Batteries and Power Inverters

Battery Power Inverter sizing

DC to AC Inverter FAQ

Click below for answers to common questions:

1. What size of inverter do I need?

2. What is the difference between modified, pure sine wave inverters?

3. How do I hook up the inverter to my battery(s)?

4. What equipment can I use with an inverter?

5. How long can I run my equipment with battery and inverter?

1. What size?

An inverter needs to supply two needs - Peak or surge power, and the typical or usual power.

Surge is the maximum power that the inverter can supply, usually for only a short time (usually no longer than a second unless specified in the inverter’s specifications). Some appliances, particularly those with electric motors, need a much higher start up surge than they do when running. Pumps, compressors, air conditioners are the most common example-another common one is freezers and refrigerators (compressors). You want to select an inverter with a continuous rating that will handle the surge rating of your appliance so you don’t prematurely burn out the inverter. Don’t rely on the inverters surge to start your equipment because inverters don’t like to operate in their surge mode unless the manufacturer claims to have a longer surge time than normal.
Typical is what the inverter has to supply on a steady basis. This is the continuous rating. This is usually much lower than the surge. For example, this would be what a refrigerator pulls after the first few seconds it takes for the motor to start up, or what it takes to run the microwave - or what all loads combined will total up to. (see our note about appliance power and/or name tag ratings at the end of this section).

You can use the following formula to determine the size:

Volts * Amps = watts

Watts / Volts = amps

1250 Watt example:

1250 / 120 Vac = 10.41 amps ac (typical number found on equipment)

1250 / 12 Vdc = 104.1 amps dc (battery drain per hour) Here is an example: First, you need to determine what items you need to power during a power failure and for how long. Here is a brief example (watt requirements vary): Lights - About 200 watts Fridge - About 1000 watts Radio - About 50 watts Heater - About 1000 watts Total wattage needed is 2250 watts. The fridge and heater have a start up power requirement so let's allow 2x the continuous wattage for start up requirements. 2250 * 2 = 4500 watts Second, select an inverter. For this example, you will need a power inverter capable of handling 4500 watts. The continuous power requirement is actually 2250 but when sizing an inverter you have to plan for the start up so the inverter can handle it. Third, you need to decide how long you want to run 2250 watts. Let's say you would like to power these items for an 8 hour period. Well this can be tricky because heaters and fridges run intermittently. Let's assume all of the appliances will run 40% of the 8 hr period which is 3.2 hours of actual run time. We need to convert the ac watts to dc amp hours because that's how batteries are rated. To convert ac watts to dc amps per hour you divide the watts by the DC voltage (usually 12v or 24volts). Let's use 12volts since it is the most common. 2250 watts / 12 vdc = 187.50 dc amps per hour 187.50 is now your power requirement per hour You have now determined that 187.50 is your power requirement per hour and now you need to multiply that by total hours of run time which is 3.2 in our example. 187.50 dc amps per hour 3.2 hours = 600 dc amps Because you are using an inverter, you want to calculate the loss for converting the power which is usually around 5%. (600 dc amps * 5%)+ 600 dc amps = 630 dc amps per hour (this is how much power you need in an 8 hour period running your appliances 40% of the time) Fourth, now that you know your total power requirement is 630 dc amps we can select a battery source. Most typical deep cycle batteries are 6 volts or 12 volts. I will give you two examples using each voltage. 12 volt battery example: If you select a 12 volt battery rated at 100 dc amps you will need 6 or 7 batteries in parallel (I will explain parallel vs. series later). 630 dc amps / 100 dc amp battery = 6.3 batteries 6 volt battery example: If you select a 6 volt battery rated at 200 dc amps you will need 6 batteries in series and parallel. 3.15 * 2 = 6.3 batteries No, I didn't make a mistake. When you use 6 volt batteries, you have to connect them in series to reach 12 volts. Then you connect each series pair of 6 volts in parallel to create your 12 volt battery bank. What is series and parallel you ask? When you connect batteries is parallel you are increasing amps. When you connect batteries in series you increase voltage. In the battery world, it is better to limit your parallel strings. It is better for your power system. In this example, I would recommend using 6 volt batteries because of the number of batteries this example requires. How do we charge these batteries? You will need a charger to charge the batteries when you have access to city power. Most deep cycle batteries need a "smart" charger so the charger doesn't damage the batteries. In this example, you will need at least a 40 amp charger if not bigger. The bigger the charger, the faster the charge. Make sure your charger is for 12 volt batteries because the system we just identified is a 12 volt system. You will also need cables. For this example, a 4 AWT (0000) cable is required to handle 4500 watts of start up power. That is huge cable. You may also want to consider an inline fuse. A 500 amp for this example is perfect. To figure out the size of fuse you divide your ac watts (start up) by dc voltage. 4500 watts / 12 vdc = 375 amps You would need a 375 amp fuse or bigger. I recommend a 500 amp just incase you were to max out the 5000 watt inverter. This is just a brief example. There are many different ways to set up your system. You can use solar panels, wind etc. top...

2. Difference between modified, pure sine wave inverters?

There are 3 major types of inverters - pure sine wave (or "true" sine wave), modified sine wave (actually a modified square wave), and square wave.

Pure Sine Wave
A pure sine wave is what you get from your local utility company and from some pure sine generators (most generators are not pure sine).

major advantage of a pure sine wave inverter is that all of the equipment which is sold on the market is designed for a pure sine wave. This guarantees that the equipment will work to its full specifications.
Some appliances, such as motors and microwave ovens will only produce full output with pure sine wave power.
A few appliances, such as bread makers, light dimmers, and some battery chargers require a pure sine wave to work at all.
audio equipment, satellite systems, and video equipment, will run properly using pure sine wave inverters.
these are the most expensive of the inverter designs and outperform all other types of inverters, regardless of use.

Analog Pure Sine Wave
The sine wave produced by an analog pure sine wave inverter, is very similar to that of the digital pure sine wave inverter. The key difference is that the analog switching causes noise or static on the ac wave.

generally most appliances, motors, microwaves, chargers, and power tools will produce full power and not cause any buzzing or negative effects.
these types of pure sine inverters are not recommended for medical equipment unless manufacturer approved.
use this inverter for electric shavers and emergency flashlights, garage door openers, laser printers and large strobes used in photography

Modified Sine Wave (quasi-sine)
A modified sine wave inverter actually has a waveform more like a square wave, but with an extra step. A modified sine wave inverter will work fine with most equipment, although the efficiency or power of the equipment will be reduced with some.

Motors, such as refrigerator motor, pumps, fans etc will use more power from the inverter due to lower efficiency. Most motors will use about 20% more power. This is because a fair percentage of a modified sine wave is higher frequencies - that is, not 60 Hz - so the motors cannot use it.
Some fluorescent lights will not operate quite as bright, and some may buzz or make annoying humming noises.
Appliances with electronic timers and/or digital clocks will often not operate correctly. Many appliances get their timing from the peak of the line power - basically, the modified sine has a flat top rather than a peak - this may cause the occasional double trigger. Because the modified sine wave is noisier and rougher than a pure sine wave, clocks and timers may run faster or not work at all.
Items such as bread makers and light dimmers may not work at all - in many cases appliances that use electronic temperature controls will not control. The most common is on such things as variable speed drills will only have two speeds - on and off.
most equipment will operate without any noticeable difference, and because the lower cost, makes this the most common inverter sold and generally the only type found at your local retailer.

Square Wave
Very few but the very cheapest inverters any more are square wave. A square wave inverter will run simple things like tools with universal motors with no problem - but not much else. These are seldom seen any more except in the very cheap or very old ones. Of course we don't sell these. Too cheap! top...

3. How do I hook up my inverter to my battery?

You will need cables. A few of our models include cables. If you need a longer cable, please see our cable section.

click here to view diagram

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4. What equipment can I use with an inverter?

Anything! Ok... almost anything.

In general most equipment or devices that you use at home or a commercial job can be used with an inverter but check with your equipment manufacturer.

Audio Equipment

Some top-of-the-line audio gear is protected by SCRs or Triacs. These devices are installed to guard against power line spikes, surges, and trash (nasties which don't happen on inverter systems). However, they see the sharp corners on modified sine wave as trash and will sometimes commit electrical hara-kiri to prevent that nasty power from reaching the delicate innards. Some are even smart enough to refuse to eat any of that ill-shaped power, and will not power up. The only sure cure for this (other than more tolerant equipment) is a digital or pure sine wave inverter.

Computers
Computers run happily on modified sine wave but better on pure sines. The first thing the computer does with the incoming AC power is to run it through an internal power supply. We've had a few reports of the power supply being just a bit noisier on modified sine, but no real problems. Running your prize family-heirloom computer off an inverter will not be a problem. What can be a problem is large start-up power surges. If your computer is running off the same household inverter as the water pump, power tools, and microwave, you're going to have trouble. When a large motor, like a skill saw, is starting, it will momentarily pull the AC system voltage way down. This can cause computer crashes. The fix is a small, separate inverter that only runs your computer system. It can be connected to the same household battery pack, and have a dedicated outlet or two.

Ceiling Fans
Most variable-speed ceiling fans will buzz on modified sine wave current. They work fine, but the noise is annoying. Invest in a pure sine.

Radio Frequency Interference
All inverters broadcast radio static when operating. Most of this interference is on the AM radio band. Do not plug your radio into the inverter and expect to listen to the ball game; you'll have to use a battery powered radio and be some distance away from the inverter. This is occasionally a problem with TV interference when inexpensive TVs and smaller inexpensive inverters are used together. Distance helps. Put the TV (and the antenna) at least 15 feet from the inverter. Twisting the inverter input cables may also limit their broadcast power (strange as it sounds, it works).

Phantom Loads and Vampires
A phantom load isn't something that lurks in your basement with a half-mask, but it's close kin. Many modern appliances remain partially on when they appear to be turned off. That's a phantom load. Any appliance that can be powered up with a button on a remote control must remain partially on and listening to receive the "on" signal. Most TVs and audio gear these days are phantom loads. Anything with a clock—VCRs, coffee makers, microwave ovens, or bedside radio-clocks—uses a small amount of power all the time.

Medical Equipment

Customers frequently ask us about the use of inverters for medical equipment. Unless specifically noted in the regulatory approvals for the product, assume that no AIMS inverter has regulatory approval for use with medical devices or life support equipment. If you use a AIMS Power Inc. inverters with a medical device it’s at your own risk.

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5. How long can I run my equipment with my inverter?

Battery/Appliance Operating Times Worksheet

To estimate how long your equipment will run and to help determine the size of battery you need, use the worksheet below.

(If you don't get a calculation it is because you have too many watts or not enough battery amperage)

Enter the voltage of your battery or bank of batteries.

Battery Voltage

Battery Type	Voltage	Amp Hours(Estimate)
Group 27	12	90
Group 31	12	105
4 D	12	160
8 D	12	220

Enter the total Amp/Hrs of the battery or bank of batteries.

Amp/Hrs

Enter the combined Watt value of the appliances you plan to run from your battery.

Watts

Examples	Watts
20" Color TV	100
Blender	300
Coffee Maker	1000
Circular Saw	1500
Computer System	200
Microwave Oven	800
Power Drill	400
Hair Dryer	1500

Just an example. Your products could be rated differently.

Click the Calculate button to see the number of hours your configuration should run.

hour(s) of operating time, approximate. Based on fully charged batteries.

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