Confirming.... 18vdc likely too much voltage for the typical 12vdc Hi Freq Inverter?

[PopDBop]

I'd like to run a small'ish 12vdc inverter in the 300 - 500 watt range off of 18vdc nominal tool battery packs in travel and emergency situations, without having to lose energy using a DC-DC step down converter.

Without knowing the internals of the DC side of these 'cheapie' inverters or having reliable specs on the input voltage range, is it a foregone conclusion that 50% more voltage than expected is likely going to smoke the inverter?

If so, what's a good choice for a DC-DC converter for this level of power to protect the inverter from over voltage?

 

[John Frum]

This one is "High Voltage Alarm: 16V" -- https://ca.renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-sine-wave-inverter/
This one is "Nominal input voltage:9.8-16VDC" -- http://www.giandel.com/ProductView.asp?ID=53

I researched this by going to the vendor's respective websites.

Giving fish and teaching how.
All in a days work.

 

[740GLE]

What about the small M18 inverter?

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 175-Watt Powered Compact Inverter for M18 Batteries (Tool-Only) 2846-20 - The Home Depot

The M18 TOP-OFF 175W Power Supply provides faster simultaneous power to personal devices and small electronics. Quickly charge up to 3 devices simultaneously, without the barriers of speed throttling.

www.homedepot.com

Sure it’s a modified sign wave and only good for 175w, but can’t get much easier than that.


Also when hardwiring 12v/18v power tool batteries for non standard use, it’s really easy to draw their voltage bellow their knee voltage causing permanent damage.

I did just use an M12 6.0ah to try and restore my lawn mower battery that froze and was reading .3v, that little m12 outputted 20-40amps for the first 30-60, seconds then tapered down to 1a as the battery voltage came up.

 

[Joe BoyKey]

Jesus, just go to Victron and buy a Buck Converter and not burn your stuff down,, fyi, Joe.
HaHa, of course I don't see 18vdc. - https://unakagearco.com/products/vi...VtH89Zg2HiykuzpAHDCoUjTv5-hizM_xoC7SYQAvD_BwE

 

[Bud Martin]

Most 12V inverter will have high DC Voltage shutdown around 15VDC or so.
RYOBI makes many inverter for their 18V battery pack.

Search Results for ryobi inverter at The Home Depot

Search Results for ryobi inverter at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com