An inverter takes DC power (battery or solar, for example) and converts it into AC "household" power for running electronic equipment and appliances.

Originally converters were large rotating electromechanical devices. Essentially they combined a synchronous ac motor with a commutator so that the commutator reversed its connections to the ac line exactly twice per cycle. The results is ac-in dc-out. If you invert the connections to a converter you put dc in and get ac out. Hence an inverter is an inverted converter. For more information about such converters see.

With a large enough battery bank, almost anything within reason can be operated from a power inverter – this assumes that the inverter has the proper power output for the given load. Everyday appliances such as microwaves, power tools, TVs and VCDs, lights, audio/visual equipment, battery chargers, tube lights ,Fans and computers are common loads. An inverter sized for loads with heavy inrush current can be used to power air compressors, water pumps, heaters, ventilation fans, and air conditioners Kevin Pure Sine Wave inverters\Home UPS are ideal for running sensitive test equipment such as communications equipment, oscilloscopes, scales, high end stereos & video equipment, communications equipment, etc

It is the ideal waveform for the transfer of AC power. There are two types of waveforms available. A "modified sine wave", and the "true sine wave".

Some inexpensive stereos use power supplies that cannot eliminate common-mode noise. These would require a sine wave inverter to operate noise-free.

Different devices require specific wattages to run correctly and efficiently. Please use this easy formula to determine the correct size inverter:
AMPS x 220 = Watts
Example: 10 Amp Cooling Unit X 120 = 1200 Watts

The low voltage alarm will sound when the DC source falls below 10 volts and the automatic shutdown will power off the inverter. This is done to save your battery(ies) so you can restart your vehicle.

No. Treat your inverter like you would your TV. You wouldn't put your TV outside in the rain, please don't leave your inverter there either. Be aware of lighting storms. If struck, your inverter would go into a permanent overload state and may even smoke it. If using in a marine environment, try to keep it tucked away underneath, in a dryer area.

Because inverters operate from a DC (Direct Current) power source, usually a battery bank (one or more batteries), the battery source will have to be recharged at some point. (Remember that a battery discharged more than 80% is probably close to being dead.) Depending on the inverter load and runtime required, most power use applications will be covered by the charged battery. If the load is large (air conditioner, large draw power tools, large microwave, food freezer, ice cream machine, etc.), the user should verify that the installed inverter is of large enough capacity to operate this power requirement.