Using a DC to AC Power Inverter with a Mobile Grooming Trucks

Hi, I am looking to use a dc to ac power inverter in my mobile grooming trucks. I need to be able to operate hair clippers that draws 4 amps, a hair dryer that draws 12.5 amps and a 8 amp microwave. Can you please advise me which size dc to ac power inverter would be best for my setup?

Well depending if you plan on running all three devices at once, I would suggest either the 3000 or 6000 watt 12 volts dc to 120 volts ac power inverter. Most probably you will only require the 3000 watt unit, the two largest draws the microwave and hair dryer wont be needed to be run at the same time. A 3000 watt 12 volt dc to 120 volt ac can handle a 25 amp load in the ac side of the inverter. But you must always remember when using a dc to ac power inverter you need to calculate your load applied with surge wattages of your devices. For example even though your microwave is listed at 8 amps or 850 watts, it will surge as high as 2.5 times higher then the listed wattage. Therefore you would need 2000 or 3000 watt power inverter to operate the microwave oven.

Another thing to keep in mind is to buy a dc to ac power inverter that is designed for mobile use. Many inverters are not made with re-enforced interior components so it will fail in short time when being used it your truck. Some dc to ac power inverters use steel brackets that hold the delicate pc boards in place so the inverter will preform well even if it is constantly moved it your truck. You will also want to make it is properly mounted, preferably flat and it well ventilated space. If the power inverter is not placed in a well ventilated area then cooling fan will become over used and may cause your unit to over heat and fail. For optimal usage make sure to consult a experienced technician,  they can assist you with battery setup, wiring setup and can advise you on max surge wattages of your devices.