Inverter
An inverter changes direct current (DC) from a battery into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that standard mains sockets provide. Many inverters get warm while they work, so the maker's placement advice matters.
Where you'll see it
Inverters appear in campervan and leisure battery kits, and are built into many portable power stations. Their specifications list the power they can supply and usually the battery voltage they need. Check the label before connecting anything.
What to check
- The continuous output and any peak figure the maker gives, and which one applies to the item you plan to run.
- The input voltage the inverter needs, and whether it matches your battery.
- The appliance's label, which shows the demand you need to fit within the inverter's output.
- The maker's guidance on ventilation and placement, since heat builds up in use.
Related terms
- Leisure battery: the battery the inverter usually draws from.
- Portable power station: a unit that often combines a battery and an inverter.
- Watt: the unit that output ratings are given in.
Read more: Camping without hook-up (UK) and the off-grid power needs calculator.