12 12-volt batteries in the system (each capacity is 200 amp-hour). We get 12*12*200 = 28800 Watt/h.
We take into account the loss factor. The example considers new batteries. Maximum efficiency – 95%. We get 2800*0.95=27360 W/h.
Now we divide this value by the average hourly load and ultimately get the operating time of the inverter from the battery. 27360/1320 = 20.7 hours. Let's round the result down. It turned out that the battery system resource will be enough for 20 hours of autonomous operation of the connected equipment.
In this example, we looked at a typical (theoretical) calculation. The battery life of devices is affected by many different factors. Among them:
- age and state of charge of batteries;
- ambient temperature;
- actual operating mode of connected equipment;
- and etc.
Luxeon-IPS-1200S
Luxeon-IPS-1200S – provides a stable power supply to almost any tool or household appliance with a voltage from 12 to 600 V. Connects to a car battery and charges while the engine is running.
With such a device, outdoor recreation turns into a fairy tale, and any trip becomes much more enjoyable, not to mention the fact that it is an excellent choice for truckers and anyone who often has to be on the road.
Wester MSW250
If you are looking for which car converter to choose for constant use on the road, the Wester MSW250 is the best option. This compact and lightweight (700 g) inverter is equipped with:
- Active cooler for system cooling.
- Indicator lights and alarms notify you of errors.
- Built-in USB for charging small electronics, including mobile phones, headphones, etc.
Its aluminum body can withstand almost any mechanical load and does not deteriorate after a long period of use. A nice addition is the manufacturer’s warranty - 60 months, which is also an indicator of quality and reliability right from the factory.
