Power Inverters (26 items found)

When driving any distance, it’s prudent to be prepared for sticky situations. Having fully charged phones and other devices means you’ll be ready in an emergency to call for help or find how-to videos on using auto tools to replace a blown fuse or headlight. Keep your devices juiced up with portable power inverters at Ace Hardware.

What Are Power Inverters for Cars?

A car inverter plugs into a modern-day car power socket (formerly the cigarette lighter) to power appliances and devices that aren’t usually used in a vehicle, such as a game system, computer, mini-fridge or coffee pot.

Car power inverters convert the 12-volt direct current, or DC, power from the car battery into 120-volt alternating current, or AC, power. This type of power only works with devices that plug into it with a two- or three-prong cord. Inverters feature outlets that can be used for a wide range of devices.

Power Inverters vs. Power Converters

Power inverters and power converters tackle electrical conversions in opposite ways. Inverters transform the direct current (DC) power stored in batteries, like those in your car, into usable alternating current (AC) power that can run your household appliances.

Power converters are handy for travelers. They change the incoming alternating current (AC) power from a wall outlet, typically at 120V in the US, to a different voltage level. A power converter is helpful when using electronics designed for a different voltage system, like a phone charger from another country.

Peak Power vs. Continuous Power Inverter Outputs

Car power inverters have a wattage rating for continuous power and peak power.

• Continuous power: Continuous power refers to the total watts the device can power for as long as the car battery has juice.
• Peak power: Also known as surge power, peak power is the amount of wattage the power inverter can provide for a short period, such as during startup of a plugged-in device.

Refrigerators and air conditioners, for example, may require more than five times the wattage when they start up than when they’re up and running.

What Wattage is Needed in a Portable Power Inverter?

To choose the best portable power inverter for your car, decide what devices you want to power on the go. Then, follow these tips to determine the wattage you will need in a car power inverter.

Locate Continuous and Peak Wattage

Find the continuous and peak/surge wattage of each device you want to plug into the inverter. This information will be in the specs on the back of the device, either listed as wattage or voltage and amperage.

If it’s shown as volts and amps, multiply those numbers together to get the device’s wattage. If your appliance or device doesn’t have this information, refer to the manual or look up the item online.

Identify Your Devices

Figure out which devices you’ll want to plug in simultaneously. Add the continuous and startup wattage of those devices together.

For example, if you’re going on a camping trip, you might have your phone, laptop and mini fridge plugged in throughout the day. In the morning, you’ll need your coffee pot, hair dryer and microwave. Find the highest continuous wattage and highest peak/surge wattage you might need at a single time, and that’s the minimum continuous and peak wattage you will need an inverter to have.

Find Your Power Inverter

Once you’ve found the minimum continuous and peak wattages you need your inverter to have, add a 20 percent margin to both numbers to be on the safe side. Then, purchase an inverter that has the appropriate wattage and the right number of outlets. Some inverters have multiple, three-prong outlets, while others have one or two. Many car power inverters also feature one or more USB ports for easy device charging.

Do Power Inverters Damage Car Batteries?

If used properly, a power inverter won’t drain or damage your battery—and it’s a smart addition to your driving kit. But if you use the inverter when the car is turned off and the car battery isn’t recharging, the inverter could drain the battery over time. If you have an older or specialized car, check your car’s manual to see what kind of power your automotive wiring is rated for.

Find Power Inverters and More Automotive Accessories at Ace

Browse a selection of car power inverters near you at Ace, from brands like Duracell, EGO and more.  Paired with a proper emergency kit and automotive safety lighting, a car power inverter can make life on the road more comfortable—and a car emergency easier to manage.

Looking for more high-quality automotive accessories? Check out our selection of automotive lighting and electrical supplies and RV and marine products to keep your vehicle looking its best.