DO many of you use 12v to 240v inverters? Is this the best way to use a 240v item like a laptop or small tv if you dont have hook-up?
Inverters - comments please
- Thread starter Richard_374343961
- Start date
Hello Richard,
I do use inverters for a number of applications, and whilst they can be a godsend, in some cases they can be difficult.
Most of the cheaper unit on the market produce what is called a modified sine wave output. This is good for efficiency and is fine for resistive loads like lamps, but some more sophisticated items of equipment are not so tolerant and may perform poorly, make unusual noises or refuse to work altogether.
You can get pure sine wave inverters, but these are more expensive, and tend to be less efficient.
From a practical point of view, 300W inverters are about the biggest you should consider in a caravan, anything bigger will draw very heavy currents from the battery and of course it will discharge the battery quite quickly. 150W units are more typical and will run most laptops and tv's.
As you draw more energy from the battery its terminal voltage will fall. when it reaches about 10.5 to 11V most inverters will stop working, many will produce a audible alarm to warn you when they have turned off.
A few tips - Keep the use of the inverter to a minimum as for every amp of 230V power you need the inverter will pull about 20Amps from the battery, Keep the 12V leads as short as possible between the battery and the inverter. If possible connect it directly to the battery. always use quality clamps to avoid over heating due to poor contacts (avoid cigarette lighter sockets)
Don't rely on the caravans internal 12V wiring to carry the current for the inverter as voltage drops in the wiring will impair its performance. It is better to have a longer 230V lead or extension than long 12V wires.
Some items of 230V equipment have inductive loads (like transformer inputs and fluorescent lights). These can make Inverters run quite inefficiently and hot. They can cause some inverters to stop working. They will also use more power than the stated rating and can be quite noisy.
For longer periods of use, or with bigger loads consider connecting the inverter to the car battery, and running the engine to keep the battery topped up.
I do use inverters for a number of applications, and whilst they can be a godsend, in some cases they can be difficult.
Most of the cheaper unit on the market produce what is called a modified sine wave output. This is good for efficiency and is fine for resistive loads like lamps, but some more sophisticated items of equipment are not so tolerant and may perform poorly, make unusual noises or refuse to work altogether.
You can get pure sine wave inverters, but these are more expensive, and tend to be less efficient.
From a practical point of view, 300W inverters are about the biggest you should consider in a caravan, anything bigger will draw very heavy currents from the battery and of course it will discharge the battery quite quickly. 150W units are more typical and will run most laptops and tv's.
As you draw more energy from the battery its terminal voltage will fall. when it reaches about 10.5 to 11V most inverters will stop working, many will produce a audible alarm to warn you when they have turned off.
A few tips - Keep the use of the inverter to a minimum as for every amp of 230V power you need the inverter will pull about 20Amps from the battery, Keep the 12V leads as short as possible between the battery and the inverter. If possible connect it directly to the battery. always use quality clamps to avoid over heating due to poor contacts (avoid cigarette lighter sockets)
Don't rely on the caravans internal 12V wiring to carry the current for the inverter as voltage drops in the wiring will impair its performance. It is better to have a longer 230V lead or extension than long 12V wires.
Some items of 230V equipment have inductive loads (like transformer inputs and fluorescent lights). These can make Inverters run quite inefficiently and hot. They can cause some inverters to stop working. They will also use more power than the stated rating and can be quite noisy.
For longer periods of use, or with bigger loads consider connecting the inverter to the car battery, and running the engine to keep the battery topped up.
Hmmmmm... I may have to rethink on this one!
Many thanks for the detailed and very helpful answer. I intend using my laptop as the TV with a USB TV receiver but was wondering how to keep it going if I didnt have mains power.
Many thanks for the detailed and very helpful answer. I intend using my laptop as the TV with a USB TV receiver but was wondering how to keep it going if I didnt have mains power.
For you laptop you would be better buying a 12V input laptop power supply. they can be expensive but can be seen for a reasonable price on e bay. I think they were about
Further to Chris's comment, do check that the unit you look at is rated to match or exceed your standard laptop power supply.
I purchased one from Aldi, and even though it was matched to my laptop, it has over heated and started to melt its casing.
I suggest you look for a proper branded version, (Maplin have one in thier catalog) and make sure it is well ventilated.
I purchased one from Aldi, and even though it was matched to my laptop, it has over heated and started to melt its casing.
I suggest you look for a proper branded version, (Maplin have one in thier catalog) and make sure it is well ventilated.
I've been using one of the Maplin 12v computer supplies for the past three years both in my caravan and boat(I was lucky and found one in their bargain bin for
Just checked my laptop and it takes a 18.5 input which rules out most universal 12v adaptors I would think! Typical!!
The Maplin unit can be switched to 18v or 19v which is as near as dammit to 18.5. I doubt very much that the charging circuit would notice if you ran it at 18v
Can I have your address in case of a claim? 
(Kidding)
So if you're sure that it won't make a difference I might just get one of those then. First trip is fully serviced so I'll see how the laptop behaves as a TV first!
(Kidding)So if you're sure that it won't make a difference I might just get one of those then. First trip is fully serviced so I'll see how the laptop behaves as a TV first!
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