How to Hook Up a Power Inverter to a 12V Battery

[@lazurm]

For those who came here for learning, like the title states, "How to Hook Up a Power Inverter to a 12 V Battery", skip all the extraneous and, in one instance, inaccurate stuff like his definition of a transformer and about the purpose and types of inverters and go to 4:58 . It'll save you a chunk of time and prevent you from falling asleep, hopefully. As for his method of actually connecting an inverter to a battery, he glossed over the spark that occurred upon initial connection. The reason that happens is usually because the inverter's capacitors have built up voltage potential in them and, though relatively rare, they can be damaged if allowed to create a spark (a rapid dissipation) when this connection is made. I advise routinely placing a resistor (30 amps will do) between the positive cable of the battery and the inverter upon first connecting. Just holding the resistor so that first touch occurs while you hold your resistor between the initial connection. Doing that will safely dissipate that issue and you'll never get that spark when making this connection.

[@dalindamoreno1853]

lol

[@naturallydope247]

Thanks!

[@reidtillery2856]

When you say resistor, do you mean a fuse? I cannot picture what you described. Where do we buy such a resistor and what do they look like? How do we hook them up?

[@jimmy2tones]

Great video. I'm new at this. The explanation about the sine Wave was exactly what I needed to know. Thanks for sharing.

[@GoldMusic88]

Your video is the only video that showed me the right information

[@lcr369rose]

Thanks for sharing, this is exactly what I needed…inverters for dummies!❤

[@anonymousperson4363]

A transformer lower and raises voltage/amps. A rectifier converts AC to DC.

[@dar-es-salaam]

I almost thought I'd heard him wrong but I had the same idea

[@horaceroyal1637]

cause I'm like what the hell is this guy saying

[@christinamaki2481]

Thank you very insightful. I appreciate the detailed words you use and demonstration. Again a many thanks.

[@MarissaTheMuse]

Can you make a video showing how to wire directly from a 12v battery to a cigarette lighter style adapter plug (or socket). I have a multimeter but idk how if it’s even possible to use it to determine where I should be connecting positive vs. negative.

[@PatChevron]

Your video really did help me and I appreciate that. If I'm using a standalone 12 volt battery in my class C RV, should I have the battery in a battery box?

[@lindasue8719]

Noob question: what are the cables called that have the o-ring on **both ends**? I seem to be finding only ones that have a clamp on one of the ends. Also, what gauge do you recommend?. Thanks in advance!

[@twylenedeshields675]

Following

[@abiyah_1]

I had the same ? in mind 🤠

[@LiquidTurbo]

It is recommended to use a resistor to pre-charge the inverter so spark's don't occur. This will also reduce the electric load on the inverter.

[@MykaelNewWin]

Where would you get that adapter to have the inverter cable ends be able to connect to the terminal heads?

[@InverterReview-qz9eg]

Thank you! It looks solid, nice and stylish!

[@aunttriciaattic]

Hi thanks for your video. If I don't have the battery in the car how do I keep the battery charged can I connect a battery charger to the inverter at the same time or could I use a solar panel to keep the battery charged

[@billredding2000]

You can do either one. The easiest way to charge/keep a 12v auto-battery (AGM preferred) charged is to put it somewhere out fo the way (garage) and hook-up a small (no need for a huge one) 110v charger that has a "desulfator" on it so it charges AND de-sulfates at the same time -- and leave it connected 24/7. Will not harm your battery and it will always be 100% ready when you need it. I use BatteryMINDer brand products myself, and I even have their desulfator-only device ('OBD-12') on my truck's battery (it de-sulfates while I drive, does not charge -- the alternator does that -- it just desulfates). I stopped buying "charges only" models some years back, I only use chargers-desulfators. A solar panel(s) is also good, but can be more complicated setting up a system. For the easiest setup, I suggest you look into the "suitcase" folding solar panels...not a huge amount of Watts in the smallest/cheaper ones but easy to set up & store when not in use (like during an emergency when your house power goes out). AND they usually have a built-in charge-controller you MUST have (do NOT hook solar panels directly to a battery, you must have a controller!). A MPPT controller is best, even if they cost a bit more. The cheaper controllers (PPM? I forget what they're called) will work though. Harbor Freight even sells a "suitcase" panel. For one battery, a 100W panel would work, but I suggest you get at least 200W. Some brands, like Renogy, have 200W suitcase panels that you can combine with a second 200W one, which would give you 400W. That's PLENTY for 1-2 12v batteries. Of course, LiFePo4 (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) are better but more costly...but prices ARE coming down big-time. You could even build a small "power station" on one of those small "furniture dollies" (wood/carpet on casters) that harbor Freight sells so you could move even the largest/heaviest battery & inverter around more easily. But for now you can take ANY auto battery and make a small "emergency power station" using a 12v PSW (Pure Sine Wave recommended) inverter. You just need to calculate what you need/want to run (how many Watts the devices you want to use) so you can size/match the parts required -- including size of the wires and fuses needed (or circuit-breakers). Whatever, do some research on these and you'll probably find the best solution for your needs. Good luck, -- BR

[@G.S-h5j]

I need to know how to make one of these to power an oxygen concentrating machine please tell me what I need to make this myself. Thank you

[@mikemotorbike4283]

of course this is just the type of question bad actors use to entrap content creators into a law suit when their medically prescribed breathing apparatus fails. I might even say this account could be a bot, crafted purposefully for the sake of determining a further entrapment strategy. The correct answer would be see the manufacturer for suggestions.

[@NYslice331]

Excellent video. Does the inverter tell you how much juice is left in the battery?

[@Kenzie_Hill]

Can you demonstrate how to connect a jump starter (1600 amp/25watt) and use the jumper cables directly on the inverter's prongs? Do I need special adapters? Exactly what I needed to see when using inverter with a 12v battery.

[@groovepyre1186]

That's a good question. Occasionally I have done a sketchy hook up by clamping the inverter clamps onto the appropriate color of the jump starter clamps and it worked. But your way would be a cleaner hookup. Mine was just a 400 watt inverter and 800 amp jump starter. I was doing it with an old school lead acid jump starter box. I wonder if it would also work with the new smaller lithium ion jump starters. Their cables and clamps are pretty flimsy by comparison.

[@Walter-ts1vu]

Thankyou for the valuable information. What battery charger would you recommend for the po4 life 100 ah battery?

[@2company3crowd63]

Thanks for explaining this.

[@spartty1856]

Thanks for the video, and may I know how many AH is the battery you used here in this Video, I mean is it ok to use a lower AH battery to the inverter? Thanks...

[@tonysoprano04]

You're the man... thank you so much.

[@alexpoli7604]

Helped a lot, thank you

[@Handle2191]

Well done young fella, great, helpful information. As for the armchair quarterbacks, if you think you could do better, you would already be doing it! 😎

[@aprillondonencinias-bw7pl]

I live in a motorhome recently I lost my electricity connection and now I'm stuck trying to find alternative sources I work from home on laptop 40 plus hrs a week and watch TV on my cell phone I can give up the AC for now even the fridge but to get by I need 2 fans 2 cell phones 2 to laptops charged up 24/7 I have a bluetti power box I narrowed for now but I need a way to keep it charged up on my own instead of having to go some where to plug it in. I thought of battery and inverter not sure exactly how to do it. How many and what type of car batteries I should get and inverter. I'm def on a tight budget any advice would be appreciated

[@BOSS-SAINT]

How about a 420 w big speaker? Looking to get this so I can have a speaker you connect to a wall in my semi truck and wondering if you can use a speaker with it

[@teamlawlessgaming5396]

Can i charge the battery whilst the inverter is being use by the drill?

[@rodneypantony3551]

Awesome video. Got mine working toute de suite and provided helpful background info 4me

[@NarchaoticNarcissism]

Transformer lowers/increases voltage.. NOT convert to DC

[@nevinkuser9892]

This is true.

[@donjuandemarco2995]

Hi there how many hours would the battery last in an operation like this?

[@robertbartos6660]

Did not know about PURE sine (vs MODIFIED sine) inverters until this video. Thanks. I assume if I have a modified sine inverter then I could plug a Best Buy like UPS (that has pure sine) if I wanted to get PURE sine out of my MODIFIED sine inverter which could be tricky since the inverter needs enough power for the UPS I believe.

[@mikegrigsby2738]

A transformer either steps up or steps down ac voltage. A full bridge rectifier converts Ac to DC by using four diodes to either filter out the positive or negative part of the sine wave from AC voltage. Other than that, great video.

[@regd.2263]

On the stand alone battery, can you have a trickle charger in line permanently keeping you battery charged while your using the connected inverter.

[@bulletclub4life]

yeah but that will require the use of power...this is to bypass that so you arent using power.

[@goldeneddie]

If you had a source of power for a trickle charger then you wouldn't need the battery as a source of power!

[@mikemotorbike4283]

yes leave it on all the time to keep the battery topped up. When the power goes out, it may or may not drain the battery a tiny bit, but shouldn't hurt the 1 A battery maintainer.

[@amirnakhai5273]

how long does your slow charger take to fully charge the car battery?

[@rickynaidoo2921]

Good demonstration.

[@DionKhnumdeuce]

So it seems you can connect solar panels to thee battery. Or would you need a power storage unit between battery and inverter

[@mikemotorbike4283]

A more powerful battery charger is recommended, this 1A one is for maintaining a charge. For your big battery, 10 A has enough ooomph to cram the amps in at the end to bring it to full capacity.

[@celestialvibes2418]

Is this dafe to use inside a vehicle for camping?

[@Banana-um1rw]

When just using a stand alone battery for your inverter how many operating hours you have, primarily just running an extra portable car fan, awesome video btw⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@SmokeySantana]

Would the inverter or battery heat up? How would you install this in the trunk to a separate battery

[@deeponeeko]

does the Inverter also needs power for itself or it uses the battery's power to turn it on?

[@TAlan-el2on]

When you link the battery powerm turn on,It will work. Means which depend the 2nd power

[@foodstampz]

Myes the inverter eats up a small amount of power.

[@matthewallan9898]

I just bought a Toyota tundra that has a thick copper cord attached to the BATTERY POSITIVE post only (and has a fuse in line a few inches away.... this line runs somewhere through the truck to the bed where the wire becomes two sided home electrical wire... The white insulated side is the hot one (must be attached to the red up by battery). The gray insulated side is not hot ... My guess is for the negative or ground.... On my inverter I bought for my bed, the white would go on the positive and the gray on the negative. (But the battery area doesn't have any wire (negative) to add to the negative terminal ... Is it safe to not connect the negative battery terminal to the inverter, and will it work?

[@Famousflow61]

How long does the car battery last ?

[@sarebkaufman3490]

Is it possible, or what would happen if I wanted to charge the battery using separate jumper cables while also using the inverter at the same time?

[@sbr1160]

Could you not also place a solar charger on the car battery? Either within the car or externally like you have there? I'm looking to use my car as a mobile power generator and got solar panel charger so it's not always required to have the car running

[@madboi1591]

Hey what if i wanted to use this device say such a heater in the winter but I wanna buy a car battery alone for this. How long will it last and I can always recharge the battery right ?

[@twylenedeshields675]

That's exactly what I want to do

[@mikey42325]

Nice video ! 😀😃 Very informative 👏 👌 👍 😍

[@randombiker8002]

Can you show us how to hookup more than one batteries? And what type of batteries and how to calculate how much and how long we will be able to power with how many batteries.

[@mrcrowleyoz]

Can you demonstrate a Microwave? I know they consume above 800 watts so maybe you’ll need a bigger inverter?

[@AristideDzogobi]

Good evening I have a 1500 va inverter, what battery reference can I use for effective coupling please

[@Popcorn2792]

can i apply a power strip to this inverter to charge or run multiple electronics or should I get a second inverter?

[@Popcorn2792]

how long does a fully charged car battery last?

[@erinsable]

yes, but the more u plug in, more power u lose. remember max power out of a car battery will be 50% of it only, before you have to recharge the car battery. still i prefer this, coz lithium ion absolute rip off, and harder to get. car batteries are sold in every town in the world, and prob nearly every village. work out how much power in amps per day u gonna use thru researching it, then build your sys around that amp requirement.

[@dondebardelaben3144]

Is it normal to get an arc when hooking batteries to inverter?

[@InvestingBookSummaries]

I’m having the same issue. I got an ohm resistor but even with that I get big sparks trying to hook 12V battery to alternator.

[@JosephRamos-i4t]

That’s not how a transformer works but really good video:)

[@danielmsignorini]

Would this setup work if I put one on a riding mower battery?

[@greavous93]

It took a 10 minute video to say "connect the positive (red) cable to the + on the battery and inverter and the negative (black) to the - on the battery"? Or something like that? Are you going to do more videos on closing doors or controlling faucets anytime soon?

[@dabossdino1]

you need to learn some respect boy. this was an awesome video.

[@1232bluejays]

how do you know what guage of cable you need?

[@janeevans4758]

Great informative video, thank you. Im trying to find as simple as possible diagram/way to install my inverter into my van,i really have not much of a clue if im honest. I purchased a new car battery & a inverter last year to get some simple electric for charging phones,lights etc..your video is very informative and sounds just what im looking for apart from how is the battery going to keep getting charged without having to take it in the house and put it on charge,is it a simple thing to connect it to the van so it gets charged when the van is on. Sorry so many questions, its about time i took the leap and just did it otherwise the battery will be no good. Many thanks.

[@mikemotorbike4283]

You don't use a regular car battery with an invertor. Use a deep cycle or marine deep cycle battery. The car starter battery and charging system is designed for short but intense discharges. Discharging it will wear it out quickly. For a van camper, you would run cables from the deep cycle battery to a special one way box connected to the alternator, which would keep the car starter battery from discharging, and have a more powerful alternator installed. You can use an free old car battery charged on a battery charger at home for some cheap juice for light loads like lights or a tiny fan or phone charging over the weekend. You want to be able to drive out of there and not kill your car starter battery.

[@johnbailey5190]

is is ok to run a 2000w inverter on a 60ah car battery if running the engine?

[@rschmot]

How can I find out how much power is left in the battery?

[@davidknapp5853]

I got one to run a heater mine is 2000w n I don't know y it's not running my heater I have it in my car My inverter is from harbor freight as well. I plugged the heater in and it beeps at me. When I go to churn the heater on the inverter beeps. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Please help me

[@shutt1080]

I have the wrong sized terminals. Where can I buy the correct sized terminals from?

[@claudeborges]

How about being able to power a stove , microwave , fridge for a few months off grid ? Can anyone enlighten me ? Thanks

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

A Generator

[@claudeborges]

@@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353 I forgot to mention . Without gas.

[@THECOOKIEMONSTA2025]

​​@claudeborges get a 2500 to 3000 watt power inventor. That should be enough to start a refrigerator and maintain power for it. you can connect to you're car as a power source at the battery terminal. You can unplug from the device and plug into something, to provide power to each device otherwise you need a generator if you want to power all at once or solar panels for a full off grid scenario as a power source.

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

@claudeborges why not just get a generator for the microwave? It's not like that's gonna run continuously. Fridge doesn't run off propane gas?

[@thingsyoudidntknow1745]

So no need to buy batery i can just use my car batery right

[@DreamStarGalaxy]

How many inverters can you hook up to one car battery provided the battery is still in the car while the car is running. Could I use like 6 different ones and having them go to different appliances?

[@csanch66]

It doesn't matter how many inverters you hook up, just like it doesn't matter how many outlets are on the same circuit in your house. What matters is the pull (i.e., amperage) of all those appliances. Can you connect 6 different things? It depends on what those things are. Phone chargers = yes. Refrigerators = no. Pay attention to the wattage they take to run, the wattages the inverters are rated for, and the wattage of the battery, and the gauge of the wires. You don't want to overheat the wires and cause a fire, the inverters usually have overcurrent protection, but they'll just stop working to protect themselves, you might blow a fuse, etc. Just make sure that you're not pulling more amps than the system can handle and you'll be fine. For continuous loads, make sure you're not pulling more than 80% of the maximum amps.

[@m3r-tri]

Hvala.

[@yeremychauvin7253]

I have a question ? Could you please tell me if a 12v jump starter lithium battery pack 9999mah is capable of powering a 1500w 12v inverter ? Thanks..

[@TAlan-el2on]

Yes soft start

[@foodstampz]

Not without a transformation

[@swarupausa3175]

Can a transformer transform AC to DC? Complete answer: A transformer cannot convert AC to DC or DC to AC. The transformer has the ability to step up or decrease current. A step-up transformer is a transformer that raises the voltage from the primary to the secondary.

[@the497jepthal]

Critical that you specify only on alternating current system does it raise voltage from primary to secondary.

[@DavidMata-wz7bx]

How if inverter to battery charger to battery to inverter connect together

[@michaelsrowland]

What thickness cable for a 500w inverter?

[@PaulRudd1941]

12 gauge is fine. 10 gauge is better for anything over 500 watts.

[@michaelsrowland]

@PaulRudd1941 what is 10 awg in mm?

[@PaulRudd1941]

@@michaelsrowland seems like you could answer your own question with a conversion and an internet search. 🤔 I'm going to let you answer your own question by telling you to do an internet search and figure it out. We're usually adults here. [Not to be condescending] but unless I'm talking to a 16 year old who's building his own car-camper, I think you have this locked in chief.

[@lateshameade994]

Very helpful

[@LarrySpencer-jm5fq]

Toooo much talking, for the quantity of information

[@kenelskenels8573]

Not for someone like me. I'm new at this and need all the information I can get.

[@ACreativeSpace92]

😂😂i agree. He couldve said that in 3 minutes with the same info. Good video tho.

[@CheyenneRain-bh6ht]

There's a fast fwd on ANY device you use.

[@totalDfitness]

True

[@marleymikhal]

Thanks for this!

[@ericthomas7474]

How long does it actually last on a full charge @ 30 watts

[@DK-bk1vq]

I'm still waiting for SOMEONE to answer your question...

[@purpledohboy]

ABOUT AN HOUR OR LESS, BOYS

[@jacksmith3951]

used deep cycle battery 75 amp 900 whats not any battery ok

[@foodstampz]

Do the Math. 30 watts x a.H

[@egoinjury]

This device is a rectifier not an inverter. A Rectifier converts AC to DC. An Inverter converts DC to AC. A Transformer can change AC Voltage AND current using the magnetic field produced by AC.

[@foodstampz]

How is it not an inverter..it's a DC battery to AC outlets.

[@egoinjury]

@@foodstampz yeah you're right, no idea why I wrote that?! what he says about transformers at 0:18 is wrong though

[@unSTEVOED]

A transformer only raises or reduces Voltage. A Rectifier converts AC to DC and a Inverter Converts DC to AC

[@chauffeurmarco]

We don't get to see upright ones very often

[@elguapo7722]

My inverter gave off a burning smell, now it turns on but nothing plugged in has power. What could this be?

[@blakespower]

made in China

[@Fave-Strings]

Same here... Happened to me yesterday. While I was trying to connect my 1000 watts inverter to my new 120ah battery. I never had this problem while using the same inverter with my previous 40ah battery.

[@yousuck5314]

Check fuse...

[@davidisaacson9328]

Maybe a bad fuse, that needs to be replaced.

[@drrobotnikmeanbeanma]

May someone try this, if a power outage put a 860cc car battery in your car.Put the power inverter in the cigarette lighter with a car battery charger to charge other car batteries.Will it work ?

[@homerthompson6028]

They make cigarette lighter with electrical outlets. They're like 20 or 30 bucks.

[@blakespower]

when would you need something like that? during the zombie apocalypse?

[@mikemotorbike4283]

for instance, I ran my tower garden AC pump to keep my hydroponics system plant roots from drying out. Charging phones, running the optical fibre internet wifi router, one smart speaker.

[@luiscasillas9853]

Post a link to buy it

[@HorseRadish403]

Just get a solar generator at that point. Less headache

[@Walter-ts1vu]

Shared to Facebook

[@dianemetzloff7993]

Dude hurry up

[@josephjefferson6368]

Wrong explanation. Standard transformers are AC. A rectifier is needed to convert AC to DC. The inverter does the opposite.

[@Mana_Maui]

Too much talking. Get straight to it

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

You are talking like you are speaking to a child but don't know how a Transformer works. Lol

[@beachboys14-tu7hu]

You do not know how to spell or are too lazy to write. What is LOL ?

[@Dhinsa90]

Should probably do some homework before you do videos like this

[@kenelskenels8573]

I thought it was a good video. And kindness is better!

[@Dhinsa90]

@@kenelskenels8573 so die of electric shock but he was kind lol

[@AlexB-wx1xi]

Wow stop talking. Don’t need you to say the same thing 30 times

[@CebronCalahan]

Plus and minus lmao

[@deconnectent1264]

They talk too much

[@craigderoche.filmclips4860]

This guy is boring. His voice is grating.

[@shawncummings9157]

Oh dear God get on with it

[@jacksmith3951]

but 12 volt deep cycle battery is best ok i have 12 volt deep cycle battery 75 amp 900 watts

[@shutt1080]

Where did you buy the terminals from?

[@jacksmith3951]

@@shutt1080 Canada Tire

[@shutt1080]

They were included with the inverter

Thank you very insightful. I appreciate the detailed words you use and demonstration. Again a many thanks.