Power Inverter Safety Guidelines

A power inverter is a great way to make sure you will always have your electrical devices available.  Generally power inverters are easy and safe to use when care is taken.  However, as with any device which is utilizing electrical current you must be safe because there is always the possibility of electrical shock.  Here are a few guidelines for safe power inverter use.

Always read the instructions and become familiar with the operation and proper use of your power inverter before you try it out.  It may seem like a no-brainer but many accidents happen because people did not follow the directions included with the device.

Never try to put a larger load on your power inverter than it is rated for.  If you try to run 1500 watts on a 1200 watt power inverter you could end up ruining the inverter and perhaps damaging your devices.  This could also lead to an electrical shock that could cause serious injury or death to anyone unfortunate enough to be near the device when it happens.

If you are using a 12v inverter in your car cigarette lighter, do not attempt to power more than 150 watts.  The cigarette light port is not designed for more than this and you could put the electrical system of your car in jeopardy by doing so.  Damage to that is neither cheap nor easy to fix.

Always be sure to connect the power inverter to the correct terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative) to avoid damage to the inverter and your generator or vehicle.  This is another common mistake that will cause your inverter to blow a fuse or worse.

Make sure to keep extra fuses on hand.  It is a terrible feeling to know that if you just had another fuse you would have the electricity to power an essential electrical device.  Fuses are cheap, so keep a box with your inverter.  If a fuse blows just pop another one in and you are back in business.

	Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output List Price: $54.95 Sale Price: $24.00
	Description The Cobra CPI 480 is a 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC power inverter that provides 400 Watts of power handling and 800 Watts of peak power. This unit comes equipped with two grounded AC receptacles and a 5-Volt USB output, allowing you to power and charge a wide variety of devices...

	Whistler Pro-1200W 1,200 Watt Power Inverter List Price: $199.95 Sale Price: $67.15
	Description 1200 Watts of Continuous Power; High Surge Power; Digital Battery/Volt/Watt Meter; Mountable; Overload Indicator; Thermostat-Controlled Cooling Fan; 120 Amp Power Requirement; Ground Fault Sensing; Electronic Circuit Protection; 3 Ac Outlets; Usb Port; Remote Control Ready

	PowerLine PowerCup 200/400 Watt Mobile Inverter with USB Power Port List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $25.06
	Description PowerCup 200/400 Watt Mobile Inverter with USB Power Port

	Wagan EL2402-5 Smart AC 200 Watt Inverter with 5V 2.1 Amps USB Power Port List Price: $64.95 Sale Price: $30.39
	Description The Wagan EL2402-5 Smart AC Inverter is a 2.1-Amp USB power port that is compatible with iPad and other tablets, Kindle and other e-readers, smartphones, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, and other USB appliances...

	Whistler Pro-200W 200 Watt Power Inverter List Price: $49.95 Sale Price: $18.68
	Description 200 Watts Continuous Power; High Surge Power; Plugs Into Lighter Socket; Cooling Fan; 20 Amp Power Requirement; Ground Fault Sensing; Electronic Circuit Protection; 2 Ac Outlets; Usb Port

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