Using inverters for emergency power

Instapundit ^ | November 8, 2012 | Glenn Reynolds at 6:07 pm

[virgil283]

"Looking for some low-cost power backup? Given recent storms and the growing number of blackouts, you certainly have company—and perhaps fresh memories of spoiled food, a flooded basement, no heat or air conditioning and (if you have well water) no water for bathing or household chores....We found that inverters can keep at least some of your home’s essentials energized. But you’ll need to prioritize: Even the smaller, 900-watt PW900-12 was able to run a freezer, two refrigerators, two sump pumps, lights, and chargers for various electronics for our staffer at home—but not all at once. ."

[virgil283]

Low cost, powered with your car so you can have a few devices during an outage...

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[Bubba_Leroy]

If you shop around you can get a good 1200 watt inverter for less than $100. I have a couple of them and they are good to have around in an emergency. You are not going to be able to run any appliances with it, but it is good for charging any batteries, and powering floodlights, a TV or home computer or even a microwave oven.

I wouldn't recommend any inverter over about 1500 watts. You will not be able to power it off of your car battery without heavy cables and even then you will have to keep your engine running. If you are looking for 2500 watts or more you are better off buying a generator.