The use of power inverters with cars has risen dramatically in recent years.
It’s not hard to see why with the increased reliance on electronics in the world around us.
Before you start using an inverter with your car, it’s important to answer the question – can an inverter damage your car?
I can’t give you a yes or no answer as there are a few factors to consider in order to use an inverter safely with a car battery.
So keep reading for all the information you need in getting your inverter working correctly.
Are Power Inverters Bad For Your Car Battery?
No, inverters are not bad for your car battery as long as you follow a few simple rules.
Using an inverter correctly with your car won’t cause any damage to your battery or any other components.
There’s are a few things you should avoid to keep your battery protected while still enjoying AC electricity anywhere.
The most crucial point is that you should always keep your engine running when using the inverter.
This will stop your car starter battery from discharging. If you run your battery down you will not be able to start your car, leaving you stranded. Adding to this, car batteries are not designed to be completely drained and can cause irreparable damage if this happens.
Car batteries are built to deliver a short sharp jolt of electricity to start your engine rather than for a long continuous power draw. This means you could completely discharge your battery in less than 30 minutes if you use it with an inverter.
By keeping the engine running you allow the alternator to continually recharge your car battery. This stops it from discharging and running out of energy.
The other thing that can damage your car battery is using high-powered appliances for long periods of time. All batteries have limits on how much power you can draw from them at any one time. You should refer to your user manual for capacities and information on your specific car battery. Even if your inverter can handle the required load, it still relies on the battery being able to keep up with demands.
Can an Inverter Damage Other Parts of My Car?
The main component you need to think about when using an inverter with your car is the alternator.
The alternators are what provide electricity from the engine to charge your car battery. Without a working alternator, no electrics will work in your car including the battery charging, lights, radio, and your inverter.
So it’s pretty important!
Your alternator will have a maximum amount of power it can deliver to your battery. Usually, this is at least 500 watts, but some modern cars can go up to 2500+ watts.
If you try to draw more power than your alternator delivers you will eventually deplete your car battery. And as we already know, this is a bad idea.
Plus, it’s not good to put your alternator under constant high stress to deliver power. This will reduce its lifespan and wear it out quickly.
Before hooking up your inverter, check the amount of power your alternator can produce.
Tips for Using an Inverter With Your Car Safely
Now you know how an inverter can damage your car, let’s go through some tips for safe usage.
1. Keep Engine Running
I will make this point again because it’s so important.
Keep your engine running when using your power inverter. This will keep your battery fully charged to avoid a flat battery.
2. Disconnect Inverter When Not It Uses
You should avoid all things that can discharge your car battery. This includes disconnecting your inverter when it’s not in use. You should at least ensure the inverter is switched off. This is because it can still draw power even when no appliances are connected. Inverters use power to run their own systems, so could empty your battery over time!
3. Check Alternator Capacity
If you want to draw a lot of power to use things like tools, then check your alternator’s capacity.
Once you know what your alternator can handle you can stay within its limits.
Trying to draw more power than your alternator can produce will lead to a dead battery and potential damage.
4. Don’t Use in High Temps
You shouldn’t run an inverter in high temperatures. The way inverters operate means they create heat and require cooling systems to maintain their temperatures.
Most manufacturers recommend avoiding use in temperatures above 40℃. So you should avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near another heat source.
5. Match the Correct Voltage
Power Inverters are designed to work with specific input voltages. For example, you can get 12V, 24V, and 48V inverters.
Car batteries are usually 12V so you should use a 12V inverter. If you try to use the wrong voltage inverter this will lead to either undervoltage or overvoltage. It can cause damage and won’t work correctly.
6. Use a Bigger Inverter Than Your Total Load
Before you pick an inverter you should plan how many watts you want to draw. This is decided by adding up the wattage requirements of each device you want to run simultaneously.
For example, a 5W phone, 200W drill, and 70W fan = 275 watts. So you’ll need an inverter with a higher capacity than this. You should also add 20% to your total number as inverters are not 100% efficient. So for 275W, I would recommend a 400W inverter.
7. Keep Dry and Ventilated
To maintain the life of your equipment, you should use the inverter in a dry and well-ventilated area.
Inverters are not waterproof or weatherproof so you should keep them away from rain and any other water sources. Adding to this, they should be placed in a well-ventilated area to allow cooling systems to work efficiently.
Final Words: Will a Power Inverter Damage My Car?
That’s it.
Everything you need to know about using an inverter with your car safely.
Can a power inverter damage your car?
No. If you follow the tips above you should have no problems.
Just remember to keep your engine running and don’t try to draw more power than your equipment can handle whether it’s the alternators, car battery, or inverter.
