A power inverter is a converter of DC power or direct current electrical energy to standard AC power or alternating current electrical energy, allowing you to run electrical equipment off your car battery for mobile applications or simple convenience.

A power inverter is usually a small rectangular device with a trailing wire ending with a jack that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter of your car or having jumper cables for direct battery connection. Equipped with one or two outlets for standard electrical cords, it can convert power for your laptop, small-screen TV or portable DVD theater.

A power inverter is great when you are going camping and do not have a standard electricity outlet. You don't have to give up on household useful power consumers like a toaster or blender, or entertainment means as a stereo or video camera.

During a power outage, a power inverter may be used for emergency power consumption. Solve your power needs by running an extension cord from your car or a charged battery into the house. Anything falling within the inverter's limits will work during such a period, from a radio, lights or essential medical equipment, provided you have the alternate energy source

A power inverter can come in many models, the main variation is the power output in watts, depending on how many devices you want to connect to the energy source. To know what wattage you require from you power inverter, add up the total wattage of the devices you want to connect, then at least half more of the sum. You must take into account peaks or spikes in the power draw that may be harmful to your devices.

Take note and keep the engine running for 10-15 minutes when you're using you car lighter as an outlet for continuous consumption. This is to avoid your battery from discharging. And BE WARNED not to start a vehicle within closed premises, or without proper ventilation, the carbon monoxide from the exhaust is lethal.

A power inverter operates assuming that you are connecting it to a good condition and charged battery, so a weak battery is easily drained, especially when connecting more consumers to it. So make sure that you check you battery's condition before using it as a power source with a power inverter in a stationary vehicle. On the other hand, if you are using a power inverter during for example a road trip, provided that the battery is in good condition, the extra draw should be no problem.

A power inverter can produce one of these three different types of wave output: Square Wave Modified Square Wave (Modified Sine Wave) Pure Sine Wave (True Sine Wave)

These represent wave signal qualities of power output and consequently different price categories.

A square wave power inverter produces an uneven power delivery that is not efficient for running most devices. By far the most popular because of the price to quality ratio, a modified square wave (modified sine wave) power inverter delivers consistent power, efficient enough to run most devices fine.

A pure sine wave power inverter is the most expensive type, but they also deliver the most consistent wave output. This type of power inverter is used for sensitive consumers like certain medical equipment or variable speed, rechargeable tools. Ask your manufacturer what type of power inverter you can use.

Be sure that you read the instruction manual coming with your power inverter and make use of all safety regulations regarding electrical equipment, as improper use of power inverters or work with car batteries can be hazardous to your health.

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