Are you looking to purchase a 200-watt power inverter or have one in the car, or RV and are wondering what you can use it for?
A 200-watt inverter is a low-power, portable inverter and if used properly, it can power reliably several low-power appliances while on the move – or outdoors camping.
Just like they can work reliably, so can they be easily damaged if proper care is not taken.
In this post, you’ll learn what appliances can safely be powered by a 200-watt inverter, how to tell if the inverter can run an appliance, and how long the inverter lasts on a 12V battery.
What Appliances a 200-watt Inverter Can Run
A single appliance or several appliances at the same time that use an AC voltage of 115-120V provided the combined maximum power consumption does not exceed 200 watts and the surge power draw of 400 watts (this is typical but can vary from one inverter model to another, therefore, consult the inverter owner manual).
Pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave inverters
It is usually a manufacturer’s recommendation that medical appliances such as the CPAP should only be connected to a pure sine wave inverter to work reliably.
Should you be in doubt about which type of inverter to use, consult the medical appliance manufacturer for their guidance.
Examples of appliances with their typical power consumption (watts) that can run off a 200-watt inverter power (list not exhaustive)
- 32-inch TV (~ 40 watts)
- Laptop (~ 40 watts)
- Incandescent, LED lights or Christmas lights (~ 40 watts)
- phones (~ 10 watts)
- Mini fridge (~ 50 watts)
- Tablet (~ 20 watts)
- GPS units (~ 10 watts)
- CPAP (~45 watts)
ProTip! Aim to run the inverter to up to 80% of its capacity. Make sure it is installed in a well-ventilated area for it to perform reliably.
Appliances you Shouldn’t Connect to a 200-watt Inverter
Do not expect to connect any high-draw appliances such as the heating and cooking appliances you’re likely to find in a home to the 200-watt inverter.
These appliances generally draw in excess of 200 watts.
Examples include:
- a space heater,
- microwave,
- electric kettle,
- sandwich maker,
- tire compressor,
- coffee maker,
- or a toaster.
Plugging these appliances risks damage to the inverter!
USB ports on a 200-watt inverter
Some 200-watt inverters also have one or more USB ports (5V, 2.4A depending on the inverter) that can be used to plug other USB appliances such as phones, and tablets for charging.
How to Safely use a 200-watt Inverter
Here are a few guidelines for safely using a 200-watt inverter.
1. First, confirm whether the appliance manufacturer recommends using a pure sine wave inverter or a modified sine wave inverter.
Medical appliances and appliances with motors may not work as well when connected to a modified sine wave inverter
2. Is the power consumption of the appliance within the limits of the inverter? Plugging an appliance with an excessive draw can damage the inverter.
3. Lastly, check that the appliance’s voltage requirements can be met by the inverter. Does the appliance require 115 or 230V?
Connecting the right voltage is necessary to prevent damage to the connected appliance.
How Long a 12V Battery Lasts with a 200-watt Inverter
A 12V, 200-watt inverter will last about 1.5 hours on a fully charged 50 Ah, AGM in good condition battery.
This assumes that the inverter is fully loaded and that the battery is discharged to only 50% – the recommended depth of discharge for AGM batteries.
Unlike an AGM battery, a LiFeP04 can be discharged up to 80% consistently without damage and when connected to a 200-watt inverter, can last about 2.4 hours (estimate) for a 50Ah battery.
Ultimately how long the battery lasts depends on:
- It’s capacity (Ah)
- Battery type – AGM, GEL or LiFep04
- battery state of charge
- battery condition – aging batteries tend to lose their ability to hold charge
- the actual draw of connected appliances. Lower power draw of connected appliances = longer runtime
You can increase how long a given battery capacity lasts with a 200-watt inverter by connecting appliances with a smaller power draw, using a battery with a larger capacity (Ah), and opting for LiFEP04 instead of an AGM battery.
How Many Amps?
At maximum power, a 200-watt inverter can draw as much as 20 amps from the battery. To protect the inverter battery DC cables, a 25 A fuse is usually installed.
Related Questions
Will a 200-watt Inverter Run a Laptop?
Yes, a 200-watt inverter can run a laptop. The power consumption of a laptop is typically in the 40 – 90 watt range and this is within the supply capabilities of a 200-watt inverter. A 200-watt inverter can supply up to 200 watts continuously.
How Much Power a 200-Watt Inverter Uses
A 200-watt inverter draws about 240 watts from the battery when supplying maximum power (200 watts) on the AC side (assuming an efficiency of 85%).
Why 240 watts on the DC side yet the output is only 200 watts, I hear you ask.
Well, this is because inverters are not 100% efficient. Some of the battery power is lost as heat during the conversion process and is not available for the connected appliances to use.
Closing Thoughts
A 200-watt inverter is suited to running low-power electrical appliances whose combined maximum power draw does not exceed 200 watts and surge power no more than 400 watts.
For the inverter and appliance to work reliably, check that the appliance’s voltage requirements can be met by the inverter. Some appliances should only work off pure sine wave inverters. Check that the inverter meets that requirement before connecting an appliance.
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