Power Inverter

[aherzing]

So I read a thread about detailing if you live in an apartment, I'm in the same situation here at school, I have no access to an outlet to plug in my PC. I only detail my car so it's not like I need to use it all the time, has anyone ever used a AC/DC power inverter to run their buffer off of the cig lighter outlet? Is it possible? What wattage inverter would I need?

[Garry Dean]

So I read a thread about detailing if you live in an apartment, I'm in the same situation here at school, I have no access to an outlet to plug in my PC. I only detail my car so it's not like I need to use it all the time, has anyone ever used a AC/DC power inverter to run their buffer off of the cig lighter outlet? Is it possible? What wattage inverter would I need?


I have a marine battery and stock electrical system in my Rodeo running a Harbor Freight 1200 watt inverter. It will power my PC to do a 1 step on an entire vehicle and vacuum the interior with my small 1.75 hp Craftsman shop vac with no vehicle starting issues at all. I am sure I could do at least 2 of those details with no issues starting.

[aherzing]

Good to know, I don't need to hook a vacuum up or anything, I just want to be able to use my DA for compounding, polishing, and wax application/removal... I just have my stock battery, think I could get away with a 1000w ?

[doctordon]

Good to know, I don't need to hook a vacuum up or anything, I just want to be able to use my DA for compounding, polishing, and wax application/removal... I just have my stock battery, think I could get away with a 1000w ?
Multiply the amp rating of your PC times 110. That will equal your minimum wattage requirements. (Example amp rating of 7 x 110 volts = 770 watts) Most people will tell you to double the minimum wattage requirements for inverters, generators, etc. because initial startup amperage is greater than running amps. Play it safe with peak wattage at about 1500 and running wattage at about 1000 watts for a 7 amp tool.

[BorisC]

I use this for my PC when there's no outlet available.
12V Power Inverter - 1500 Watts Max (http://www.harborfreight.com/750-watt-continuous-1500-watt-peak-power-inverter-66817.html)
Works ok at the higher speed settings.

[SUGARCANE MAN]

Hi I occasionally use an inverter. Its a 1500 watt. But cant go through cigarette lighter. You draw too much current and blow a fuse. Mine had that option but cant use that I tried it and nope don't work, so directly to the battery is your best bet. Had no problems running a DA. For a while

[DealerDetailer]

When I was off at school I had the same problem. What I did was go to a local self service car wash and use their power outlets - and they have a power washer...one thing I could not bring to college with me :laughing:

I even got to know the owner, George very well - The third year I returned he always came over before I starting vacuuming and would pay it; He knew the inside of my car never got dirtier than one $1 vacuum cycle LMFAO.

[BobbyG]

I've often thought about picking one of these things up to keep in my truck. How expensive are these and are they reliable?

[aherzing]

Ok now I've read that some people leave their car idle and some people just start it every 15-30mins... What would be the best practice?

[aherzing]

When I was off at school I had the same problem. What I did was go to a local self service car wash and use their power outlets - and they have a power washer...one thing I could not bring to college with me :laughing:

I even got to know the owner, George very well - The third year I returned he always came over before I starting vacuuming and would pay it; He knew the inside of my car never got dirtier than one $1 vacuum cycle LMFAO.

I should go check that out, great idea!

[C. Charles Hahn]

I've often thought about picking one of these things up to keep in my truck. How expensive are these and are they reliable?

Depends how often and how much you're using it. For occasional use the ones from Harbor Freight are pretty reasonably priced and should work fine; if you're reliant on it for long periods of time on a daily basis there are heavier duty units out there designed for commercial applications, but of course those are more expensive.

[My Detailing Guys]

Amazon.com: Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batteries-8040-218-YellowTop-Purpose/dp/B000MSDKMA/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1315841074&sr=1-5)
this is an optima yellow top deep cycle battery.

Amazon.com: Cobra CPI 2575 2500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-CPI-2575-Power-Inverter/dp/B00126K8DA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1315841024&sr=8-12)
this is a cobra 2500 watt inverter.

take the battery and run it in series with your existing car battery, and hook up the inverter directly to the deep cycle battery. you would be able to run everything to detail 3 vehicles in a row. (if you like) without having to turn on your vehicle.
also great for other aspects.

chris

[aherzing]

Checked the only close by car wash today and there sadly were no outside outlets... So I'm calling the local harbor freight today to make sure they have the inverter in stock... What are peoples thoughts on idle-ing the engine or not with a stock battery?

[BorisC]

What are peoples thoughts on idle-ing the engine or not with a stock battery?

For my own piece of mind I have my vehicle running. Then I don't have to worry about it while I'm working. If you get the one from HF, just remember to turn it off when you turn your car off. Otherwise it will still draw. Thought about a jumpbox for just such an occasion b/c I know one day I will forget.