I picked up a 750W inverter several years ago and it doesn't work worth a crap. Won't run a small shopvac or even a small electric griddle.

Any input on what I should look for?

11/17/2011 12:03:15 PM

740w isn't shit... its less than 7 amps

this would be your problem

my wife's hair dryer is 1600watts.

i would recommend that your next one be 1600watts or more unless its just for a laptop or a phone charger.

11/17/2011 12:18:42 PM

You should look for the fucking specs on what devices you are plugging into an inverter. Of course it won't run a shop vac or a foreman grill.

11/17/2011 12:19:11 PM

^^thanks.

I'm not well versed in electrical work, obviously. I just asked the guy if would power 'x' and he said yes. Apparently, he too, was ill-informed.

11/17/2011 12:26:23 PM

yes, anything worth powering's going to be above 1000W, in general.


basically what foo1 and primer said... bear in mind this type of inverter will necessitate dedicated ppwer lines to the battery

11/17/2011 1:03:17 PM

yeh, the vacuum (which I figured would pull the most power) didn't have a label on it; should have looked it up online, but I was hopeful that the store I was purchasing it from would be knowledge enough.

^dedicated, as in permanently installed? no inverters powerful enough with alligator clips to connect to the battery?

11/17/2011 1:12:49 PM

for the price of a quality sinewave inverter, you're better off getting a tiny HF generator for like $100 or one of those battery packs with the inverter built in

11/17/2011 1:25:08 PM

Quote :

"^dedicated, as in permanently installed? no inverters powerful enough with alligator clips to connect to the battery? "

either, really....spose it depends on the model

11/17/2011 2:43:08 PM

What we are really telling you is get shit made to run on dc power because most ac only appliances have larger power demands then you want connected to your cars electrical system for any sustained period.

11/17/2011 4:34:05 PM

...although i think a 5hp generator and a drop cord would be the ultimate solution




-or a really long drop cord to connect to the nearest outlet

11/18/2011 8:14:07 AM

Any good inverter will hook directly to the battery with short cables the diameter of climbing rope. Anything less won't cut it at 12V.

11/18/2011 4:24:55 PM