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How to Connect a Power Inverter

David Sandoval

A power inverter inverters is a means to supply electricity for devices that use household voltage and current when only a DC power source is available. Connecting a power inverter is useful for portable electrical power; however, you can use a power inverter for more permanent uses as well.

Tip

In the United States, household power is 110-120 VAC, 60 Hz.

Warning

Take care not to cross the wires at any point. Cross-wiring the electrical circuit will damage the power inverter, and may cause an electrical fire.

Depending on the Wattage rating of the power inverter, the power inverter may generate excessive heat. Keep the power inverter away from any flammable materials.

  1. Using the screwdriver, loosen the retaining screw on the power inverter Positive (red) wire insertion socket. Insert wire end firmly into wire socket, and tighten screw so that the Positive lead wire is firmly in place. Loosen retaining screw on the Negative (black) wire insertion socket and insert the end of the second wire firmly into the socket. Tighten the Negative wire insertion socket screw so that the wire is firmly in place.

  2. Connect the third wire to the grounding point on the power inverter. Because the power inverter has a grounding bolt with a hex nut at the end, the stripped end of the wire must be curled with the electrical pliers into a hook to attach to the grounding bolt. Once the wire has been curled, remove the hex nut from the grounding bolt, and slide the hook over the grounding bolt. Install the hex nut, thus clamping firmly the wire hook to the grounding bolt.

  3. Connect the ground wire to a properly grounded source. If the power inverter is to be used to power a permanent electrical fixture, the ground wire should be connected to a building electrical ground point. If the power inverter is to be used as a temporary power source, the ground point may be connected to a "chassis ground" point (such as the frame of an automobile, if the power inverter is connected to an automobile battery as the DC power source).

  4. Connect the Negative wire--which is connected to the Negative (black) wire insertion socket--to the negative terminal (-) on the battery. Connect the Positive wire--which is connected to the Positive (red) wire insertion socket--to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. Turn on power inverter switch. The power outlets should be capable of supplying household electrical power.

The Drip Cap

  • A power inverter inverters is a means to supply electricity for devices that use household voltage and current when only a DC power source is available.
  • Using the screwdriver, loosen the retaining screw on the power inverter Positive (red) wire insertion socket.
  • If the power inverter is to be used to power a permanent electrical fixture, the ground wire should be connected to a building electrical ground point.
  • Turn on power inverter switch.