Prostar power inverter is low-frequency, transformer-based systems designed to power ample loads over an extended period of time. If you’re new to RV and camper electric systems, terms like converter, inverter and charger can make your head spin. Many youtubers use these words interchangeably (or incorrectly) further adding to the confusion. Our goal with this post is to simplify and clear up these definitions.
How long can I operate my inverter?
The runtime depends on the amount of battery power available and the load that it is supporting. In general, as you increase the load your runtime will decrease. However, you can attach more batteries to extend the runtime. There is no limit to the number of batteries that can be connected.
What’s the difference between an inverter and inverter/charger?
An inverter simply converts DC (battery) power into AC power and then passes it along to connected equipment. An inverter/charger does the same thing, except that it is connected to an AC power source to continuously charge the batteries when AC utility power is available. In the case of a power outage, the inverter will automatically switch to battery power to provide power to connected equipment.
How fast will my inverter respond to a power outage?
During an outage, Prostar inverter will transfer from utility to battery power in about 8 milliseconds.
Our inverter/chargers are equipped with Automatic Transfer Switching (ATS). When AC utility power becomes unavailable (e.g., a blackout), ATS automatically switches to DC battery power so that connected electronics stay powered.
What’s the difference between startup and continuous load?
Many appliances and electronics draw a lot more power on startup than they do during continuous use. Because inverters must be able to handle these “peak surge” requirements, the startup power requirement must be considered when sizing your power inverter.
Should I leave my power inverter on when shore power is available?
Yes. When shore power is available, the inverter/charger conditions AC power before passing it to your equipment and simultaneously charges your user-supplied batteries. When an AC source is not available (during power failures, at remote sites, while driving, when disconnected from shore power or when your generator is turned off), the inverter/charger automatically switches to battery power and your equipment continues to operate without interruption.
Is a power inverter necessary?
You can rely on battery power and 12v electronics when camping off-grid. Many van lifers choose to go this route because it is simple. If you don’t have an inverter you can still use lights, vent fans, 12v portable refrigerators or other small electronics. You just won’t have any powered household wall sockets.
Inverter chargers are significantly more expensive than a smart converter. If you don’t plan to do a lot of boondocking, save yourself some money and stick with a smart converter.
