Power Inverters and How They Work

One of the most asked questions is "How do Power Inverters work?"

This question does not have an easy answer. Power inverters are complex pieces of electrical hardware that provide a method of changing or inverting 12 volts to 120 volts. There are other Power Inverter voltage ranges like 24 Volt input and 240 Volt Output. The ones we will discuss in this article will be 12 volt power inverters.

Power Inverters transform battery supplied power known as direct current (DC) in to a oscillating type of electricity known as Alternating Current (AC). AC current is the kind of power that is found in most house. 12 volt power inverters are used to make the same type of power made from generators and utility companies. AC power is required to run most devices in and around the home today.

Power inverters not only provide the transformation of one power type to another, but modern 12 volt power inverters are also constantly improved to provide higher levels of efficiency and stability. A good power inverter has under and over voltage protection and also low battery alarms.

Modified Sine Wave Inverters or Square Sine wave inverters are the most common. These power inverters tend to work for most applications except some laser printers, fax machines, oxygen concentrators and other very sensitive equipment. I personally run my TV, VCR, DVD, and computer from a modified sine wave power inverter. I can also run my inkjet printer, but I cannot not run my color laser printer.

Pure Sine Wave Power Inverters provide utility Grade Power or sometimes better than utility grade power. These inverters can power any device within it’s power range. Most RV power inverters and marine power inverters sold today are true sine wave. These customers are more concerned about being able to run anything than the higher price tag. I have seen several RV used as mobile offices and high end equipment used on marine vessels.

To answer the question "How do Power Inverters work?” I will have to say I really don’t know. I only know that they do, and that is what is important.

Check out our wide selection of 12 volt power inverters

12 Volt Power Inverters