Inverter Guide - How to choose the correct product

Inverter GuideSoft start inverters are better suited to devices with motors. They can
handle the initial surge required to start the motor moving. Always choose an
inverter with a higher power rating than the appliance that you want to use, as
some energy is lost, typically 10%, by the inverter itself.
There are two power ratings on an inverter, continuous and peak. Beware of
sellers who quote only peak values. You should choose an inverter by its
continuous output or power.
Inverters up to 150 watts can be plugged into a car cigar lighter. 300W
inverters are supplied with cigar lighter (for use with appliances up to 200W,
and battery leads for use with appliances over 200W. Larger inverters are
supplied with battery leads only.
Consider the size of inverters, and the weight. Our range is compact in size,
but higher power ones can be quite heavy.
Our range of inverters are all fitted with one or more standard UK square pin
sockets. We also sell travel adapters to convert to European twin plugs.
The table below gives a general indication of power consumption. As a rule of
thumb, appliance that produces heat (e.g. a kettle) heat will use lots of power.
Anything with a motor will use a fair amount of power. Consumer electronics
generally use very little power. It is always best to look at the appliance
rating plate. We sell both 12 and 24 volt inverters. Cars have 12V batteries,
many commercial vehicles have 24V batteries.
An inverter will consume battery power. Using an appliance that takes 120W is
the same as leaving your car headlights on. You can calculate how long you can
run an appliance for on a battery by looking at the battery rating. A 50 ampere
hour battery will deliver 50 amps for 1 hour. At 12 volts, that is 600W for 1
hour (12volts x 50amps=600watts). Therefore it will power one tenth of the power (for example a 60 watt portable TV) for
ten times as long, i.e. 10 hours. However in reality you will not drain the battery completely, so you
will probably get about 8 hours usage. Batteries also get less efficient as they
get older, so you should take this into account. If you use the inverter sensibly with the car engine running, it should be OK.
Domestic Appliances
Electric clock 4W
Clock radio 5W
Worklight 100W
Blender 350W
Food processor 400W
Electric blanket 400W
Portable vacuum cleaner 525W
Dishwasher - cool dry 700W
Hair curler 750W
Microwave - 600W to 900W
Clothes washer (vertical) 900W
Vacuum cleaner 900W
Coffeemaker 1200W
2-slice toaster 1200W
Electric iron 1200W
Small hob 1250W
Dishwasher - hot dry 1450W
Hair dryer 1500W