Inverters take DC power from the tractor batteries and convert it to 110 AC power. This allows drivers to operate devices such as laptops and microwaves while drivers are on over the road jobs. While inverters are good tools for drivers, they do have limitations so it is important to understand how much of a load an inverter can handle.

Purkeys’ Sales and Service Engineer Larry Rambeaux demonstrates how to measure the output of an inverter. Larry explains that inverters are limited in what it can power and that drivers have to be aware of the fact that they can’t power everything like they do at home.

“One of the common complaints Purkeys gets is an inverter shutting off when a driver is using a microwave or other device,” Larry said. “Most of the time, this is because the load is too high.” Even if a microwave only has 700 watts of cooking power, it may be pulling more than the 1500 watts the inverter can provide to supply that power. Using the Kil-A-Watt to test the load on the inverter allows the driver to know exactly how much power they are pulling.

It’s important to understand how to measure the output of an inverter so you don’t overload the system. It also allows for easier troubleshooting because you can know if it’s a problem with the load or the inverter itself.

Are you dealing with battery issues? Are you looking for advice? We welcome your comments and questions below.

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