Project Description

Pre-installed power inverters in passenger vehicles have become more standard of late. People expect, at the very least, an easily accessible USB port inside their car or truck to charge their cell phone, digital tablet and other similar electronic devices.

While there are many pros to purchasing a vehicle with a pre-installed power inverter, there are a few drawbacks as well. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of pre-installed power inverters, which convert 12-volt direct power (DC) into 120-volt AC electric power inside a passenger vehicle.

The Pros of Factory Pre-installed Power Inverters

Pre-installed power inverters are extremely convenient for charging small electronic devices. If the installation is done correctly, these power inverters (and access ports) will blend in with the overall design of your vehicle, adding to the modern-looking appearance of your car or truck.

Typically, factory-installed vehicle modified sine wave power inverters– with overcurrent protection- come in the 120- to 400-watt inverter range. Modified sine wave power inverters weigh less compared to pure sine wave power inverters, and they’re less expensive and more transportable as well.

If a modified sine inverter is the type of pre-installed vehicle power inverter you’re dealing with, you’ll likely find that they’re perfect for charging mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers- which is a very convenient option for most consumers.

The Cons of Factory Pre-installed Power Inverters

While a factory-installed power inverter (with corresponding USB ports) offers value and convenience when purchasing a new vehicle, it does come with some drawbacks- especially if you need energy drawn from your vehicle’s battery to charge devices that exceed the 400-watt three-amp range.

If your device is having trouble charging inside your vehicle or is making strange humming noises, chances are you need a pure sine wave inverter. For example, if you want current for acoffee maker, cordless power tools, hairdryer, high-end video equipment or other appliances for an extended road trip, it might make sense to invest in a pure sine wave inverter.

The Benefits of Installing After-Market Vehicle Power Inverters

While pre-installed vehicle power inverters should work for the average consumer, if you think you might need a bit more juice from your car or truck, installing an after-market pure sine wave inverter in your vehicle could be the way to go. Many of these inverters can be plugged directly into your car’s 12V auxiliary power outlet or cigarette lighter.

If you’re not quite sure what type of power inverter you should purchase, or you have other questions about modified and pure sine wave power inverters in general, please get in touch with The Inverter Store today. We’re more than happy to help you out when it comes to power inverters for cars and trucks.