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To: conservative98
Wal-Mart sells power Inverters to convert 12V to 120V, I bought one for camping years ago.

It stores under the front seat, and when needed I clip it onto the battery of the car and power 120V. Price was under $200 for a 15 amp unit (cheaper than a generator). It obviously won't power my whole house, but I could run my natural gas furnace if I had to.

Just FYI before you go out and drop 60K...

29 posted on 02/20/2021 9:00:33 AM PST by ZOOKER (Until further notice the /s is implied...)
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To: ZOOKER
Anyone using this general type of inverter needs to use a bit of caution while it is in continuous duty. It's not uncommon for this level of inverter to not actually be rated at the nameplate output continuously for hours on end.

While using most potable inverters, I suggest monitoring the temperature of the unit and keeping it away from anything that can burn. An inverter will generate heat, that's normal. Excessive heat can occur if the internal components are not rated for continuous high heat and cooling is not adequate.

What happens when the upper heat limit for the unit is exceeded is that insulation can melt and even catch on fire. In addition, the inverter can start sending erratic and dirty electricity down the AC power cord and impair or even damage the devices being powered.

Inverters of this type often have a reset on them that will trip the inverter off if there is a high temperature. If this occurs, let the inverter cool down and remove some load before resetting.

I've professionally used lots of inexpensive electrical powered devices of various types types largely in field conditions. In fact, I completely abuse and sometimes destroy them. And that's fine. Determine how hard you'll run it and for how long then apply your value judgment whether to go with disposable gear or more expensive durable gear.

56 posted on 02/20/2021 10:55:50 AM PST by Hootowl99
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