400 watt inverter real power usage

[acenjason]

OK. So, I wasn't able to find a topic that I thought answered this. I have a 400 watt inverter. I have a fan that is conveniently 12 watts. So, I divided 12 watts into 12 volts and got 1 amp. So, my question is do I lose power from it traveling through my inverter and actually come out with more amps? I am trying to find out how long I can run my fan without the low power alarm on my inverter squealing.

[eXodus]

if its only 12watt get a 12v fan.

dont use the inverter. The inverter is about 80-90% efficient. so you end up with 1.2 amps, but the inverter draws up to 2a just for beeing pluged in, so you end up with 3 amps for your tiny fan.

you will be wasting a lot of energy.

[acenjason]

Thanks:)

[DonD]

FWIW my 600w Xantrex has these specs.


Continuous Power:540W

•Surge Capacity (Peak): 1200W

•DC Input: 12 Vdc (nominal)

•AC Output Frequency: 60 ± 0.5 Hz

•AC Output Voltage Range: 104 - 127 Vac

•USB Output: 5 V / 500 mA

•Output Waveform: True Sine Wave

•Optimum Efficiency: 90%

•No Load Current Draw: < 0.6 A

•Input Voltage Range: 10.5 - 15.5 Vdc

[acenjason]

OK, next question. If I have my inverter turned on but nothing plugged in does it use power? If so how much? I like to have it on all the time so I can use light and charge the computer at will........thanks in advance!

[eXodus]

The Xantrex is a better one:•No Load Current Draw: < 0.6 A

Most inverters are between 1A and 2A for just plugged in.
Doing stuff at will always uses a lot of power.

Get a 12V light and get a 12V charger for you Computer. Depending how often you use the camper this investment pays for itself in under a year.