Comparison PowMr POW-HV2K-12V vs Pulsepad PSW-2000

The highest total power supply (peak) that the autoinverter can deliver to the load for a relatively short time is 2-3 s. Usually, this power is higher than the nominal one (see above) by 30-50%. At the same time, if you choose an inverter for maximum power, the same rules apply as for the nominal one — the device performance should be 15-20% higher than the total power of the connected load. And to work with devices that consume a large amount of energy at startup (vacuum cleaners, power tools, etc.), it is also worth specifying the peak power of the inverter — it should not be lower than the "starting" load power.

Efficiency of the autoinverter.

Efficiency is the ratio (in percent) between the amount of energy that the device delivers to the load and the amount that it consumes from the vehicle's on-board network. Accordingly, the higher this indicator, the more efficient the work and the less loss during conversion. In fact, this means that, other things being equal, a device with a higher efficiency will allow the load to run longer on battery power; this is especially important at high power consumption.

In modern auto inverters, efficiency values of 80 – 85% are considered average, 90% or more are good.

The number of standard sockets for 230 V provided in the design of the auto-inverter.

The more outlets, the more electrical appliances can be connected to the inverter at the same time. At the same time, the specifics of using automotive converters is such that they rarely have to be used for several devices at once. In addition, simultaneous connection requires appropriate power (see "Rated output power"), and the sockets themselves also significantly affect the dimensions. Therefore, most often in modern models one outlet is used — this, usually, is enough. However, high-end powerful inverters can have two outlets.

USB type C ports are smaller in size compared to classic USB A, and they also have a convenient double-sided design that allows you to connect the plug to either side. The interface is designed in such a way that it can implement various advanced features: increased power supply, fast charging technologies, etc. As a rule, the total number of USB type C on board auto-inverters is limited to one port.

The presence in the auto inverter of the low battery alert function to which the device is connected.

This function significantly reduces the risk of “landing” the car battery through the use of an inverter and at the same time eliminates the need to manually monitor the battery status. The alarm, usually, reacts to the voltage at the input: with a significant decrease, indicating a deep discharge, the device gives a warning signal. Many models also have the function of automatic shutdown some time after the alert is triggered (by timer or when the voltage drops to the maximum allowable). The sensitivity threshold is usually adjusted in such a way that after the alarm is triggered and the inverter is turned off, the battery is still able to start the car engine.

Protection systems provided in the design of the autoinverter.

— Against short circuit. A short circuit occurs due to a sharp drop in load resistance to very small values (for example, due to insulation breakdown or circuit contamination in a device connected to an autoinverter). As a result, the current increases critically, which can lead to damage to both the load and the inverter itself, and even fire and injury. This protection prevents such consequences by turning off the power in the event of a short circuit.

— From overheating. Protection against critical temperature increase of the autoinverter: when heated, the system turns off the device, preventing damage and other undesirable consequences. Note that overheating is not necessarily a sign of a problem — it can also occur during prolonged operation in normal mode (which does not negate the need to turn it off to avoid trouble).

— From overload. Overloads occur when the power consumption of the connected device(s) exceeds the output power of the auto inverter (see above). Such situations lead to work in emergency modes, which is fraught with breakdowns and even fires. Some of the consequences of such situations can be handled by other protection systems (for example, the overheating protection described above), but in this case it is easier to prevent the cause than to dea...l with the consequences.

— From incorrect connection. A system that protects the auto-inverter from connecting with the wrong polarity: detecting a mismatch between “plus” and “minus”, the protection turns off the device, preventing breakdowns and other troubles. This function is found only in models connected directly to the battery (see above) — it is impossible to reverse the polarity when plugged into the cigarette lighter socket.

The presence of its own display in the design of the auto-inverter.

The display allows you to display various additional information: input and output voltage, load power consumption, battery status, malfunction messages, etc. In modern auto-inverters, usually, the simplest monochrome LCD screens are used — they are inexpensive, and their capabilities are quite enough for the information described.

The presence of an RJ-45 connector allows you to connect a wired remote control to the inverter. Using a cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends, the auto-inverter is connected to the remote control for remotely turning on/off the device, setting parameters, monitoring system status, etc. It is worth noting that the remote control is not always included in the kit; you will often need to purchase it separately.

The range of ambient air temperatures in which the car inverter is guaranteed to maintain normal performance. It is necessary to focus here on the expected minimums and maximums of operating temperatures. For example, if in a harsh winter the thermometer readings do not fall below -15 ° C, then the devices from the “-20 ° C and below” item for such operating conditions will be enough with a margin.