inverter for buffer?

[96 cobra]

Hey guys,

Finally taking the leap past hand-polishing and getting a pc 7424, or ult. detail 1000 (any preferences regarding this?)

Since I don't have access to a outlet, I'm planning on running the buffer off the cig. lighter through a power inverter. An inverter above 500w should supply plenty of power right?

Thank you!

[Eliot Ness]

Without redoing the math again I think you'll want an inverter rated for at least 750w so you're not running it at its limit..... plus you have the initial start-up current to think about which is going to be higher.

I think that you'd be better off investing in a good (heavy) extension cord and finding an outlet that you can use.

You can do a search here on "inverter" and find some good info; below are three threads I searched out for you to read:

Would this car inverter suffice to power my pc for a full detailing session

PC 7424 + Inverter

http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...-inverter.html

[toyotaguy]

agreed!!!!

get a 12 or 10guage 100 foot extension cord and you should be good to go...heck, I use a 16guage cord and I am fine with both a PC and rotary

10-12awg = about 60-100 bucks
16guage = 10-15 bucks

[danEz_yoda]

A simple estimate of the power is quite easy actually.

120V @ 3.7A (PC) = ~ 450Watts continuous power while buffing.

Preferably you would need double that (900 watts) but you probably could get away with a quality 750Watt unit.

The UDM is higher current so you would want to go with the 900W unit instead.


These units would need to be connected directy to the battery since the cigarette lighter can only supply ~ 150watts max.


Be aware that the elcheapo 1200W units for $49 are usually WAY overrated and can only supply that amount of power for brief moments or they'll blow up and possibly take out whatever is connected to them (PC or car battery or both).

Also keep in mind that at 400Watts you're drawing over 30 amps from the battery.

Not sure how long your could do this with the engine off before needing a jump start.

You might be better off with a small gasoline powered generator.