Inverter Sizing Calculator

Selecting the right inverter size for your van conversion is crucial to ensure that your electrical appliances function safely and efficiently. This calculator helps you determine the appropriate inverter size by considering the total power consumption of all connected devices, the safety margin needed to handle peak loads, and the efficiency of the inverter.

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Formulas Used

The primary formulas used in this calculator are:

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1. Calculate Total Power Consumption (W): Total Power (W) = Sum of all appliance wattages

 

2. Apply Safety Factor: Adjusted Power (W) = Total Power (W) × (1 + Safety Factor)

 

3. Calculate Inverter Size: Inverter Size (W) = Adjusted Power (W) / Inverter Efficiency

 

This formula ensures that your inverter can handle the load of all your selected appliances while accounting for variations in power consumption and efficiency loss in inverters.

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Why Safety Factor and Efficiency Matter

The safety factor is critical because electrical devices can have a higher power draw during startup, especially motors and compressors found in appliances like fridges, air conditioners, and power tools. By accounting for these surges, the calculator ensures that your inverter won’t be overloaded.

Inverter efficiency is equally important because some energy is lost when converting DC power from your battery to AC power for your appliances. Factoring in efficiency ensures that the inverter you select can handle the required load without struggling, providing reliable and consistent power to your devices.