Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought this inverter after researching several different models. My house is fairly rural, and I lose power a half-dozen times a year. About 2 of these outages last more than a day, so clearly this won't help with that, as I don't have a dozen deep cycle batteries lying around.
This model has incredible starting capacity, and I purchased this model because I wanted one that could start and run my fridge from a battery so I don't lose a few hundred dollars in food every time the power goes out. The manual states that this model can provide 2x rated power (1600 w in this case) for a FULL 10 SECONDS. That is incredible and unheard of in an inverter this price. If you download the manuals for most, they state they can provide 2x rated power, but for only 0.1 second. 0.1 second? That's hardly helpful, and won't start any motor. I can confirm that this unit will easily start and run both of my refrigerators without any difficulty. Obviously the surge capacity is reduced with the batteries reduced power capacity, and it won't surge 2x when the battery is low. Additionally, I was impressed with the manual recommending "just try it", if you didn't know if the inverter could handle your load. That indicates they trust their design, and gives me confidence as well.
Just today I used this inverter with a trolling motor battery from my boat. I was able to watch TV and operate a lamp with a CFL bulb for about 5 hours until power came back on. This includes my 57" CRT projection TV, 700w amp and DirecTiVo. My Kill-A-Watt EZ indicates that it pulls about 350w idle. It ran from this inverter for 5 hours without any difficulty, and only became warm to the touch. The power output is cleaner than my borrowed generator; the TV picture was rock solid, no audio artifacts through the amp.
Caveats:
1) When the battery runs down, the surge capacity is reduced. It still had an hour of TV left, but it would no longer start the fridge.
2)The power is not clean enough to satisfy the APC UPS on my TiVo. It ran the battery down on the UPS since it was convinced my power was dirty. Moving the power to the inverter directly solved this problem.
3)This unit pulls a LOT of current when running. Tonight one of the nuts on the battery post was loose, and the inverter kept shutting down. Once I realized the problem, I tightened the nut and all was well. The loose nut could not provide the current needed to run the Inverter. Mess with the battery clamps, and it will give you a big spark, pretty bright if your power is out. ;-)
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The Whistler PI-800 800 Watt power inverter allows you to run some AC appliances right from your car, boat or RV. Perfect for weekend use and life on the road. They're also great for power outages.
Whistler Power Inverters For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation. It can be a mobile office, communications or entertainment center, or simply an expression of our personality. Whistler products are designed to make the time you spend in your vehicle more productive, more fulfilling, safer, or just simply more fun. Whistler's mission is to provide products that improve your driving experience.
Whistler offers a complete line of DC to AC inverters ranging in capacity from 100 Watts to 3000 Watts. These inverters offer advanced technology, dependable operation and will provide years of reliable service when used in accordance with their operating instructions.
PI-800 Features
Full Output Power--Other inverters have reduced output over time.
High Surge
Cooling fan
Ground Fault Sensing
80 Amp Power Requirement--at rated output
Electronic Circuit Protection
Overload ProtectionInverter will automatically shut down if load exceeds inverter rating.
Smart Surge ControlInverter will attempt to start loads above the continuous rating for up to 10 seconds.
Voltage ProtectionWhenever the input exceeds 15 volts DC or is less than 10 volts, the inverter will automatically shutdown.
Short Circuit ProtectionAutomatically shuts down until short circuit is removed.
Thermal CutoffAutomatically shuts down if internal temperature exceeds safe design parameters.
What's in the Box Whistler PI-800 800 Watt power inverter, User's Manual
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