How does a voltage converter/inverter for cars  work and what is it used for?

Our car voltage converters  generate a lower output voltage in the direct current range (DC-DC converters) from an existing output voltage. So, 24V becomes 12V. Larger trucks normally have a 24V electrical system, but a voltage converter allows you to operate 12V appliances – such as a sat nav device or radio – in the vehicle. A voltage converter also allows you to use 12V appliances on motorboats or yachts with a 24V electrical system. Our voltage transformers are also popular for use with trailers. If you want to connect a 12V trailer to a 24V trailer socket, you will need a voltage transformer to ensure that the lights on the trailer work properly. Some voltage converters double the voltage, e.g., they can create a 24V connection in a 12V system.

Our inverters are also voltage converters but they generate alternating voltage from direct current. Plus, an inverter transforms 12V or 24V into 230V. This means that an inverter has a wide range of uses. Inverters have one or two normal sockets. You can now operate any 230V appliance – like an air compressor, television or electrical tool – using a 12V battery, e.g., in a car or caravan. Some inverters can simply be connected to a cigarette lighter. This type of inverter could be used, e.g. to power a laptop charger. As you can see, the range of application for inverters is very diverse.

What do you need to think about when purchasing an inverter for a car or a car voltage converter?

To use our DC voltage converters or inverters successfully and reliably, you must pay attention to a few important details.

Which electrical appliances do you plan to operate with the inverter? In other words, which type and what is their energy consumption in watts or amperes? The inverter for  cars must have at least this power as continuous output, but it is advisable to select the next highest power level. This is because appliances often need much more power for a short time when they are switched on than during normal operation. This is why our inverters for cars always indicate both continuous output and peak output. However, peak output can only be supplied for a very short time. Please note that a car cigarette lighter socket can only handle a maximum of 10 – 15 amps, which corresponds to an output of approx. 120 – 150 watts at 12V. Inverters or voltage converters with higher power consumption must be connected directly to the car battery. You can also use an existing USB port.