Cheap Power supply

[asterisk]

I found this on City Software's site the other day:

http://www.citysoftware.com.au/Browse/dacb0747a77043de982d0c859e91a5f5001 ItemDetail.aspx

A cheap inverter 12v to 240v - not sure about the 12 amps though!

[RAJAH235]

I don't know, (can't see), exactly where you got the 12 Amps from???
The output is just 150 Watts @ 240 Volts.
Approx. 600 mAmp./.625 Amp. (just over ½ Amp).


Handy unit tho.

[Barrykgerdes]

150 watt from 12 volt is at least 12 Amps.
Surge power of 300 watts will be over 25 AMP watch you fuses and have a spare battery to start your car.

Barry

[RAJAH235]

Barry... Sorry but it's an inverter. ;)
It inverts, (converts), 12 Volt DC into 240 Volts AC.
Only has an output of 150 Watts @ 240 Volts....(not 12 Volts DC).

You'd need a bucketful more than $50 for a 240 Volt @ 12 Amp inverter.

[bojan]

Barry is right.
It converts 12V to 240V AC, and for 150W output power it need a bit more at the input. So input current will be >12A (12A x 12V = 144W)

[Omaroo]

Ohm's Law - irrespective of what's in-between...

150W/12vdc=12.5A

If it's efficiency is even 90% then it'll draw 14+ amps to deliver 150W continuous.

Input current is dependant on what the draw is at the other end, and is not static.

[RAJAH235]

I'm looking at it from the other "logical" aspect.
The output current.
That's what I took Geoff to mean.

[Barrykgerdes]

What do you want to run from it?
Most 240 v appliances are rated in watts so as it is AC actuall current will depend on power factor and won't be the deciding factor.
The inverter will supply a resistive load of 150 watts and flatten a normal car battery in about 2 hours at 13Amps even if the start rating is 100 Amp hours. Car batteries aren't designed for this kind of use and will be worn out after very few charge discharge cycles.
It won't run inductive loads like motors at anything like the maximum ratings so I doubt if you could even start an electric drill or the like.

Barry