What Can A 150W Inverter Run? (Explained!)

If you're looking to power your small AC appliances during camping trips or in any other situation, you can rely on a 150W inverter.

In this guide, I will explain what does 150 watt inverter means and what you can run with it. Also, some key points to increase the longevity of your inverter.

What can a 150W inverter run?

The "150-watt" specification indicates the maximum power output capacity of the inverter. In simpler terms, it means that the inverter can power a load of up to 150 watts.

A 150 watt inverter can run a variety of electronic devices and appliances, such as laptops, TV, charging phones, LED lights, and other appliances that require up to 150 watts of power. It is not suitable to run high-power appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, or power tools, which typically require more wattage.

It's crucial to be mindful of the inverter's power limitations. Exceeding the maximum capacity of 150 watts can cause the inverter to overload and potentially shut down to protect itself and the connected devices.

Importance Of Leaving Some Room For Safety Factors

Safety factors in solar inverters are crucial. They prevent overload, manage temperature, maintain component tolerance, and protect against external factors. By leaving room for safety margins, inverters operate efficiently, last longer, and minimize the risk of failures or hazards.

A 150 watt inverter can run up to 150 watts of load but it is a good practice to leave some room for safety purses. Most of the experts recommend using 80% of your inverter's power rating in order to keep it safe and increase its longevity.

Understanding Inverter Surge Capacity

Inverter surge capacity refers to the short-term power supply required to start up appliances that may have a higher initial power draw. This surge wattage can be double or triple the steady wattage capacity of the appliance per hour.

For example, a fridge with a steady power consumption of 200W may require a surge power of approximately 600W to start up.

Fortunately, most inverters come equipped with surge capacity. A 150W inverter typically has a surge power ranging from 300-450 watts, providing you with the necessary boost to handle appliances with higher initial power requirements.

Note: If you're running an appliance that requires surge wattage, make sure the surge capacity of your inverter should align with the surge wattage consumption of your load.

What can I power with a 150 watt inverter?

To give you a better understanding of the capabilities of a 150W inverter, let's explore some examples of appliances that can be powered using 150 watt inverter:

  • TV - 70W
  • Air purifier - 30W
  • Air cooler - 80W
  • Aquarium pump - 20W
  • Bathroom towel heater - 60W
  • Ceiling fan - 60W
  • Computer monitor - 25W
  • Cooker hood - 30W
  • Electric shaver - 20W
  • Fridge - 120W
  • Humidifier - 40W
  • Laptop computer - 100W
  • LED Bulb - 10W
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a glimpse into the range of appliances that can be powered by a 150W inverter. 

It is worth mentioning that while you can utilize the full capacity of the inverter, it is recommended to operate it at around 80-85% capacity. This not only increases the lifespan of the inverter but also ensures safety.

Important Notes on Using a 150W Inverter

To optimize your experience and ensure the longevity of your inverter, we have outlined a few crucial points to keep in mind:

  1. Turning Off the Inverter: It is advisable to turn off your inverter when it is not connected to any appliances. Even when idle, an inverter draws a small amount of power (around 2-5% of the inverter's total capacity) from the batteries. By turning it off, you can avoid unnecessary power drain. For instance, a 150W inverter may draw 3-7 watts from the battery when not connected to any appliance.
  2. Avoid Overloading the Inverter: It is essential to operate your inverter within its recommended capacity range. Running it at around 80-85% of its full capacity safeguards the inverter and prolongs its lifespan. Overloading the inverter may lead to suboptimal performance and potential damage.

150 watt inverter: Related FAQs

How long will 150W inverter last?

150W inverter will last about 1 and a half hours when using a 12v 50ah lead acid battery.

Can a 150W inverter run a TV?

Yes, a 150 watt inverter can run most of the new technology TVs.

How many amps does a 150 watt inverter draw?

150 watt inverter will draw 12.5 amps from a 12v battery and 6.25 amps from a 24v battery.

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Chris Tsitouris is a renewable energy professional with 10+ years of experience as Director of Engineering at Solar Spectrum, previously working as Project Manager at SunPower and Energy Analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. As a thought leader, Chris has authored numerous articles and research papers.

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