I'm trying to figure out the right size inverter I need for my car to charge my batteries while I drive. I have the M18 Packout Rapid Charger (M18PC6) which runs on 5.5A at 240V, translating to about 1320W. However, I've noticed other users charging their M18 chargers with inverters as low as 400W, which is way less than my calculation. I'm curious if the 1320W is necessary or if I'm misunderstanding something, especially regarding the AC/DC conversion losses and whether the size of the battery affects the power needed. I mainly charge 12.0Ah HO, 8.0Ah HO, and 8.0Ah Forge batteries. I want to simplify my setup and save costs, so I'd appreciate any insights!
4 Answers
I’ve been using a 150W inverter to charge my M12 and DeWalt batteries for a while without any problems. Sure, my chargers are slow, but it keeps everything manageable without the risk of overloading. If you don’t need fast charging, maybe consider going the slower route and bring the batteries inside for overnight charges when required. Works great for my needs!
In my experience working on job sites, we've had good luck with 2000W inverters for our field techs. They can power quite a bit without issues, which can be comforting if you need backup power. Having a little extra capability is great, but I understand budget constraints – you just want to make sure it's enough for your specific needs before overspending.
It looks like you're mixing AC and DC current calculations. For your charger, it’s actually around 126W when you factor in the DC side, which is much lower than 1320W. So, you'll be fine with a 200W inverter, but it could be wise to go higher just in case you want to run other devices later on. I'd definitely recommend considering efficiency losses too, which can vary.
That makes sense! I tried plugging my charger into a 300W inverter in my mechanic's van as a test, but while it turned on initially, it struggled when I needed to charge. I think I might check whether that inverter's continuous or peak wattage is what's causing the flickering.
Exactly, I totally want to understand the requirements. There’s really no point in buying excess capacity unless you know it’s necessary!