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How to Use Power Inverter: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

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Introduction

The VOLTWORKS Store ETL UL458 12V DC to 110V 120V AC 1000W Power Inverter is a high-performance electronic device designed to convert direct current (DC) from a 12V battery into alternating current (AC) at 110V or 120V. This allows DC power sources, such as car batteries or solar panels, to power standard AC devices like laptops, small appliances, and other household electronics.

Explore Projects Built with Power Inverter

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with Automatic Transfer Switch and AC Outlet
Image of last: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
This circuit is designed to harness solar energy, regulate its storage, and convert it for use in standard AC appliances. A solar panel charges a 12V battery through a charge controller, which ensures safe charging and discharging of the battery. The power inverter then converts the stored DC power from the battery into AC power, which is supplied to a 120V outlet through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), ensuring power continuity and safety.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with ATS and 120V AC Outlet
Image of solar: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
This circuit is designed to convert solar energy into usable AC power for standard 120V appliances. It consists of a solar panel connected to a charge controller, which manages power flow to a 12V battery and an inverter. The inverter then converts the stored DC power from the battery into AC power, which is supplied to a 120V outlet through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with Automatic Transfer Switch
Image of POWER SUPPLY: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
This circuit is a solar power management system that integrates a solar panel, battery, and inverter to provide a stable 12V DC and 220V AC output. It includes automatic transfer switches (ATS) and circuit breakers for safety and reliability, as well as a low voltage disconnect to protect the battery from deep discharge.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Solar-Powered Dual Source Automatic Transfer Switch System
Image of Ats SCHEMATIC: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
This circuit is designed to manage power from two sources: a solar panel and a 12V battery, with a dual power automatic transfer switch to select between them. The solar panel and battery are connected to a charge controller, which regulates the charging process and provides power to a load through a power inverter. Safety is ensured with the use of fuses and circuit breakers, and the power inverter converts DC to AC for use with standard 220V appliances.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Power Inverter

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of last: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with Automatic Transfer Switch and AC Outlet
This circuit is designed to harness solar energy, regulate its storage, and convert it for use in standard AC appliances. A solar panel charges a 12V battery through a charge controller, which ensures safe charging and discharging of the battery. The power inverter then converts the stored DC power from the battery into AC power, which is supplied to a 120V outlet through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), ensuring power continuity and safety.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of solar: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with ATS and 120V AC Outlet
This circuit is designed to convert solar energy into usable AC power for standard 120V appliances. It consists of a solar panel connected to a charge controller, which manages power flow to a 12V battery and an inverter. The inverter then converts the stored DC power from the battery into AC power, which is supplied to a 120V outlet through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of POWER SUPPLY: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
Solar-Powered Battery Backup System with Automatic Transfer Switch
This circuit is a solar power management system that integrates a solar panel, battery, and inverter to provide a stable 12V DC and 220V AC output. It includes automatic transfer switches (ATS) and circuit breakers for safety and reliability, as well as a low voltage disconnect to protect the battery from deep discharge.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Ats SCHEMATIC: A project utilizing Power Inverter in a practical application
Solar-Powered Dual Source Automatic Transfer Switch System
This circuit is designed to manage power from two sources: a solar panel and a 12V battery, with a dual power automatic transfer switch to select between them. The solar panel and battery are connected to a charge controller, which regulates the charging process and provides power to a load through a power inverter. Safety is ensured with the use of fuses and circuit breakers, and the power inverter converts DC to AC for use with standard 220V appliances.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Powering household appliances during off-grid or emergency situations.
  • Running AC devices in vehicles, RVs, or boats.
  • Supporting renewable energy systems, such as solar or wind setups.
  • Providing backup power for sensitive electronics during outages.

Technical Specifications

Below are the key technical details for the ETL UL458 12V DC to 110V 120V AC 1000W Power Inverter:

Specification Details
Input Voltage 12V DC
Output Voltage 110V/120V AC
Continuous Power Output 1000W
Peak Power Output 2000W
Output Waveform Modified Sine Wave
Efficiency ≥90%
Input Voltage Range 10.5V - 15.5V DC
Output Frequency 60Hz ± 2Hz
Protection Features Overload, over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temperature, and short-circuit
Cooling System Intelligent temperature-controlled fan
Dimensions 10.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
Weight 4.4 lbs (2 kg)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The power inverter has the following key input/output connections:

Pin/Port Description
DC Input Terminals Connect to a 12V DC battery (positive and negative terminals).
AC Output Sockets Standard 110V/120V AC outlets for connecting appliances.
USB Ports USB output ports for charging small devices (e.g., phones, tablets).
Ground Terminal Provides grounding for safety and reduces electrical noise.
Cooling Fan Automatically activates to prevent overheating during operation.
Power Switch Turns the inverter on or off.
LED Indicators Displays operational status (e.g., power, fault, or protection mode).

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Power Inverter in a Circuit

  1. Connect the Inverter to a DC Power Source:

    • Ensure the DC power source (e.g., a 12V battery) is fully charged.
    • Connect the positive (red) and negative (black) terminals of the inverter to the corresponding terminals of the battery using the provided cables.
    • Tighten the connections securely to avoid loose contacts.
  2. Connect AC Devices:

    • Plug your AC devices into the inverter's AC output sockets.
    • Ensure the total power consumption of connected devices does not exceed the inverter's 1000W continuous power rating.
  3. Turn On the Inverter:

    • Flip the power switch to the "ON" position.
    • Verify that the LED indicators show normal operation (e.g., green light for power).
  4. Monitor Operation:

    • The inverter will automatically regulate the output voltage and frequency.
    • If the inverter enters protection mode (e.g., due to overload or low battery), disconnect all devices and resolve the issue before restarting.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Battery Capacity: Use a battery with sufficient capacity to support the power requirements of your devices. For example, a 100Ah battery can provide approximately 1 hour of runtime at 1000W.
  • Ventilation: Place the inverter in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Avoid enclosing it in tight spaces.
  • Grounding: Always connect the ground terminal to a proper earth ground to ensure safety.
  • Device Compatibility: This inverter produces a modified sine wave output, which may not be suitable for sensitive electronics like medical equipment or certain audio devices. Check device specifications before use.
  • Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the 1000W continuous power rating or the 2000W peak power rating.

Example: Connecting the Inverter to an Arduino UNO

If you are using the inverter to power an Arduino UNO and other peripherals, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the inverter to a 12V battery as described above.
  2. Plug a 5V USB adapter into one of the inverter's AC outlets.
  3. Use the USB adapter to power the Arduino UNO via its USB port.

Here is a simple Arduino code example to blink an LED while powered by the inverter:

// Simple LED Blink Code for Arduino UNO
// This code blinks an LED connected to pin 13 every second.

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin 13 as an output pin
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Inverter does not turn on Battery voltage is too low or connections are loose. Check battery voltage and ensure secure connections.
Devices do not power on Overload or incompatible device. Ensure total load is within 1000W and check device compatibility.
Inverter shuts down unexpectedly Over-temperature or low battery voltage. Allow the inverter to cool down and recharge the battery.
LED shows fault indicator Protection mode activated (e.g., short circuit). Disconnect all devices, resolve the issue, and restart the inverter.
Excessive noise from connected devices Modified sine wave output is incompatible. Use a pure sine wave inverter for sensitive electronics.

FAQs

  1. Can I use this inverter with a solar panel?

    • Yes, but you will need a charge controller to regulate the solar panel's output and charge the battery.
  2. What happens if I exceed the 1000W power limit?

    • The inverter will enter protection mode and shut down to prevent damage. Reduce the load and restart the inverter.
  3. Is this inverter safe for laptops and phones?

    • Yes, most laptops and phones are compatible with modified sine wave inverters. However, check your device's specifications to confirm.
  4. Can I connect this inverter directly to a car's cigarette lighter socket?

    • No, the inverter requires a direct connection to the battery terminals for proper operation at high power levels.

By following this documentation, you can safely and effectively use the VOLTWORKS Store ETL UL458 12V DC to 110V 120V AC 1000W Power Inverter for a variety of applications.