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Old 12-09-2019, 04:16 AM   #1
JWA
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Small Inverter Suggestions?

Have a need for an inverter that'll handle a 200 watt load @ 120 V AC---the load will be a multi-bay cordless tool battery charger. I don't think I need anything too sophisticated like true sine wave etc.

I'd want clean power naturally if that's a thing from a 12 VDC source but most important would be a quality inverter that would have a long dependable life. I plan on permanently mounting somewhere within 24" or less to the battery cable connection located just behind the driver's seat low on the B-Pillar.

Cost isn't the major consideration as this will be considered a work tool.

So looking forward to suggestions from those in the know!

TIA

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Old 12-09-2019, 07:13 PM   #2
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Actually battery chargers can be problematic on modified sine wave(modified square wave) . So it might not work on anything but, pure sine wave. A pure sine wave inverter can give you cleaner power than what you find from the utility sometimes. Then you get into high frequency designs versus the low frequency designs. Unfortunately smaller pure sine wave units that are low frequency designs are hard to find, and then if you do somewhat cost prohibitive.

You can usually tell a high frequencies unit by it low cost, low weight, (no transformer) and they almost always list their surge output as twice the available power, what they don't usually say is how the time component in that surge spec is very low less than a second. A low frequency unit will have a surge less than double, but it will be a 5 seconds and only drops a little more going to 10.

The high frequency units generally run hotter, have a higher chip/component count thus don't seam to last at long. I would try to mount them vertically, although be careful if your a door slammer.

So as far as some suggestions, price not a worry

Sensata Dimensions 12/400N 400 Watt 12 Volt Low Frequency 400 Watt 12 Volt Heavy Duty Pure Sine Inverter


or you could drop down to a high frequency units such as Magnum Dimensions CSW412 400 Watt 12 Volt Compact Pure Sine Wave Inverter


or if for your Milwaukee tools try a direct 12 volt charger

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Old 12-09-2019, 07:38 PM   #3
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Thanks for that info Greg---very interesting. I do have the Milwaukee "car charger" in your link but those are for the Li-Ion batteries where I'll be charging the older NiCd or Ni-MH types, the actual charger shown here: https://documents.milwaukeetool.com/58-14-0260d5.pdf

How will that device affect the inverter choice? FWIW this charger wouldn't be used all that often but I'd still like a good quality device. The Sensata Dimension piece looks to be top notch but just a bit more than I wanted to spend. I was hoping (but wasn't more specific) to spend $250 or less.

I do find using the 120 VAC charger like in my link better for longer term battery life---the "car charger" versions don't seem to maximize the battery charge. Also the inverter would be used for nothing else other than the charger which would only be powered and in use while the engine is running. It would never run directly off the starting battery.

Thanks again!
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Old 12-09-2019, 08:27 PM   #4
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i would go with the Magnum Dimension ( 2nd) choice, should easily cover the load.

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Old 12-10-2019, 04:48 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scalf77 View Post
i would go with the Magnum Dimension ( 2nd) choice, should easily cover the load.

greg
Okay that's a strong contender then---they seem to be sold in a lot of places so can price shop.

It does occur to me I should contact Milwaukee service and tech support--perhaps they'd have a recommended type inverter that would work well for the "older" charger I'll be using.

Thanks Greg---very much appreciated!
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