what can i run with a power inverter?

[farmall 55a case]

Hi everyone I was wondering if I could run a small air compressor of a 12v power inverter? For airing up tires and taking wheels off of equipment ect?

 

[dusty3030]

What size inverter?
500 Watt inverter you can run about 4 amps at 120V
1000 Watt inverter you can run about 8 amps at 120V

Most of these little inverters will burn out if you try and run it max, so a 1000 watt inverter should run a little pancake mini air compressor with a 1hp or less motor.
They will probably draw around 3amps running, double that on start up so a 1000 watt should work.

Hope this helps.

 

[pwright]

That's probably not a good path to take. Inexpensive inverters are not very efficient and not tolerant of sustained loads near their rating. If by small air compressor you do mean something like the little Porter-Cable pancake compressors those things actually are closer to 10 amps.

Consider also the drain on your 12-volt source. Assuming the invertor is 100% efficient (it isn't) a 1000 watts at 12 volts is an 83 amp draw on your 12 volt system. Better have some healthy cables to connect it to your source.

You would be better off with a cheap generator like this guy from Tractor Supply:

Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator - Tractor Supply Online Store

Cheaper than a good inverter.

 

[farmall 55a case]

Its a 1000 watt inverter already have it installed on the truck. Was at rural king the other day just walking around and seen they had a 3 gallon air compressor for around 50 bucks and just thought that could be handy if it would work?! If I was going to need one often I'd buy a gas one just thought it would come in handy on the back 40 thanks for the advice tho!

 

[pwright]

A real small compressor like this 1/3 HP unit from Harbor Freight would probably work:

Pancake Air Compressor - 3 Gallon, 100 PSI

So if that is the kind you were looking at then go for it.

 

[k0ua]

A real small compressor like this 1/3 HP unit from Harbor Freight would probably work:

Pancake Air Compressor - 3 Gallon, 100 PSI

So if that is the kind you were looking at then go for it.

I would be in the "probably work" or "might work" camp.. the load of that little harbor freight compressor is t312 watts.. but I bet the starting load is at least twice that. And I am not sure how the little motor on that compressor will like square wave. Please report back your findings. I am curious to know.

 

[lutt]

This is the solution I come up with for a similar problem. I have never had much luck with inverters. Local John Deere dealer keeps these in stock . I can easily move it from around, it will run a 1/2" impact and air up tires all day. A tank gas last a long time also, lol. LUTT

 

[farmall 55a case]

This is the solution I come up with for a similar problem. I have never had much luck with inverters. Local John Deere dealer keeps these in stock . I can easily move it from around, it will run a 1/2" impact and air up tires all day. A tank gas last a long time also, lol. LUTT

That is really nice!

 

[lutt]

Thanks, I didn't need a full size gas compressor, they take up touch room in the back of a shortbed pickup!. Also northern tool sells something similar, or used to. LUTT

 

[lutt]

Thanks. LUTT

 

[lutt]

Wow, didn't act like it posted the first one! LUTT

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

I have a 2000-4000 max inverter mounted in my GMC Z-71 It will run a 30 gal aircompressor with no problems I've used it to run 6 strands of construction lights at the new house and for my concrete mixer , When buying inverters buy the biggest load carrying model you can afford and it will last a long time .

 

[SPYDERLK]

The cheap inverters are a square wave output. Altho this is OK for univeral/brush motors, the semi synchronous induction type motors are very unhappy with this. I tried to run a 1/2 hp compressor with a 2KW cheap inverter. It would only start the compressor with the tank empty and would not build to cutoff pressure before it stalled. Be prepared for disappointment. ... A true sine wave inverter is another story. Quite a good power source actually. But costs 4x.
larry

 

[RockyMtn.Hillbilly]

Something I've noted that everyone has missed is the initial drain. It's a spike. Depending on the motor, like type, size, age and condition, it can spike the inverter anywhere from 2.5 times the normal draw upto 4 times the normal draw. In some cases, depending on what it is, it could be less (I'm used to using older/used equipment, so newer stuff likely operates better). Too many "severe" spikes can fry an inverter and even toast a genny.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Something I've noted that everyone has missed is the initial drain. It's a spike. Depending on the motor, like type, size, age and condition, it can spike the inverter anywhere from 2.5 times the normal draw upto 4 times the normal draw. In some cases, depending on what it is, it could be less (I'm used to using older/used equipment, so newer stuff likely operates better). Too many "severe" spikes can fry an inverter and even toast a genny.

I would be in the "probably work" or "might work" camp.. the load of that little harbor freight compressor is t312 watts.. but I bet the starting load is at least twice that. And I am not sure how the little motor on that compressor will like square wave. Please report back your findings. I am curious to know.

,,,,,,,,,

 

[farmall 55a case]

Wow lots of advice on this! Looks like I'm not the only one who has thought it would be handy!

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a 2000 watt inverter in my work van, with 2/0 copper cables hooked to battery 3 feet away. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, i can run things like impact hammers, microwave oven, etc.

These take a huge draw on static battery. Also, most standard alternators cant keep up with their power draw. Be prepared to be left in the dark with a dead battery...dont ask me how i know this.

Personally, i use mine to keep all the cordless bats up to snuff and run the microwave. Occasional work light use also.

NEVER buy a cheap inverter. i did, and it caught on fire in a few months while running a 300 watt work light. If i handt had access to an extinguisher, id have lost my truck.

 

[RockyMtn.Hillbilly]

,,,,,,,,,

Oppps. My bad.

 

[classacthollow]

I had a gmc topkick, it had three heavy batteries and I had one 2000 watt inverted permanently setup. it worked really well for all my hand tools, drill motors , lights, etc. the starting capacitor from my compressor put such a strain on it that it finally burned out the inverter. I finally bought a 12volt quality air compressor and tank and mounted it under the hood. I am now buying a new LS 4047H tractor and will probably mount my air compressor and tank permanently on that. Bruce

 

[farmall 55a case]

I had a gmc topkick, it had three heavy batteries and I had one 2000 watt inverted permanently setup. it worked really well for all my hand tools, drill motors , lights, etc. the starting capacitor from my compressor put such a strain on it that it finally burned out the inverter. I finally bought a 12volt quality air compressor and tank and mounted it under the hood. I am now buying a new LS 4047H tractor and will probably mount my air compressor and tank permanently on that. Bruce

Sounds like a interesting set up what kind is it and where did you get it?