please explain an inverter to me

Very quick: Power inverters convert direct current (DC), the power that comes from a car battery, into alternating current (AC), the kind of power supplied to your home and the power larger electronics need to function.

You might use an inverter when camping off the grid...using just battery power and you want to say use your Kerig machine to make a cup of coffee.

They deplete your batteries rather quickly and your batteries will need to be recharged often...by driving, by using a generator, by solar, or by plugging into shore power.

You might start with a Google search. That will provide you with a ton of background info.

Inverter changes 12v DC to 110v AC, same as what you get from a plug at home. Use it anywhere you need 110v and only have 12v. such as if you want to run your computer which plugs into 110V, and only have 12v as in your car or truck.
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Billinwoodland wrote:
You might start with a Google search. That will provide you with a ton of background info.

Come on man...we help each other out here. The OP is asking RV'ers here on an RV help forum for some RV help.

On the same subject, a converter does just the opposite. Converts 110v to 12v.

A power inverter, or inverter, is an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) (the house batteries) to alternating current (AC)(120v)

The input voltage, output voltage and frequency, and overall power handling depend on the design of the specific device or circuitry. The inverter does not produce any power; the power is provided by the DC source.(your house batteries)


Very simply put it allows you to run 120v things, like an electric shaver, off the house batteries.

How detailed do you want to get?? OP said he had a hard time with electrical, so just trying to keep it simple.

So if I am plugged in to shore power or running the generator, I don't need to turn it on? Just if I am using battery power only?

In the RV world, most RVs have a converter, which is used to charge the batteries when connected to shore power, and to provide 12v to the lights in the RF, which also are 12v like cars and trucks. Preinstalled inverters are not as common, but are used in many of the upper class RVs to provide 110v power to outlets when not connected to shore power. Ones like our less expensive, humble little coaches do not usually have them installed.

This is a lot, but try this

AC Inverters

If you are connected to shore power or running the generator, your inverter is not necessary, as 110v is provided from the shore power or generator. I do not have a convient 110v outlet in the cab or our RV, so I sometimes use a snall inverter to power my laptop from the dashboard power outlet which is a 12v circuit. However, if you are connected to shore power, your CONVERTER is providing 12v power to your interior lights.

Hope we have helped to clear your questions simply. Your are welcome.