Not long ago, I got something that after using it, I will need to charge right away in order to use it again. What did I get? I got an electric Wheelchair, and most have very limited battery life. Unknown to me at the time, Bestek decided to offer me a device that allows me to use things that normally require 110/120 volts inside my car.
When the device arrived, I was very excited as I have always desired to have such a device but had never owned one before. I immediately wondered if it was going to be able to be used to charge my wheelchair. I noted the device is rated for 150 watts. My charger did not show it’s wattage, so I wondered how to resolve this lack in my knowledge. I went online and learned the formula. Watts= voltage x amps. In this case, the power supplies voltage is 110, and the amps are 3.8, which brings the watts needed to at least 418. Even using the peak watts out that the unit can provide that leave me short.
Now, why did I tell you all of this, it was not to make it sound like I got a bad device, I did it so that prior to purchasing, you need to know these things in order to get the device that will fit your needs best. Bestek sent me a 150-watt, 12-volt DC to 110-volt AC power inverter that is simply amazing. It was very easy to use and took nothing more than inserting into my utility plug, or cigarette lighter plug in my car, to start using it.
When plugged in, you will hear the faint whirl of a small fan that helps draw excess heat from the unit, also a green light will come on. On the front, are 2 USB plugs, and a single standard US electrical plugin. The USB plugs will handle 1, 2.1-amp device, and 1, 1-amp device. With regards to what can be plugged into the standard US electrical plug, anything that when totaled together, does not exceed 150 watts. Yes, it does state 2 other wattage limits in the paperwork, but these are for items that may occasionally draw a little more power for a short period of time. Much like how charging a battery might work.
For my demonstration, I used a lamp/Bluetooth speaker. It worked with no troubles. I did, have a question about battery drain when I first got it, and that was, “Is it possible I could actually drain my car battery to the point where I could not start my car without jump starting it?” After reading, I learned that built in circuitry is in place to shut the inverter down should the battery registry 10 volts or less. Is that full-proof? I have not tested that out yet but will look into it once I know I have a battery charger that is working before testing this out. I will say be careful until you know. Many cars will not have power to that plug without the key inserted and the engine running, others like mine are always hot.
Do I like this device, yes! I can see myself using it, especially on long drives, or when we desire to “camp out”. I can allow my granddaughter to watch movies on my laptop, and still be able to charge it when the battery gets low. OR I can use other types of devices on the road that normally I could not use, like a small monitor that I can attach to an Android to let the kids have a larger screen size. Anything is possible, and I am very excited to find out just what I can do. I would be happy to learn how you make use of yours.
Disclaimer: Bestek provided me with their 150-watt, 12 volt to 120-volt inverter for review. All opinions are 100% mine, and mine alone.
