Power Inverters for Travelers A DC to AC plug-in power inverter is a handy device that plugs into the cigarette lighter of a car, truck or SUV and converts the vehicle’s battery power from low voltage 12-volt direct current (DC) to 115-volt alternating current (AC). The inverter can then be used to power a laptop computer, GPS, dvd player, cellphone or battery recharger or any other small electronic appliance. Wattage for plug-in models varies from 80 watts to a powerful 375 watts, ample for powering even a small television. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, floodlights or power tools, require a hardwired inverter with a larger capacity.

Power inverters for cigarette lighters are convenient since they are portable, can be transferred between vehicles, and can be unplugged when not in use. They are especially desirable for business travelers or while camping. Since an appliance that is plugged into a power inverter is using energy from the car battery, it’s important to make sure that the battery is fully charged and also to turn on the engine periodically in order to prevent draining the battery.

Inverters may be purchased in sizes varying from 1 to 3 outlets, so it’s usually better to buy an inverter with at least one more outlet than you think you’ll need. Although frequent users or users requiring high-power loads may want to consider hard-wiring an inverter (as they are in police cars so that policemen can use their laptops without interruption), the portability of a plug-in model is a great advantage for multiple vehicle owners.

Many different brands of compact power inverters are available ranging in price from $15 to $250. Depending on the model, features like a low battery alarm and overload protection with auto-shutoff may also be available.

Power inverters have brought unparalleled convenience to travelers. Preparedness pays when you’re traveling on the highway, and a power inverter is a valuable addition to any vehicle’s arsenal of road-ready gadgets.