Automotive voltage converter is very popular among many motorists. It is a small device that changes the input voltage (12-24 Volts) to constant 220 V. Various car batteries can act as a source. The market is full of various devices that differ in power, build quality, etc. Therefore, the editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best 12/220 volt inverters in 2022.
Operating principle
When it is necessary to change the AC voltage, one converter with initial and repeated winding is sufficient. With continuous electricity, everything is not so easy - the car enthusiast needs a more complex electrical circuit with semiconductor components.
In the case under consideration, it is necessary to increase the voltage and transform its type. For this purpose, a mixed circuit is used, in which both converter and semiconductor devices are used.
The basis of pulse-width modulation is the operating principle of the inverter. The main generator supplies impulses, the frequency of which ranges from 10 kHz to 20 MHz, to a power switch connected to the winding of the induction converter - alternating current is removed from its output.
The width of the shocks is determined by the connected load, and therefore the circuit uses a feedback structure. The smallest signal duty cycle is equal to the minimum power, and as the output current increases, the push width reaches 1:1 (the limit value).
The difficulty is that the type of output signal that is obtained in this case is not a plastic decrease/increase in voltage (graph), but a square wave with an abrupt change in potential.
This means that the measured voltage cannot be applied to various electronic devices. To convert a square wave into a sine wave, the inverter circuit is supplemented with filters from capacitors and coils.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a device, focus on your needs. There are several main rules when choosing a car inverter:
- The main thing is that before connecting the inverter to the car's generator, you need to know the power. It should not exceed the power of the generator. Basically, this figure varies from 150 to 220 W.
- Decide on a list of devices that you will connect to the converter in the future. It is necessary to look at the power consumption parameters when starting the device in normal operation mode and in high consumption mode. Wattage also affects voltage, and some appliances will not work unless they receive the required 220 watts.
- If the inverter fails, it can cause the car to catch fire. For such reasons, choose a device from a reliable manufacturer of a well-known brand. Well-known brands provide a guarantee for their devices.
Orion PN-60
Orion PN-60 is a domestically produced pulse voltage converter. An excellent choice for those who do not want to bother connecting the device to the battery. Powered by a cigarette lighter and equipped with short circuit protection.
It will ensure stable operation of both low-power boilers and televisions, as well as a compressor or even a vacuum cleaner. One of the nice additions is an independent USB power output. In operation, it has proven itself to be a durable and useful device in a car, and therefore takes an honorable fifth place among the best inverters for a car.
Do you use inverters in your car? If not, then it’s in vain, since such equipment greatly simplifies life on the road and allows you to feel at home wherever you may be!
Types of car inverters
Power supplies for cars are usually divided into categories:
- by the quality of the output signal amplitude;
- according to the permissible load power;
- according to the territorial location of the manufacturer.
Sine wave
Converters can generate several types of voltage curve:
- Pure sine wave without graph deviations. Designed to connect any consumers. The disadvantage of the equipment is the increased price, since complex electronic circuitry is required to obtain a uniform curve.
- Modified or approximated (has a stepped nature). The equipment is not suitable for connecting asynchronous motors or electronics. Deviations of the curve cause background noise and increased heating of the engines with a simultaneous decrease in efficiency and service life.
By power
Before choosing a converter, you should determine the load power. Manufacturers indicate the peak and nominal values, which differ by 1.5-2 times. The normal parameter allows you to determine the power over a long time (for example, an output of 1000 W allows you to connect a variety of electric tools). It is recommended to purchase an inverter with a reserve of at least 20% of the rated power.
The peak value determines the permissible load at the time of startup of the connected devices.
By country of origin
Most of the inverters were manufactured in China, some of the products were assembled in Russia using Chinese components (transformers, electronic components or housing parts). This practice is the norm. When selecting, you need to pay attention to the technical parameters and analyze customer reviews.
The best car inverters 12/220V
Today there are many different types of inverters for cars, differing in type, power supply method and power. Low-power rectifiers have a power of no more than 300 W. They are used to charge phones or laptops. This type of inverter for a car is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket.
An inverter for a medium-power car is designed for voltages ranging from 300-1000 W. Such devices are connected to the battery through terminals. Below are the best car inverters, among which the car enthusiast can choose the one that best suits his own wishes.
AVS IN-2000W
from 6,550 to 6,950 rub.
This model is the best automotive inverter for powering tools with power up to 2 kW. The device is made in an aluminum case, it promotes natural temperature relief. The built-in cooler helps keep the product cool. The case is equipped with mounting holes, thanks to which the device can be installed as convenient as possible during continuous use in the car. The device also provides high current strength up to 1 A.
| USB | Yes |
| Power | 2000 W |
| Size | 26x14x5 cm |
- there is short circuit protection (sensor);
- manufacturer's warranty (5 years);
- the device has a built-in parameter monitoring system (if a strong deviation occurs, a sound signal sounds and warns the owner);
- One socket is built in, a double is needed, it can power several electrical appliances.
The power of the converter corresponds to the declared one, despite the low cost. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles (in the form of an electronic voltmeter), there are two sets of wires - to the 12 V power source and directly to the battery with alligator clips.
Neoline 1000W
Another high-quality inverter that you won’t have to pay a lot of money for. It is equipped with two sockets, so you can simultaneously connect two fairly powerful devices.
When choosing a car inverter, you should pay attention to the “Start” mode - it provides increased instantaneous power for just a split second, allowing you to start electric motors.
In addition, the developers have done everything to ensure that this converter provides maximum safety during operation. Therefore, the inverter is equipped with all types of protection: from overheating, overload, complete discharge, short circuit. In addition, such equipment gets very hot under high loads - it is for this case that the developers have provided active cooling, which sharply reduces the risk of breakdown due to overheating.
Advantages:
- complete safety of operation;
- two sockets;
- compliance with the declared characteristics;
- compactness;
- active cooling.
Flaws:
- short cable.
MAP "ENERGY" 900
The power is 900 W and the input voltage ranges from 10 to 15 V. The output voltage is with the lowest number of harmonics and frequency, which is 50 Hz. During a load of more than 1.3 kilowatts, it automatically turns off. If the load is normal, then the voltage is stable.
Can be used as a powerful starting charger (return conversion from 220 to 12 V). The design looks like a large and heavy box with a digital display and toggle switches.
The average price is 28,000 rubles.
MAP "ENERGY" 900Advantages:
- There is a high-quality display;
- Can be personally configured;
- A number of operating modes;
- The car enthusiast can use it as a source of constant power and charger.
Flaws:
- Dimensional, but when compared with functionality this becomes unimportant.
Airline API-1500-08
Here is a voltage converter from 12 to 220 V, which can be an excellent companion on long trips. One of the main differences is the high power – 1500 W. This makes it possible to connect quite powerful equipment far from civilization. In addition to one socket, there is also a USB connector that allows you to charge a wide variety of equipment - from smartphones to special flashlights. Active cooling dramatically reduces the risk of an inverter breaking down somewhere in the wilderness, as well as all kinds of protection against overloads, overheating, short circuits and overvoltage. An additional advantage is the built-in display, which makes using the device even more comfortable and simple.
Advantages:
- convenient screen;
- excellent combination of price and opportunity;
- high power;
- high-quality cooling.
Flaws:
- there is no protection against polarity reversal;
- only one socket.
AIRLINE API-1000-06
from 3,950 to 5,320 rubles.
It is the best model designed for trucks with a 12V network. Outputs 1000 W AC. To maintain durability and warmth, the body is made of metal. The set includes two screw-on clips with black and red designations. The unit does not create sudden loads, but begins work with a soft start.
| USB | present |
| Power | 1000 W |
| Compactness | 38x25x15 cm |
- built-in fan (cools the system);
- there is a European socket;
- the inverter operates without changes, even strong temperature changes from -20 to +45 degrees will not damage the device.
- short wires (65 cm).
An excellent inverter, small and convenient, produces electricity according to the specifications, quickly charged the phone and laptop on the road, without fear of a possible surge in electricity. When a car requires a real 220V outlet, the inverter will become an indispensable addition. I recommend!
Autoinverter AIRLINE
ACMEPOWER 12/220V 1000W
The car inverter from the manufacturer ACMEPOWER has a nice design and attractive shell. Here the developers tried their best.
The device is so comfortable and small that you literally want to use it all the time. The inverter is connected to the car battery.
The average price is 20,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Availability;
- Attractive design;
- Assembly reliability;
- Small dimensions.
Flaws:
- Weak power output.
Energy AutoLine Plus 1200
But for users looking for a good portable inverter with a built-in battery, they will certainly like the Energy AutoLine Plus 1200. Indeed, few analogs can boast of having a battery that allows you to power small devices (like charging a smartphone) when the engine is turned off.
The “Overload” mode allows you to get 150% power, but you cannot use it for more than 30 minutes.
There is a battery charge indicator, which makes using the inverter simpler and easier. To increase safety, there are almost all types of protection: from short circuit, complete discharge, overvoltage, overheating and others. Many users like the presence of two outlets, allowing them to run two appliances at once. Therefore, this model deserves to be included in the TOP of the most successful.
Advantages:
- high efficiency – 92%;
- two sockets;
- significant power;
- reliable protection system;
- built-in battery.
Flaws:
- When connecting two devices it gets very hot.
AIRLINE API-150-01
from 1,189 to 1,600 rubles.
5th place 4.3/5
This car inverter is quite famous among car enthusiasts. The two main wires are small and connect directly to the cigarette lighter. It's very convenient that you don't have to open the hood and put clamps on the battery. All actions take place inside the car. Modern devices include a main outlet and an additional separate USB connector.
| USB | present |
| Force | 150 W |
| Dimensions | 27x5x17 cm |
- built-in protection against overload and heating;
- capable of delivering 300 W at peak;
- combined type socket (it is possible to include plugs of standard and rare shapes).
- You cannot turn on equipment more powerful than 150 W.
It works at low temperatures, stated up to -25 degrees, tried it at -14 outside the car. Half the power of 75 W pulls calmly, I didn’t load it any further. Without a load, there is not 0.4 amperes, but 0.6, and until you give it a load, the voltage will be 214 Volts. It is better to connect the load already when the green readiness indicator on it lights up, because interference comes first. It's better not to take risks.
MEANWELL 12/220V 1500W
It comes immediately with cables with which the driver needs to connect it to the battery. In addition, the set includes a cigarette lighter cable.
Most drivers do not recommend using the device at 100% power when connected to a car cigarette lighter. The advantage of this model, besides its price, lies in its small dimensions.
The average price is 7,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- The type of AC output voltage is a “pure” sinusoid;
- It is possible to connect not only a battery, but also a solar battery;
- Allows you to charge the battery while powering the load.
Flaws:
- Not detected
Ritmix RPI-6024
Of course, this model may not be the best inexpensive auto-inverter in the review, but it is certainly one of them. At an affordable price, the model has a fairly high efficiency (90.5%) and active cooling, making use safer.
Having an inverter with a power of 1000-1500 W, you can even connect a microwave oven to your car.
Like many models, it has one socket and a USB port, which increases functionality, allowing you to connect different types of equipment.
Advantages:
- good efficiency;
- compactness;
- practicality;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- thin wires.
WESTER MSW250
from 1,728 to 1,839 rubles.
4th place 4.4/5
This device provides you with a stable power of 250 W and a peak power of 500 W at the same time; it is connected to the cigarette lighter, does not require stopping along the way and connecting to the battery terminals. The body is made of black metal with the ability to be mounted on the inside wall of a car. A wire with a plug is attached to it, then everything is attached to the cigarette lighter. Unplugging devices does not make the dashboard socket any heavier.
| USB | Yes |
| Force | 500 W |
| Dimensions | 18x10x6 cm |
- there is a fuse against short circuits;
- light weight (600 g);
- indicator indicating readiness for work.
- not detected.
I purchased the device and have never regretted it. Thanks to its small dimensions, it is very convenient to use. There is an indicator, it indicates readiness for work, after some time it turns off to avoid overheating. He does his job with a bang.
Autoinverter WESTER
DEFORT
The inverter for the DEFORT car is equipped with a sound signal indicating a decrease in battery charge or increased voltage. This is an affordable, inexpensive inverter, but with a lot of options. There is integrated protection against overheating and short circuit. There is a USB slot.
The device copes with any tasks assigned to it at an excellent level, but it is impossible to connect more powerful devices to it, for example, a TV or microwave oven.
The average price is 800 rubles.
Advantages:
- There is a sound signal that automatically notifies of a decrease in battery charge or an increase in the voltage of the electricity consumer;
- Integrated overload and short circuit protection;
- Overheat protection and USB slot.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
STURM AW98A03
from 2,328 to 2,599 rub.
3rd place 4.6/5
The converter guarantees a constant transmission of alternating electrical current to the machine. The durable casing reliably protects all internal ligaments from mechanical stress. The built-in protection sensor turns off the load when the current output is high. It is not recommended to connect fancy electrical appliances, because the type of input signal is an uninterruptible power supply.
| USB | present |
| Power | 300 W |
| Size | 19x10x5 cm |
- expanded equipment (wires to the battery like crocodile type and wires to the cigarette lighter);
- overheat protection sensor;
- built-in fan (cools the system).
- not detected.
I purchased the converter six months ago. Using the device is easy and simple, control is expressed in one button. It is equipped with protection against overheating, overvoltage and short circuit. Satisfied with the work, an indispensable assistant on the road.
Comparison table of characteristics
The table below shows the main parameters of the equipment of popular models.
| Model | Continuous power, W | Weight, kg |
| AVS IN-2000W | 1000 | 0,9 |
| Airline API-1000-06 | 1000 | 2,5 |
| Wester MSW250 | 250 | 0,7 |
| Airline API-150-01 | 150 | 0,2 |
| Acmepower 12/220V | 1000 | 5,8 |
| Defort DCI-150C | 150 | 0,41 |
| TBS Powersine PS600-12 | 500 | 6,2 |
| Mobilen SP-150 | 150 | 0,56 |
| Ritmix RPI-6024 | 600 | 0,98 |
| Calm PS12/300 | 300 | 1,35 |
| Luxeon IPS-2000s | 1000 | 2,2 |
| Sturm AW98A03 | 300 | 0,56 |
| Meanwell A301‑150‑F3 | 150 | 0,5 |
| MAP "Energy" 900 | 900 | 12,0 |
Installation and connection rules
Proper installation, connection and subsequent use are a guarantee of long and safe operation of the inverter. To avoid disappointment in your purchase, follow the principles below:
- Place only in a non-humid place;
- Do not allow direct sunlight to penetrate the device;
- Do not place the inverter near heating equipment;
- Do not turn on near flammable objects.
Like any modern device, an inverter for a car is equipped with a specialized protective device that protects it from failures or malfunctions and voltage failures of more than 12 V.
Auto shut-off protects against overload and is instantly activated during voltage drop. In the event of a short circuit, the device will also turn off.
Areas of application
Inverters are used in various situations:
- On long trips, they provide the ability to connect the necessary devices (refrigerator, electrical tools, etc.) to the car battery.
- Conversion of energy obtained from alternative sources (for example, from solar panels).
- Backup power supply to your home in case of an unexpected power outage.
- Source of energy in suburban areas in the absence of centralized electrification, etc.
To perform each of these tasks, select the appropriate converter models. Most often, 12/220 inverters are used by motorists.
Devices with 12 V and 24 V input voltages are not interchangeable!
Wester MSW1300 – from RUB 5,990.
| Characteristic | Index |
| Power | 1300 W |
| Peak power | 2600 W |
| Output waveform | approximated sinusoid |
| Input voltage | 24 V |
| Output voltage | 220 V |
| Efficiency | 85% |
An inverter that produces 1300 watts is excellent in terms of power, but it is not suitable for everyone. The minimum input voltage is 21V, which is sometimes a minus, but extremely rarely. For connection, the manufacturer includes battery clips in the kit.
It has slightly less protection than the previous one. There are places for mounting, and all the power goes out to a couple of sockets + one USB port.
People often buy it because you get good performance, stable operation and several ports for your money. Webster handles most everyday electrical appliances well.
Appearance
Actually, two interrelated characteristics are power and body shape. Low-power inverter converters can be designed in the form of a large “adapter” inserted directly into the cigarette lighter, or in the form of a cylinder with a diameter like a soda can for installation in a cup holder - with a cable in the same cigarette lighter.
This format is very convenient, but significantly limited in power - for the first option it usually does not exceed 70-100 watts, for the second - 100-150 watts (although more may be announced, depending on the arrogance of the manufacturer!). Cooling for such gadgets is usually natural, fanless. The cases are safe, plastic.
More powerful inverters are available in the form of rectangular aluminum cases with radiator fins and purge fans. As a rule, models up to 200 watts of power still have a cord in the cigarette lighter (and sometimes can even be fanless), but more powerful ones already come with crocodile wires for connecting directly to the battery terminals under the hood and with an effective purge cooling system.
The move away from an easy connection in the cigarette lighter to a not very convenient and unsuitable for use on the move “crocodile” connection is due to the fact that the fuse in the cigarette lighter circuit on most cars does not exceed a nominal value of 15 amperes. With this current consumption, the inverter cannot output more than two hundred watts to avoid blowing the fuse.
Even more powerful models of voltage converters are limited in power, in fact, only by the capabilities of the battery and generator of an average car. There are inverters on sale with a power of up to 1.5-2 kilowatts, and even higher. Let's look at the relationship between power and capabilities in more detail!
Approximate cost
The basic version of the device on Chinese trading platforms costs from 600 rubles. (excluding postage rates). Sellers provide a limited warranty, but the quality of such converters is poor, and the characteristics often do not correspond to the declared parameters.
In Russian stores, equipment can be purchased at a price of 920 rubles. for portable models, versions with improved capabilities and a convector for cooling will cost from 1.1 thousand rubles. Professional equipment has a price of up to 38 thousand rubles. (for example, MAP "Energy" 900).
How to use a car inverter
A 220V auto-inverter should operate with a voltage reserve of 25-30% of the expected load. If you neglect this recommendation, the device's fuses will constantly fail. That is, when choosing a device to connect to a car inverter, its power must be multiplied by 1.3, the result will be the voltage indicator that the consumer will take.
If you do not leave such a reserve when working with an auto-inverter, then it can quickly become unusable, since its operation will be carried out at increased power.
The auto-inverter is connected according to the following principle:
| Power of connected devices | Possible connections |
| Low power household appliances up to 150 W (cell phones, electric shavers, tablets) are connected to the auto-inverter. | The inverter connects directly to the car's cigarette lighter via a special plug |
| High power devices up to 300 W (microwave ovens, drills, hammer drills, TVs) are connected to the auto-inverter. | The inverter is connected directly to the car battery through special clamps on the wires |
As can be seen from the table, automotive inverters have unlimited capabilities and their applications can be quite diverse.
Battery type
For uninterruptible or backup power supply systems, only deep cycle batteries are suitable. Unlike starter (car) analogues, they are able to withstand long-term charging and discharging.
The products are durable. The resource of modern models is enough for 12 or more years of operation. The car analogue will fail after 10 discharges.
Deep cycle batteries are:
- gel (GEL), the electrolyte is a gel-like mass;
- lead acid (AGM), the electrolyte is located in the pores of plates made of thin glass fibers.
Both types of batteries have their advantages and disadvantages.
Gel models are characterized by higher efficiency. The devices can be placed in any position, since there is no liquid electrolyte. It is even possible to operate the inverter from a battery with a damaged case. GEL technology was developed for the aviation and military industries. According to statistics, gel batteries last a little longer than AGM counterparts in cyclic operation.
The disadvantages of the equipment include: the need to maintain a precise charging current (gel batteries are used with microprocessor controllers) and the possibility of the battery swelling and exploding when the electrolyte boils.
AGM batteries do not have the above disadvantages. The advantages of batteries of this type also include high resistance to deep discharges (the devices can withstand more than 600 such cycles).
AGM technology ensures that a consistently high current is maintained at any state of battery charge. Another advantage of such batteries is low self-discharge. Over a year of downtime, the capacity will decrease by only 20%.
