What to do with a DC to AC power inverter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential uses and modifications of a 750 watt DC to AC power inverter. Participants explore various applications, including high voltage projects, and share personal experiences with similar devices. The scope includes theoretical modifications, practical applications, and personal anecdotes related to power inverters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experience

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in modifying the inverter for high voltage applications, specifically for electroplating projects and creating a high voltage AC power supply.
  • Another participant humorously suggests simply taking the inverter as is for their own use.
  • A participant points out that 750 watt inverters are common and inexpensive, countering the notion that they are rare or unique.
  • There is a discussion about the feasibility of creating a high voltage power supply from the inverter, with one participant noting that using two legs of 110 volts would halve the current output.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of using an inverter during a power outage to power household needs.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of discussing high voltage modifications, with a participant emphasizing that inexperienced individuals are unlikely to encounter such inverters.
  • Another participant clarifies that the original poster's reference to high voltage implies multiple thousands of volts, not just standard household voltage.
  • A suggestion is made to use a commercial high voltage power supply plugged into the inverter for experiments.
  • One participant mentions that their inverter outputs only 110 volts and discusses the limitations of certain models.
  • A participant asserts that creating high voltage setups is not overly difficult.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the capabilities and commonality of 750 watt inverters. While some share personal experiences and practical uses, others debate the feasibility of high voltage modifications and the safety implications of such discussions. The discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to modifying the inverter for high voltage applications.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the inverter's capabilities, the definitions of high voltage, and the varying experiences participants have with different inverter models. The discussion does not resolve the technical feasibility of proposed modifications.

wil3
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I recently acquired by accident a 750 watt DC to AC power inverter, designed for powering AC appliances off of a car battery or other 12V power source. I have no need for such functionality.

I am really interested in high voltage projects and I was wondering if there are any interesting modifications I can make to the inverter. Is there a way to make a high voltage or current AC to DC rectifier from it (this could be useful for my electroplating projects)? Can I make an HV AC power supply from it somehow?

In general, is there anything interesting at all that I can do with it besides scrapping it for parts?

*Do not lock this thread for my safety. I will work with the utmost caution and avoid any dangerous situations. I have built a resonant Tesla Coil and so I have the necessary experience dealing with high voltage. I simply am new to modern high power systems like integrated circuit power inverters.

**In addition, please do not lock this thread due to fear of propagation of dangerous ideas and the safety of others. Very few inexperienced people will happen upon 750 Watt power inverters in their lifetime, and so it is unlikely some impressionable toddler will glean from this thread a manner of putting themselves in harm's way.

Thank you in advance for any ideas!
 
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wil3 said:
In general, is there anything interesting at all that I can do with it besides scrapping it for parts?
Send it to me. I'll make use of it as it is. :biggrin:
 
wil3 said:
. Very few inexperienced people will happen upon 750 Watt power inverters in their lifetime,

750 watt inverters are common products. They can be purchased for under $60. I have 2 that I use for power outages to run the various "household needs"

dr
 
wil3 said:
I recently acquired by accident a 750 watt DC to AC power inverter, designed for powering AC appliances off of a car battery or other 12V power source. I have no need for such functionality.

Can I make an HV AC power supply from it somehow?



Thank you in advance for any ideas!

Yes you can. HV is two legs of 110. (220) But if you do that the amps will be cut in half.Instead of 6 amps it will be only 3 amps. What use would you have with a HV 3amp power supply?

Hmmm... maybe run a European electric razor.
 
Yeah, I was glad I kept mine around "as-is" a few years ago, cause the weather caused an extended power outage.
Pulled the battery out of our second car, hooked it up to the inverter and plugged a lamp in.
We were the only one for several blocks that had a light on.
 
wil3 said:
**In addition, please do not lock this thread due to fear of propagation of dangerous ideas and the safety of others. Very few inexperienced people will happen upon 750 Watt power inverters in their lifetime, and so it is unlikely some impressionable toddler will glean from this thread a manner of putting themselves in harm's way.

Fist of all, just asking mods not to lock the thread is useless. You can easily read the forum's posting guidelines and see whether your thread meets them.

Secondly, automotive inverters are common and cheap (I personally have a 500W one in my vehicle- it cost $35). I'm not sure what makes you think they are rare and expensive pieces of tech, here is a 750W one for $50 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66817".

HickmanENG. said:
Yes you can. HV is two legs of 110. (220) But if you do that the amps will be cut in half.Instead of 6 amps it will be only 3 amps. What use would you have with a HV 3amp power supply?

Hmmm... maybe run a European electric razor.

When the OP says high voltage he means multiple thousands of volts, not 220v.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
my cheap 650 watt inverter only outputs 110. even i go between the 2 hots on the plug (which actually reads 0 voltage)
apparently some are only single phase

dr
 
If you have a mains inverter then just plug in a commercial HV Power supply to it and get the volts you want. You can then do your experiments on the move or at home. - with or without the free inverter yo have.
 
its not too difficult.
 

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