![]() Make sure the devices you want to use don’t need more power than the inverter can provide. Output capacityĪs mentioned before, the output capacity of an inverter is usually stated with a “W” symbol in the product description. The inverter’s rating can be confirmed by going through the device’s product description before purchase. You’ll need an inverter with the same rating. You can confirm these ratings by going through your car’s handbook or consulting a mechanic. Make sure it has all the output sockets you need and check if it is compatible with your car’s DC outlet. When buying a car power inverter, the first thing you want to check is its compatibility. What to Look for When Shopping for Car Power Inverters Compatibility Most car power inverters have a power rating between 150W to 500W, with some heavy-duty options even having ratings as high as 3000W and beyond. This number represents how much power the inverter can supply continuously. You will also see most inverters have a number with “W” in their product description, such as 300W. You can then use this alternating current output from the inverter to run low-power consumption devices or charge your phone. Your car’s outlet outputs direct current, which is why you need an inverter to turn it into an alternating current. Explaining the Terms Related to Car Power Inverters AC/DCĪC refers to alternating current, and DC refers to direct current. ![]() See how the most popular models fared in our ratings, and check our generator buying guide to compare portable power stations to other types of generators.A low-quality power inverter can destroy your electronics, so to save you from such a fate, here is our guide to buying a safe-to-use and high-quality inverter for your vehicle. We also judge noise output and found that, as a category, these batteries run quietly: All the models we tested earned an Excellent score for noise.īelow, our experts share some pros and cons on using portable power stations. For power delivery, or how well a model can maintain voltage when tasked with different loads, we use a variety of devices, including a 1⁄2-horsepower submersible pump and a 10,000-BTU air conditioners. The best model in our tests powered the fridge for 44 hours on one charge (the worst only managed for 13 hours). We also hook each battery up to a side-by-side refrigerator to see how long it lasts. To test runtime, we run a constant 300-watt load to simulate powering a TV and a few lights. In our labs, CR test engineers evaluate five key measures to rate portable power stations: runtime, power delivery, power quality, ease of use, and noise. Some companies, like Goal Zero, market these portable power stations as perfect for apartment preparedness during storms (as opposed to single-family homes with a yard that can accommodate a generator). We see models from brands, including Goal Zero, Humless, K2, and Kohler in our portable power station ratings. You can't just use another gallon of gas." "But, if these power stations go dead and you're unable to use your solar panels, you can't recharge them. ![]() "These generators have no fumes and all of the models we tested made virtually no noise," says test engineer Dave Trezza, who oversees generator testing at Consumer Reports. And the units often come with portable solar panels, to add more charging capabilities and extend runtime. With a host of different outlets (standard 120v outlets, USB ports, and DC chargers), you can use the station to charge electronics, too. They have enough capacity to power a few small appliances for a short time. When duty calls, you can safely run a portable power station inside, since it doesn't generate any emissions. ![]()
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