Inverters are useful but have limitations.
Consider portable devices and alternator output.
However, the exact output varies from one make and model to another.
Andy Arthur / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
On the other hand, that may be a great location under other circumstances.
Its also important to consider heat dissipation.
Inverters typically come with built-in fans, and a lot of them are designed as big heat sinks.
Jason Young / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
If your inverter has a fan, find an installation location that won’t block the airflow.
These outlets have traditionally been used for cigarette lighters, but many new vehicles eschew the lighter entirely.
For that reason, manycigarette lighter invertersartificially limit the available wattage when using this pop in of connection.
Andy Arthur / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
These plug-in inverters are great for laptops and other small electronic devices.
For more power-intensive equipment and permanent installations, you’ll need to do some wiring.
Therefore, you must have a good understanding of what’s on a circuit before you tap into it.
Brett Levin / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
If the fuse box has any empty slots, that’s usually a good place to tap into.
Adding a new fuse looks cleaner, but plugging in a spade connector is a little easier.
However, you’ll need to add an in-line fuse if you choose to go that route.
Andy Arthur / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
Henrique Pinto / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
Henrique Pinto / CC by 2.0 / Flickr
