The choice of high-efficiency inverter depends entirely on the type of equipment you want to operate. It depends on the number of devices you want to operate at the same time. The basic purpose of the inverter is to convert DC power to AC, because all equipment is based on AC. This article will teach you how to choose a high-quality truck power inverter.With the help of a basic inverter, you can power up electrical equipment without any type of short circuit and overload. Even experienced truck drivers will encounter difficulties in choosing the ideal inverter that meets their requirements. The inverter is an integrated electronic modular device that can power equipment that normally requires 100 VAC / 120 VAC / 220 VAC / 230 VAC / 240VAC mains electricity (when not using a generator). If you want to disconnect from the grid, but still want to watch TV or charge your mobile phone, it is very convenient to have an inverter.
The size and power of the inverter that the truck needs to install
When purchasing and installing an inverter, you should first understand how large the truck is installed, and you need to figure out where to place it and how to connect it. Each inverter has its own instructions, which will guide you through all important steps to ensure proper connection. How the truck driver will use the inverter and which appliances need to be powered. The truck power inverter converts the DC power of the truck battery into AC power to operate tools and equipment. Then add up the power of all the electrical appliances used, and increase it by 20% to ensure safety. Completing this measure will allow you to choose the appropriate inverter.
Determine the power type of the truck power inverter (sine wave or modified sine wave) according to the electronic equipment used
If most of the electronic products used are sensitive equipment, then the sine wave inverter is the first choice because the power of the sine wave is consistent with the power and voltage of household electricity, so there will be no spikes or voltage peaks, pure sine The smoother power provided by the wave power inverter can reduce computer failures, which is safer for sensitive equipment. If the sensitive settings are used relatively little, then the modified sine wave can be selected, which can greatly reduce the cost output.
Most power inverters have two standard AC sockets for plugging in various electronic devices. Other models also provide an additional AC power outlet, usually also provides USB port(150W car power inverter with 4 fast USB charger PI-150), so that you can charge all the equipment you need.
Peak power and continuous power
The inverter is rated by "peak value" and "continuous output". "Peak" is always a higher number, which means power in a relatively short time, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes (depending on brand and model). Some devices consume some additional power when they are first started. If you want to power such devices, those inverters with higher peak ratings will handle these loads better. Continuous output is several hours at a time. Choose an inverter with sufficient rated continuous power to meet your normal power requirements.
ETL with UL or UL458 rating
UL458 is a list of inverters and chargers in mobile applications. They must meet the strict vibration, environmental and thermal requirements not found in non-UL458 equipment. TMC's RP163 lists the UL list of all inverters and chargers installed in all trucks. This is checked and approved by an independent agency that can prevent power problems.
Those inverters that have been tested have a longer service life than those of manufacturers that do not spend time and money to ensure quality. The service life of a high-quality inverter should far exceed the warranty period.
The difference between high-quality inverters and low-end inverters is how they handle downtime. A high-quality inverter is designed to turn off the power without causing adverse effects. Low-end inverters will "wear" after multiple overloads.
Regarding the power inverter, the most urgent need to understand is current, AC stands for alternating current, DC stands for direct current, and household electricity is powered by alternating current, but the battery generally provides direct current. This is also the reason why trucks sometimes need to be installed with inverters, which can better meet our needs.
Inverter and APU
Adding an inverter to the truck electrical system will reduce the use time of the diesel auxiliary power supply unit (assuming that the APU does not yet have shore power compatibility), which can reduce maintenance costs and extend the service life of the APU. With this setting, the only time the APU needs to start is whether the battery power has dropped. After the battery is charged, the APU can be turned off again, which means that the cost of the inverter can be quickly recovered.
The durability of truck inverter
If you need a power inverter that can withstand various challenges, look for durable equipment with features such as aluminum housing. Many inverters also have additional protection functions to prevent overvoltage or equipment overload.
Automatic cooling fan
The operation of the inverter power tube will only start when the temperature rises to the set temperature. It will automatically stop after the temperature is lowered. The cooling fan is the maximum demand for each power inverter to maintain cooling during the entire operation period. It can perform better Heat dissipation.
Correct wiring method
The wiring must ensure that the mains and inverter power supplies cannot supply power to the same outlet at the same time. Otherwise, it may cause serious damage or even fire, so please do not rely on your own memory judgment or manual switching to prevent this situation. Automatic transfer switches are used to transfer power from the mains to the inverter.
1) Set the converter switch to the OFF position, and then insert the cigar head into the cigarette lighter socket in the car to ensure that it is in place and has good contact;
2) Make sure that the power of all appliances is below the G-ICE nominal power, insert the 220V plug of the appliance directly into the 220V socket at the end of the converter, and ensure that the sum of the power of all connected appliances in the two sockets is in G-ICE Within ICE nominal power;
3) Turn on the switch of the converter, the green indicator light is on, indicating that the work is normal.
4) The red indicator light is on, indicating that the converter is turned off due to overvoltage/Undervoltage/overload/over temperature.
5) In many cases, due to the limited output of the car cigarette lighter socket, the converter alarms or shuts down during normal use. At this time, as long as the vehicle is started or the power consumption is reduced, it can return to normal.
When you look for an inverter for RV or enough for trucks, you usually think that you will need to run some larger equipment. In these cases, you will not need to find an adapter for the cigarette lighter.
At the more portable end, you can find some models with alligator clips to the car battery terminals. These will enable you to open the hood, connect the inverter, and start running. Of course, you will still limit how long this feature will last.
Another option is to add some permanence. You can get inverters that are hard-wired to the battery, and these inverters are usually installed somewhere in the vehicle. If it is a truck, it may be next to the bed, providing some extra power for the lift or other tools.
For RVs, you can easily access them to power TVs or fans near the vehicle when parking. Sometimes, in these larger vehicles, you will connect a 24-volt battery or a series of batteries to provide you with more power, so it takes longer to run the vehicle's engine.
1) The electrical power reaches the peak value when the appliance is started. Although the converter can withstand the peak power of twice the nominal power, the peak power of some appliances that meet the requirements may exceed the peak output power of the converter, causing overload protection, and the current is Shut down. This may happen when multiple appliances are driven at the same time. At this time, the appliance switch should be turned off, the converter switch should be turned on, then the appliance switches should be turned on one by one, and the appliance with the highest peak should be turned on first.
2) During use, the battery voltage starts to drop. When the voltage at the DC input of the converter drops to 10.4-11V, the alarm sounds a peak sound. At this time, the computer or other sensitive electrical appliances should be turned off in time. If the alarm sound is ignored, the conversion The device will automatically shut down when the voltage reaches 9.7-10.3V, so as to avoid excessive discharge of the battery. After the power protection is turned off, the red indicator light is on;
3) The vehicle should be started in time, and the battery should be charged to prevent the power consumption from deteriorating, which will affect the start of the car and the life of the battery;
4) Although the converter has no overvoltage protection function, the input voltage exceeds 16V, it may still damage the converter;
5) After continuous use, the surface temperature of the shell will rise to 60 ℃, pay attention to the smooth airflow, and objects that are easily affected by high temperature should be away.
6) Do not use the inverter to directly charge nickel-cadmium batteries through electrical appliances. Always use the charger provided with the device.
7) If the charger carries a warning, indicating that dangerous voltage exists on the battery terminals, do not insert the battery charger of the cordless power tool.
8) Some fluorescent lamps may not be fully compatible with the inverter. If the bulb looks too bright, flickers, or fails to ignite, please do not use it with the inverter.
9) When the inverter is used for power supply, some fans with synchronous motors may slightly increase the speed (RPM) and the noise will increase much more than usual.
The power provided by the inverter cannot exceed the power of the battery, which requires the cooperation of the battery, otherwise it is easy to run down the battery. Generally, the time that a car's battery can supply power is limited, so you should decide the time to use it according to the actual power consumption. The battery's power consumption should not exceed 90%. Once exceeded, it will shorten the battery's service life. To extend the deadline, you can also add a larger battery, connect multiple batteries, and finally run the engine, which can also charge your battery.
The normal 220V-240V mains voltage is lethal. Improper use of the power inverter will cause property damage and personal injury. For important safety precautions, please read the instructions in the manual carefully.
Place the inverter horizontally or vertically on a reasonably flat surface. Unsteady placement will increase the degree of danger and reduce the efficiency of the inverter, thereby affecting the life of the inverter.
The inverter should not be installed in the engine compartment. Due to possible water, oil, acid contamination, overheating under the bonnet, and gasoline fumes, occasional sparks may occur with the inverter, which may cause potential hazards. It is best to run the battery cable to a dry, cool, normal environment installation location to extend the life of the inverter.
Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. If you, the inverter, running equipment, or any other surface that may come into contact with any power source are wet, do not operate the inverter. Water and many other liquids may generate sparks and even cause serious injury.
Avoid placing the inverter near heating vents, radiators, or other heat sources. Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. The ideal operating temperature is between 10° and 30°C.
To properly dissipate the generated heat while the inverter is running, maintain good ventilation. In use, maintain a few inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter for heat dissipation.
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials.
Do not install an inverter in an unventilated battery room/battery pack, and maintain a good ventilation environment for heat dissipation.