Kristian Ferrell
Boat inverters are used to change direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) to power household tools, electronic items and appliances. They are usually hardwired directly to the battery bank and have receptacles for appliances to plug into. Inverters are a convenient way to power devices such as laptops, blenders and drills when unplugged from shore power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Change DC current supplied by boat's batteries into AC current to power electronic devices and household appliances on a boat |
| Installation | Permanent-mount inverters are hardwired directly to the battery bank and usually installed by a marine electrician; portable inverters are also available |
| Power | Permanent-mount inverters are 400 watts or more; inverter/chargers have outputs of 2,000 to 4,000 watts |
| Features | Receptacles for appliances to plug into; some allow for more receptacles to be wired in remote locations; some have built-in transfer switches for full integration with existing AC wiring; some have USB ports for charging mobile devices |
| Safety | Fire and electrocution are possible if not installed correctly |
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What You'll Learn
Inverters change DC current to AC current
For larger electrical loads, you will need a permanently-installed inverter. These are usually installed by a marine electrician as they involve high electrical currents and there is a risk of fire or electrocution if they are not installed correctly. These inverters are larger and are installed in a locker in an out-of-the-way location. They are permanently wired to the boat's batteries and often include a combination inverter/charger that handles charging the boat's batteries from shore power.
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Inverters power household appliances
Inverters come in two main types: permanent-mount inverters and portable inverters. Permanent-mount inverters are hardwired directly to the battery bank and usually have receptacles for appliances to plug into. They are usually installed by a marine electrician and can be dangerous if not done correctly. Top-of-the-line models include built-in transfer switches, enabling full integration with existing AC wiring.
Portable inverters are a step down from permanent-mount inverters and are not suitable for larger electrical loads. For example, microwaves, blenders and vacuum cleaners usually won't work on a portable inverter.
Inverter/chargers are a type of inverter that combines the functions of a battery charger and a power inverter in one device. They have outputs that rival small generators (2,000 to 4,000 watts) and include a powerful battery charger, as well as associated monitors and remote controls.
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Inverters can be permanent-mount or portable
Inverters in this range usually have receptacles for appliances to plug into, but do not integrate with your boat's existing AC wiring. Some allow you to easily wire more receptacles in remote locations. Top-of-the-line models include built-in transfer switches enabling full integration with existing AC wiring.
Portable inverters are smaller and more convenient to carry around. They are usually used for powering smaller devices such as laptops and mobile phones. They are also useful for charging batteries when away from shore power.
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Inverters can be hardwired to the battery bank
Inverters in this range usually have receptacles for appliances to plug into, but do not integrate with your boat's existing AC wiring. Some allow you to easily wire more receptacles in remote locations. Top-of-the-line models include built-in transfer switches enabling full integration with existing AC wiring.
Inverter/chargers have outputs that rival small generators (2,000 to 4,000 watts) and include a powerful battery charger, an associated monitor and remote controls. Inverter/chargers almost always include an automatic transfer switch, so that when your inverter/charger detects another source of AC power, the inverter/charger shifts gears from inverting to charging batteries.
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Inverters can be combined with chargers
Inverter/chargers have outputs that rival small generators (2,000 to 4,000 watts) and include a powerful battery charger, associated battery monitors, and remote controls. They almost always include an automatic transfer switch, so that when the inverter/charger detects another source of AC power (because you plugged into shore power or started your genset), it shifts from inverting to charging batteries.
Inverter/chargers are usually installed near the boat's battery bank and are hardwired directly to the battery. They may also include built-in transfer switches, enabling full integration with existing AC wiring.
When choosing an inverter/charger, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Factors to consider include the size and power of the inverter/charger, the type of battery it is compatible with, and the ease of installation and use.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat inverter changes the DC current supplied by a boat's batteries into AC current to power electronic devices and "household" appliances on a boat.
An inverter can power devices such as laptops, blenders, drills, and mobile devices.
A permanent-mount inverter is hardwired directly to the battery bank and is usually installed near the boat's battery bank. It is used for larger electrical loads. A portable inverter is smaller and can be used to power sensitive electronics.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an inverter. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want a portable or permanent-mount inverter, depending on your power needs. Secondly, you need to consider the wattage of the inverter. Permanent-mount inverters start at 400 watts, while inverter/chargers can output 2,000 to 4,000 watts.
