Inverters: Usage and Limitations

We often have many conversations regarding inverters, how to use them and their limitations and sometimes wonder if people fully understand the product. Unfortunately inverters do have limitations as all systems in RV's and it is paramount to understand how and when to use an inverter.
An DC to AC inverter is a clever device that allows us to use appliances that run on 'home electricity' in our RVs using our batteries. Inverters convert direct current (DC), like the power from an RV house battery, into alternating current (230-volt AC), the same as your wall plugs at home.

Do you leave an inverter on all the time? 

RV inverters can seem like relatively complicated electrical devices, and it's hard to know when they should be left on or turned off. For most installations, an inverter should be turned off when not in use. This is because an inverter can drain power from batteries even when there is no power being used.

What would I use the inverter for?
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• Charging your laptop
• Charging E-Bike batteries
• Running a small coffee machine
• Low wattage hair dryers
• Running Starlink systems
• Running CPAP machines
• Charging phones & tablets
• Kitchen type appliances
• Charging tool batteries

What are the limitations of an inverter?
Inverters are hard on our batteries and are generally designed for short term usage as suggested above. You should always aim to use 12v appliances if you can and only use the inverter when necessary. The inverter will stop working when the battery voltage is too low, and you will essentially run out of power if you over-use the inverter.
It is also worth noting that some inverters will only run 230v plugs from the plug located on the inverter itself. We are lucky that Pilote have a controls system that allows us to wire in Enerdrive inverters into the 230v system with automatic switching. This means that all the 230v plugs in the van will be live when the inverter is switched on, allowing you to use any plug socket in any location.
 
Tips and Tricks

• Upgrade your solar and battery system to suit your inverter usage
• Only use the inverter when necessary and ensure the inverter is turned off
• Use the inverter during the day when your solar recharges the batteries
• Charge E-Bike batteries while you are on the move or during the day
  
• Use low wattage appliances