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Power inverters are being installed on military vehicles in larger and larger numbers, because of the increasing need to operate electronic devices (computers, battery chargers, power tools, etc.) which run on 120-volt AC power.
The following stock numbers are for inverters that you can order through the military Class IX (motor pool) supply system. You can also purchase these and other inverters on your IMPAC card, if authorized by the approving official.
NSN 6130-01-016-1856: This is a 750-watt, 12-volt Tripp Lite power inverter. Cost is approx $260.
NIIN 01-379-7042 and 01-386-4798: This is a 2500-watt, 24-volt inverter. Cost is approx $2300.
Here are some tips and guidelines to use when selecting a power inverter.
1. Determine the maximum sustained load that you expect to run at any given time. For Soldiers who expect to operate small electronic devices such as laptop computers, or battery chargers for mobile equipment (cell phones, handheld radios, etc), a low-power inverter (100 watts) may be sufficient. On the other hand, power tools, coffee pots, and other high-powered devices may require the use of a 500 or 1000-watt inverter. Also, ensure you are looking at steady-state, or constant, power output, not surge output, which is generally twice as high. (Some inverters are advertised as producing "1000 watts," for instance, but can only sustain that output for a few seconds.)
2. If you expect to operate in a stationary configuration for extended periods, it is probably a better bet to use a power generator, which has its own engine and fuel supply, and which prevents constant drain on your vehicle's electrical system. (Usage of an inverter for long periods will kill your battery, unless you run the engine frequently.) And on a similar note... it is almost NEVER a good idea to plug an electric-powered heater (oil-filled radiator, ceramic heater, etc) into inverter. There are a great many heating options that make much more sense.
3. Ensure your vehicle's charging system can generate sufficient electricity to operate your inverter at peak capacity. A high-powered inverter can destroy a low-output alternator when operated for sustained periods. Generally speaking, for every 120 watts of inverter output, you add 5 amps of current "load" to your vehicle's 24-volt charging system (or 10 amps to a 12-volt system). For example, a 2400-watt inverter can draw 100 amps of current, when operating at peak capacity. And, your vehicle has many other electrical loads on it, including headlights and radio systems, so you must ensure that your charging system won't be overloaded by your inverter's power requirements.
4. Never attempt to install an inverter yourself, unless you're a qualified mechanic. It is extremely easy to cause severe damage to your vehicle by botching an inverter installation. Typical "rookie mistakes" include reversing the polarity of your wiring, installing a 12-volt inverter to 24 volts of battery voltage, using power cables that are too thin, and failing to install a fused link. Any one of these mistakes can cause an electrical fire or battery explosion.
5. Pay close attention to environmental hazards, such as dust or rain, which can damage or destroy an inverter, or cause electric shock. Take all possible precautions in this area!
Even with all these potential drawbacks, power inverters can produce tremendous benefits, when installed and operated properly. Bottom line... determine your needs, shop smart, and talk to the mechanics before you do anything!