How to Install an Inverter in a Car That Fits Your Needs

How to install an inverter in a car is a little difficult but has many uses. Although how to install an inverter in a car is quite difficult, the location to install it can be anywhere.


As long as it doesn't interfere with your accessibility when driving, then the placement must be adjusted


But before discussing how to install an inverter in a car, maybe some of you don't understand about car inverters.


So in order not to go too far into discussing how to install an inverter in a car, it's best to get acquainted with the inverter first.


Inverters are devices or gadgets that take 12V DC input and provide 110v, or 220v in many countries, AC output.


In simple terms, an inverter takes available electricity from the cigarette lighter or accessory socket in your car.


Then the electricity is converted into the type of electricity available from the electrical outlets in your home. Inverters are useful for taking devices that would normally only be used at home, and using them on the road.


The utility provided by a good power inverter is very useful for those of you who spend a lot of time in the car. Then, a car power inverter can also be a lifesaver on long trips, camping, and many other circumstances.


Although it has a very useful role, unfortunately the inverter has its limitations.


The amount of power that an inverter can provide is limited by the design of the inverter itself and the method you use to connect it to the car's electrical system.


Some appliances, such as refrigerators, use a large amount of electricity when they are first turned on.


Then also when used intermittently during usage it can be problematic if the inverter is not big enough to handle surges.


How to Install an Inverter in a Car


How to install an inverter in a car if you are curious there are several steps. In perfecting how to install an inverter in your car, you need at least 3 steps to install it.


This is how to install a power inverter in your car. In how to install an inverter in this car, there are also things you need to pay attention to. This is how to install an inverter in a car


  1. Before installing the inverter in your car, you must meet the power requirements of portable devices. The inverter you choose should be able to supply enough power for all the devices you want to plug in at once.
  2. Then in installing the inverter in the car must also determine its location. Although the location can be anywhere, make sure the installation of the inverter in the car must also be considered for accessibility to connect devices.
  3. Also think about how you will relate it to the power and the base. Then whether when installing the inverter in the car, the heat generated will be channeled properly or interfere with other devices in the car.
  4. You can plug the inverter in a small car into a cigarette lighter holder or accessory socket. Then for a larger inverter must be connected directly to the battery with a large in-line fuse. You have to learn how to attach an inverter to a car battery for that.

Types of Inverters


Here are some types of inverters that you can consider when you want to buy them


1. Portable Inverter


If you want to use AC voltage for purposes such as charging cellphones, laptops, etc., then you need a car inverter. But you also have to understand how to install a DC inverter to AC in a car for that.


Unfortunately, this inverter has a drawback, namely the output capacity is small, not more than 200W.


The reason is, the power is taken from the car battery, so if the power is taken simultaneously or a lot, the battery will be damaged quickly.


Also, these inverters are usually only square waves or modified square waves, nothing is pure sine wave.


2. Solar Inverter


Solar Inverters are commonly used to convert DC voltage from solar panels or batteries/batteries into AC voltage. Some Solar Inverters are also equipped with a battery charger, to charge the battery at the same time.


The technology for charging the battery on the inverter, on average, is included in the MPPT category. You can also install it with AC voltage, of course you have to understand first how to install a dc inverter to ac in a car.


3. Ups


UPS is a combination of rectifier and inverter and stabilizer. Rectifier is a device that converts AC voltage to DC and Inverter is a device that converts DC voltage to AC.


While the rectifier is useful for charging the voltage to the battery, and the inverter is useful for discharging the battery voltage to the PLN voltage.


Then, the stabilizer is useful for stabilizing the voltage on the rectifier, so that the battery can be filled at the optimum voltage.


4. Variable Speed Drives


Variable Speed ​​Drive is also a combination of a rectifier and an inverter, but is not equipped with a battery. The purpose of converting AC to DC voltage is to digitize the DC voltage waveform.


This is so that the frequency can be adjusted and once regulated, it is converted back into AC voltage to drive induction-type electrical devices, such as electric motors, etc.


With a change in frequency, the rotational speed of the electric motor rotor can change in a straight ratio.


How to Install an Inverter in a Car: Devices That Can Use an Inverter


To install an inverter in a car, now you have to distinguish the amount of power needed. Because if the power is small, it can be plugged into the lighter socket, but if the power is large, it must go directly to the battery.


For that you have to understand how to install a power inverter in a car and also how to install an inverter to a car battery.


First consider the power required, because that will determine the size of your inverter, installation method, and installation location.


To be more clear in choosing the device and the required power. So here are the rough power requirements of some of the devices that can be installed in the car.


  • Portable heater: 1,500 watts
  • Standard hair dryer: 1,500 watts
  • Small fridge: 100 watts (500 watts at startup)
  • 17-inch laptop: 90 watts (less for smaller models)
  • Cast iron plate: 1,500 watts (1,100 for circular burner model)

How to Determine the Inverter Power as Needed


1. Power Requirements of Portable Devices


To estimate the inverter size according to your car's power capability, there are general rules. This is to multiply the number of amperes, volts and watts. The formula is V x A = W


For example, have you ever embed a video game device such as a Playstation or Xbox. In total, one Playstation or Xbox has 4A of power at 110V. then the calculation is 110V x 4A = 440W.


From these results it can be seen that you need an inverter that provides at least 440W.


However, it's important to note that you should also find one that can deliver a continuous 440W as opposed to peak 440W.


If necessary, provide an inverter with a larger amount of power, get ready if you also want to tune other gadgets or devices while playing Playstation or Xbox.


2. Output Alternator and Power Inverter


To help the performance of the inverter, sometimes an alternator is also needed. Most alternators are capable of draining more watts than stock electronics consume, and these devices can usually handle additional electronics such as amplifiers.


However, the amount of output issued varies from one brand and model to another. Therefore, if you run a lot of equipment that drains power from your inverter. Then you need to install a high performance alternator.


If your car is large, such as a truck or van, it would be better if you give a special room for additional batteries.


This is also an alternator too, because when you turn on the inverter when the engine is off, the backup battery is used.


So that the main battery of the car can remain durable, and does not interfere with the car's electricity. You can keep going and not be bothered by the amount of power you have in your car.


3. How to Connect to the Onboard Network


To determine the appropriate inverter, first determine the amount of power to be used.


If you plan to use energy-intensive devices, the car inverter must have sufficient power (more than 300 W) and be connected directly to the car battery. So also think about special cables with clips.


As for those of you who want to use devices with low power, and the current can be alternating. Then it is enough to buy an inverter that is only equipped with a plug for connecting to the lighter.


4. Size and Appearance


No less important of course the appearance, size and design of the inverter itself. Appearance and design may be an attempt to make the car more aesthetic with a cool look and inverter design.


However, size must be an option, because the size of the inverter affects its placement in the car later. You have to optimize the interior space of the passenger compartment, to choose a more compact automotive inverter model.


Car Inverter Location


If you already understand how to install a car inverter. Now next is to understand the first step in installing a car power inverter.


After knowing the ins and outs of how to install a DC inverter to AC in a car, now put the inverter so it doesn't interfere with accessibility.


Where is a good location to put an inverter, here are some recommendations


  • Luggage
  • Under the chair
  • In the drawer
  • Mounted to the floorboard
  • Placed under the dashboard

The placement of the inverter must also take into account the potential installation location, it is important to think about both where the power input will be coming from and how easy it will be to connect the devices later.


As a suggestion, if you want to run electronic devices in the main cabin of the car, then the inverter installation should be near the air conditioner. So it is also necessary to understand how to install a DC inverter to AC in a car.


Then, also think about the heat dissipation. Inverters usually come with a built-in fan, and many of them are actually designed as large heatsinks.


If your inverter has a fan, then you must find a suitable installation location and make sure the air flow is not blocked.


How to Install an Inverter in a Safe Car


The inverter is closely related to the electrical components in the car. So it is important for you to choose an inverter that is safe for your device, including the passengers in the car.


For that, you must pay attention to the safety requirements in an inverter. Here are some things you need to pay attention to to choose a safe inverter.


  • The car inverter must be legal and certified: substandard current transducers can cause a short circuit in the on-board network and, as a result, cause the car to catch fire.
  • Do not plug the device into a network that damages the housing, connectors, or cables.
  • Around the inverter need to provide free air circulation
  • It is important to protect the device from water ingress, flammable substances, direct sunlight, and strong heat sources.

Tips from Auto Insurance Agencies! Inverters are devices or gadgets that take 12V DC input and provide 110v, or 220v in many countries, AC output.


In simple terms, an inverter takes available electricity from the cigarette lighter or accessory socket in your car.


Then the electricity is converted into the type of electricity available from the electrical outlets in your home. Inverters are useful for taking devices that would normally only be used at home, and using them on the road.


The utility provided by a good power inverter is very useful for those of you who spend a lot of time in the car. Then, a car power inverter can also be a lifesaver on long trips, camping, and many other circumstances.


Although it has a very useful role, unfortunately the inverter has its limitations.


The amount of power an inverter can provide is limited by the design of the inverter itself and the method you use to connect it to the car's electrical system.


How to install an inverter in a car is a little difficult, however, the location to install it can be anywhere. Don't forget to always protect your favorite car with the best car insurance. Choose the car insurance that suits your needs.


Learn How to Install Inverter in Car and Protect Your Car


The cost of repairing and maintaining a car is certainly not cheap. Don't let the cost of repairing your favorite car actually burden your expenses.


Take advantage of all-risk car insurance so that you don't have to worry about repair shop bills because you will be guaranteed from the cost of repairing light and heavy damage, and even getting compensation for losses due to theft.


Calculate yourself the premium range with the following Auto Insurance Agencies Calculator.


Then choose the right car insurance, with the help of the Auto Insurance Agencies Car Insurance Quiz below


If necessary, additional protection such as health insurance to protect against the risk of expensive hospital treatment costs in the midst of the current virus outbreak is also very necessary.


Also buy a life insurance policy that will protect you and your family from financial burdens when the insured dies. You can get all the best insurance products at Auto Insurance Agencies, save up to 25% more!


Updated on: 2022-02-21T15:45:00Z

Published on: 2022-02-21 03:45:00