Inverters vs. Converters If you’re just getting started in the world of inverters, solar energy, generators and other off-grid electricity options, you may have come across converters in addition to power inverters. While the words might be similar, these two devices are actually quite different, and are used for different end results in building an off-grid energy network. But how exactly do they differ? And how can you make the most out of each of them? What Are Power Inverters? When you plug a device directly into a wall outlet, you’re generally tapping into city-provided alternating curren ..read more

It’s no secret that people love RVs. Whether you’re going on a camping trip in an RV or spending most of your time in one traveling from place to place, an RV can be a reliable and fun way to spend time on the road. However, most RVs aren’t equipped with the technology needed to power up basic electronic devices, or anything that requires an AC current to use. This can include things as simple as hairdryers or alarm clocks, but also includes things like microwaves, televisions and more. Shore power exists for this purpose, so that you can power up your electronics when parked at a campground o ..read more

Many of us rely on the power grid of the United States to keep us functioning. We’re using city-provided power everywhere you look – it powers up our computers, it keeps medical equipment running, we use it to keep the lights on, and it’s even used to warm up your leftovers through your microwave or toaster oven. However, it’s important to know what to do if that power goes out one day. Whether it’s for a single day, a week or even as long as a month, power outages can be extremely detrimental to our day-to-day lives. Fortunately, these types of outages don’t happen very often. But it does lea ..read more

How to Put Christmas Lights on Your Truck or Car Many folks light up the cold and dreary days of winter by adding Christmas lighting to their homes and even the trees and shrubbery in their yards. But more people are making their holidays mobile as well as merry with vehicle Christmas lights. Putting Christmas lights on your car can be a creative and cheerful way to celebrate the season that will grab the attention of others wherever you go. If you want to add some Christmas cheer to your car or truck, learn how with these free and easy tips from The Inverter Store. Vehicle Christmas Lights In ..read more

Let’s take a look at the benefits of investing in and having a power inverter on hand for home backup power during an emergency, natural disaster or winter storm – along with how to use your emergency home backup power inverter should your home’s electricity ever go out. What Is a Power Inverter? Power inverters, which range from smaller 150-watt devices up to 7000-watt models and beyond, convert 12V, 24V, 36V and even 48V (volt) DC energy into AC electricity that can be used to run appliances and electrotonic devices in your home should you ever suffer a power outage. A power inverter (for h ..read more

Why to Use Off-the-Grid Portable Power Generators Living off the Grid in Times of Crisis As the current COVID-19 outbreak has shown, a major disaster can happen anytime. Having a back-up power supply or off-grid generator and living-off-the-grid supplies are vital when pandemics, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, ice storms and other emergency situations strike. Electric power service is often one of the first things to fall by the wayside during a crisis, usually as a result of damage to the local utility lines or the power plant itself. With no timetable on when it might return – especiall ..read more

In the early morning hours on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico was wakened by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake centered in Ponce, along the southern coast of the island. After subsequent aftershocks, another quake of magnitude 5.9 hit on Saturday, January 11, 2020, compounding the destruction of homes and other structures, including severe damage to a school. High-intensity earthquakes are a somewhat new phenomenon to Puerto Rico, as fault lines underlying the island have been relatively inactive since 1918, when a 7.3-magnitude quake in the region killed over 100 people. But since last Decembe ..read more

The U.S. electric grid – or the massive power flow throughout the country – is supported by only a small number of America’s substations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reports that the country is vulnerable to a coast-to-coast blackout if only nine of the country’s 55,000 electric-transmission substations are disabled by sabotage, extreme weather or a cyberattack. A Lack of Protection The electrical grid is a critical infrastructure, but there are no federal rules or protections for these substations, which leaves America’s electrical infrastructure even more vulnerable to b ..read more

Overcurrent occurs when a current increases or surges, exceeding the normal current flow, creating an overcurrent. Short circuits and overloads are the main culprits that cause overcurrent. An overload happens when an excessive number of different loads are placed a power source, exceeding its capacity to deal with the power draw. Overloads, if only short-lived and with a negligible accompanying rise in temperature,generally won’t cause too much damage to a power system. Unfortunately, prolonged overloads and their accompanying temperature rises need to be guarded against, as they can destroy ..read more

The Inverter Store has all kinds of portable power supplies for camping come spring, summer, autumn – and even winter (if you enjoy ice fishing or setting up camp next to a glittering, frozen lake). And while we know you don’t want to spoil the serenity offered by Mother Nature with too many electrically powered gadgets, sometimes you need a bit of power to make the most of your outdoor experiences. When dealing with harsher weather conditions, you may also need a sturdy and reliable portable power supply to weather the storm. Portable Power Supplies for Camping When you’re on the go but need ..read more