Helpful Formulas | Power Drive 2000 specs

NOTE: The wattage rating applies to resistive loads. The inverter will operate most AC loads within its power rating. Some induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor-operated equipment require very high surge currents to start. The inverter may not be able to start some of these motors even though their rated current draw is within the inverter’s limits. Operating time will vary depending upon the type, capacity charge level of the battery, and the power draw of the AC products you are using. With a normal vehicle battery and a 100 watt load (such as a small television) you can expect an operating time of 2 to 3 hours. It is recommended that you start your vehicle once an hour when using the RPPD2000 for extended periods of time to prevent draining the battery.

WARNING: To prevent personal injury or loss of life, never start or leave your engine running in a poorly ventilated area such as a garage.

Helpful Formulas:

To Convert AMPS to WATTS: AMPS X VOLTS = WATTS

To Convert WATTS to AMPS: WATTS ÷ VOLTS = AMPS

These formulas yield a close approximation of the continuous loads of a product.

To calculate approximate Startup Load: Multiply: WATTS X 2 = Starting Load

This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, although some may require an even greater starting load. NOTE: Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating. Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it.

For example: You have a freezer with a continuous load of 4 amps, and a start up load of 12 amps:

4 amps x 120 volts = 480 watts continuous, 12 amps x 120 volts = 1440 watts starting load

You would need an inverter with peak-surge rating greater than 1440 watts to run this appliance.

FORMULA to convert AC Watts to DC Amps: AC Watts divided by 12 x 1.1 = DC Amps

This is the size vehicle alternator you would need to keep up with a specific load; for example, to keep up with a continuous draw of 1000 watts, you would need a 91 amp alternator.