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DC to AC power inverters to run laptop

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Ray2121, Sep 23, 2009.

  1. Ray2121

    Ray2121 New Member

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    I just purchased a black and decker 100 watt power inverter for my 2010 Prius to plug into the 12v outlet to run my laptop while driving on a cross country trip. Does anyone know if this is harmful for the hv battery or the standard battery on board? Has anyone else tried used a power inverter to run electric accessories?
     
    #1 Ray2121, Sep 23, 2009
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    It is not harmful at all in ready mode, it is like any other drain on the 12v battery in othe modes.

    I run my laptop and cellphone chargers on my inverter.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Sep 23, 2009
  3. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    I do this as well with zero issues.

    On the rare chance you ever have additional stuff drawing current from the inverter in addition to the laptop and you power up the laptop last you "may" exceed your inverter capacity. Not to worry, just boot the laptop on its own battery and then plug it into the inverter. No harm to the vehicle at all.

    You won't have any trouble.
     
    #3 Mark57, Sep 23, 2009
  4. eglmainz

    eglmainz New Member

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    I do not think that they are harmful, but I know that in my case, about 1/3 of the time that I pug in my inverter, the car's fuse pops. I have been through about 4 of them since I got the car in June.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-discussion/66563-max-amps-power-outlets.html This thread discusses it as well.
     
    #4 eglmainz, Sep 23, 2009
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  5. Ray2121

    Ray2121 New Member

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    Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll see how the inverter works.
     
    #5 Ray2121, Sep 23, 2009
  6. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    An inverter takes power from your car and converts it to AC with a lot of loss. Then your power supply for your laptop converts AC power to low power DC with a lot of loss.

    Just buy a car adapter for your laptop and avoid all the loss.
     
    #6 Judgeless, Sep 24, 2009
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