THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Has anyone tried a 110 volt invertor? I found a powerbright 24 volt 1500 watt on the internet I might buy to run my small 110 air compresor. I have already tested the compresor on a 1200 watt 12 volt invertor,worked fine ,any thoughts . kevin

I have invertors that I've been using from, 12,24,36 and 48v and ranging from800w to 8000w. You need to verify the duty cycle for the wattage demand you want ( and surge wattage) and that you can recover the power taken from the batteries. Typically, 110v compressors are not efficient for power useage, whereas, the dataplate may claim xxx wattage, the startup wattage could be up to 3 times that.

Dave Dunn

Kevin, what is the start up amp draw off the compressor?

Dave and Eric thanx for the reply. I checked the dataplate it said 120 volt 60 hz 2amps. If I am using the right formula that should be 240 watts running not sure about startup watts it's a small 2 gallon tank compresor.One of the reasons I am leaning toward an invertor is that it will also run my high volume inflater tor my rafts. Thanx again Kevin.

Kevin
Your math is right, but I question your compressor. I had to do a search to look at A/C specs. My smallest A/C I have is 15amps ( a lightweight portable for construction). But did find one in the ampere range you gave. All I can say is you have patience It was rated at .6cfm @ 90 psi. Nothing wrong with that, it just means it takes a while to inflate a tire on a Pinz.
Remember the max charge for a stock 710/12 is 980w ( alternator is 28v x 35 amps). though you are pulling from the batteries,you don't want to use a invertor an extended time without the engine running.
Also watch your invertor's specs..... different companies will rate them different ways, and the efficiency of it ( wasted energy in the conversion)


Dave Dunn

You might want to consider a 24VDC compressor such as what is sold for the off road or perhaps items meant for the 18 Wheeler market.

Compressors such as shown on this link http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-viair24.htm are a good choice to consider.

DC is a much more efficient choice of power for almost everything EXCEPT transmission of power over distance.

The only reason we have AC appliances and such is because of the necessity to transmit power over distances (long distances). AC motors and circuitry are there now so that rectification (AC to DC) would not be necessary for each and every home. Electric items in use in homes before the advent of wide spread AC power was DC powered and many homes had their own wind generator etc to provide power.

I use a "cheap" Samlex 1500W inverter to run a microwave when camping. A refurbed unit only cost about $300, and so far has served me well for occasional use over 6 years. It even survived being connected backwards (sans all eight fuses) and still works.

However, even when used with a small and fairly efficient microwave it draws 50 amps from the batteries; since it is only used a few minutes at a time I haven't had any problems with battery drain.

For compressors, a DC unit is the way to go. Even the inexpensive Hummer CTIS from Surplus center put out 2cfm at 50psi and draw only 20 amps or so (I haven't actually meaured mine). However, I have gotten some from Surplus center that were thoroughly worn out, so buyer beware.

Jim M.
712W and 710M

I guess I am better off with a 24 volt compresor. Just switched over to interco trxus tires w/dynabeads so I'm not sure how often I will be airing down. My expectations are much higher than the quality of the road king tires that came on my pinz. thanx for the help. kevin