This is a picture of how the inverter and battery are hooked up.  It only takes a few seconds to attach the clips to the battery posts, then you push the on/off switch, on the power inverter, to the on position and plug in your appliances into the inverter sockets.

The wattage of your AC Power Inverter will depend on what items you want to plug into it during an outage.  The larger wattage items will require an AC power inverter capable of more wattage.  You will also need to find out how long your battery will last before it is fully discharged, or have spare batteries on hand.

Remember, once a battery is drained of electricity, your appliance will no longer run, so you have to make sure you have enough electricity to last the entire power outage. That is why you need to know how many watts are being used by an appliance you will plug into your AC power inverter and how long the power will last for them.  (See wattage chart for some examples)

We have a 700 watt AC power inverter and a standard size 12 volt car battery and they support a lamp, clock radio and cell phone charger just fine.  We have never run out of power before the electricity was restored in the house.

Another consideration is whether your AC power inverter has a USB port.  If you plan on connecting a computer to your inverter, then this is another thing to look for when purchasing your power inverter.

Do you get a modified sine wave or pure sine wave inverter?  The modified sine wave inverters work just fine for most instances.  The pure sine wave inverters are much closer to the electricity found in your house.  A computer or television will probably work much better and have a clearer picture with a pure sine wave inverter, whereas a radio, lamp or cell phone charger work great on a modified sine wave inverter.  It will depend on what you are running with your inverter as to the type you should purchase. 

 General Safety Precautions:

• Place the AC power inverter on a reasonably flat surface.
• Keep the AC power inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. DO NOT operate the AC power inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated, or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity, which may lead to serious injury or death.
• Avoid placing the AC power inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the AC power inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature is between 50° and 80° F.
• In order to properly disperse heat generated while the AC power inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
• Do not use the inverter near flammable materials.

 AMPS X 120 (AC voltage) = WATTS

 

Usage Chart for Some Common Appliances Appliance Est. Watts   Appliance Est. Watts Coffee pot (10 cup) 1200 VCR 40-60 Coffee pot (4 cup) 650 CD or DVD Player 35 Toaster 800-1500 Stereo 30-100 Cappuccino Maker 1250 Clock Radio 50 Coffee Grinder 100 Blender 300 Microwave (600 to 1000 W cooking power) 1100-2000 W (elec. consumption) Laptop Computer PC & Monitor 50-75 200-400 Waffle iron 1200 Game Console (X-Box) 100 Hot plate 1200 Space Heater 1000-1500 Frying pan 1200 Iron 1000 Toaster Oven 1200 Washing machine 920 Blow dryer 900-1500 12" 3 speed table fan 230 Cell phone charger 20 TV -   12" b&w 30 Light Bulb 60, 100 Lamp with 3 bulbs 180, 300 These are approximate wattages. Check your appliances for exact amounts.