The automotive power inverter is safer than ever, with many features to help keep you out of trouble such as cooling fans, overload indicator lights, and automatic shut-off for ignored indicator lights. However, using the inverter without reading the manufacturer's instructions can result in property damage, so be sure to use the automotive power inverter safely.
Just like with generators, in the event of a power outage, you'll need extra gasoline to power your car. If you want to keep some extra fuel on hand, remember to store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources or sparks. Don't rely on your local gas station to provide more when you need it. Power failures may disable the pump at the station.
Make sure the vehicle powering the inverter is outdoors, with the exhaust pointing away from buildings and at least 20 meters away to minimize the risk of exhaust entering your home.
Connecting the automotive power inverter to the battery or inserting the power cord into the inverter may create sparks. Keep the inverter away from any objects that may release flammable gases.
Only connect the inverter to the car battery or a remote terminal, and do not connect it to the vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter or AC power. While the cigarette lighter adapter is 12 volts, it cannot provide enough current to run the inverter.
After connecting the inverter, place it as far away as possible from the car's engine compartment and in a cool, dry place. This will prevent the equipment from overheating and prevent any smoke from igniting in the event of a spark from the device.
Use only safety-certified, dry, undamaged extension cords with a minimum rating of 15 amps for anything you plan to connect. Thread them through dry areas that won't be crushed or crushed.
If certain chargers are plugged into the inverter, it may damage certain chargers, especially for portable devices that lack a separate transformer or charger powered by batteries. These include flashlights, cordless shavers, and electric toothbrushes.
Not all cordless hand tools can be charged using a power inverter, so check the user manual that comes with the tool before attempting to charge the battery. Some tools also come with warning labels that you should pay attention to.
If the internal temperature of the automotive power inverter overheats, the device may shut down. Only restart it once it has cooled down. If the overload indicator light flashes a warning before shutting down, you'll need to address any causes of overload before restarting.