Inverter-2025 XLE
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From: Wisconsin/Arizona
Inverter-2025 XLE
I would like to be able to use my laptop power supply in my car. Dell sells an inverter as shown below. The laptops power supply has an input listed as 100-240V, 1.8A. (They do no sell a 12V power supply for my particular model laptop.) Is this inverter safe to use with my '25 Camry? Any issues with warranty if it's used?
Eaton Tripp Lite Series 375W PowerVerter Ultra-Compact Car Inverter with 2 Outlets
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From: PTW
Will it work yes, however the inverter output wattage may be too great for the cars 12V power outlet fuse rating.
The unit you list is stated to draw 40A amps at 12v for its continuous 375W 120V output. However, when the inverters 120V output is not connected to anything it only draws 0.65A at 12V. The inverter current draw will vary with the 120V wattage needed by whatever is connected to it.
Check the fuse rating of whatever 12v power outlet you are going to use as it may be only 25 amps. The result can be a blown fuse when the unit is putting out 375W.
A laptop is stated to need an inverter that outputs 50W to 100W thus a 375W inverter may only draw say10-15A at 12V and not blow a fuse. A small TV may draw 350W.
If you use this inverter and only connect your laptop you should be OK. If you connect a TV you most likely will blow the cars 12V fuse.
You could also downsize to a smaller inverter. One that at its maximum 120V wattage output draws less than the cars 12V fuse of the 12V power outlet. If a 25A fuse on the cars 12V power connection, then find an inverter that draws less at maximum continuous output.
Keep in mind these inverters have surge wattage rating. In this case a 375W continuous rated unit may be able put out 600W for a split second and with this draw more than 40A.
Every inverter should list its 12V current draw at maximum 120V wattage output.
There should be no issues with warranty claims. The 12V outlets are fuse protected and will blow if their current rating is exceeded. If you use the inverter and the cars electronics start to act funny, or the lights dim then take note.
Long story short is this unit can be used but don't hook up a TV or such or you will blow a fuse. A larger unit can be better as the unit is now working well below its wattage rating. These units can get hot at max output and some have a fan.
The link below has good explanation of inverters:
How to choose a power inverter
The unit you list is stated to draw 40A amps at 12v for its continuous 375W 120V output. However, when the inverters 120V output is not connected to anything it only draws 0.65A at 12V. The inverter current draw will vary with the 120V wattage needed by whatever is connected to it.
Check the fuse rating of whatever 12v power outlet you are going to use as it may be only 25 amps. The result can be a blown fuse when the unit is putting out 375W.
A laptop is stated to need an inverter that outputs 50W to 100W thus a 375W inverter may only draw say10-15A at 12V and not blow a fuse. A small TV may draw 350W.
If you use this inverter and only connect your laptop you should be OK. If you connect a TV you most likely will blow the cars 12V fuse.
You could also downsize to a smaller inverter. One that at its maximum 120V wattage output draws less than the cars 12V fuse of the 12V power outlet. If a 25A fuse on the cars 12V power connection, then find an inverter that draws less at maximum continuous output.
Keep in mind these inverters have surge wattage rating. In this case a 375W continuous rated unit may be able put out 600W for a split second and with this draw more than 40A.
Every inverter should list its 12V current draw at maximum 120V wattage output.
There should be no issues with warranty claims. The 12V outlets are fuse protected and will blow if their current rating is exceeded. If you use the inverter and the cars electronics start to act funny, or the lights dim then take note.
Long story short is this unit can be used but don't hook up a TV or such or you will blow a fuse. A larger unit can be better as the unit is now working well below its wattage rating. These units can get hot at max output and some have a fan.
The link below has good explanation of inverters:
How to choose a power inverter
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