An inverter is a device that converts power from a 12-volt DC battery, like the one in your car or truck, into the 120-volt AC current that powers all of the electronics in your home. You can use one of these devices to power all of the devices in your car, but it's important to first determine how big of an inverter you need.
What size inverter do I need? – How to choose the right inverter size | Accelerate Auto Electrics
Before purchasing and installing an inverter, it is essential to determine what your power needs will be. It is also important to avoid overloading your electrical system, which is a particular concern in automotive applications. When installing an inverter in a car or truck, the amount of power available is limited by the capabilities of the electrical system, which—barring the installation of a performance alternator—is pretty much fixed.
To properly estimate your power needs, you’ll need to look at all of the appliances you plan to connect to your new inverter. If you only need to run one appliance at a time, that’s all you need to consider. The situation gets more complicated as you add more appliances, but it’s still a relatively simple calculation.
The right inverter for your specific application depends on how much wattage your devices require. This information is usually printed somewhere on electronic devices, although it can also display voltage and amperage ratings instead.
