POWER CONVERTER VS INVERTER PORTABLE

RV systems use inverters to enable the battery to run AC appliances. Inverters For RVs ExplainedĪn inverter is a type of converter that converts DC power to AC power. You can find the actual prices here at .Īs you can see, the higher performing converter doesn’t cost much more than one that is half as powerful. The PowerMax PM3 35 amp 110 Volt AC to DC Converter – This converter has a 35 amp DC power output and sells for around $125.00.The PowerMax PM4 100 amp 110 Volt AC to DC Converter – This converter has a 100 amp DC power output and sell for around $170.00.

Here are two quick examples of AC to DC power converters. The price changes based off of how many amps the AC converter can handle. Other types of converters include DC choppers, AC voltage regulators, and static switches.Īn AC to DC power converter usually runs between $100.00 to $200.00. This is because the process of converting AC to DC power is called rectification. There are many different types of converters but the one that is used in an RV is known as a controlled rectifier. RV systems have converters built into them so that you can charge your battery while you’re parked at a campsite that has electricity. Converters For RVs ExplainedĪ converter is used to change AC power to DC power. Either way, extreme caution should be used when working with electricity. A 12-volt DC battery, on the other hand, is not less dangerous. This converter will charge the RV’s battery and the RV will continue to run any DC appliances and lights without losing its charge.ĪC power can be dangeruos. When RV’s are hooked up to the electrical grid at home or at a campground, they need to make use of a converter. In order for an RVer to use their AC appliances while working from just their battery, they’ll need to use an inverter. Other appliances like microwaves and televisions run off of AC power. RV lights are usually 12-volt lights and some of the appliances can run off of 12 volts as well. Since an RV is designed to run off of the electrical grid as well as a 12-volt battery, it uses both AC and DC power.

POWER CONVERTER VS INVERTER PORTABLE

In recent years, this has changed and DC power can be run over long distances at high voltages, but the AC power grid remains the same.ĭC power has traditionally been used in smaller and more portable applications like batteries. The reason it is named direct current because the power always runs from negative to positive and never changes.Īccording to, the United States used to run off of DC power but switched its electrical grid to AC power once it was established that the high voltages of AC power could be sent over much longer distances than DC power could. This is because AC power is constantly changing between positive and negative. The term AC stands for “alternating current”. Then we can move on to explain how the inverters and converters function on our motorhomes and RVs. Additional Information on Inverters and Convertersįirst, we need to understand a few technical aspects.

Power converter vs inverter