What size power inverter?

I want to put a power inverter in my work van so i can use it to power an air compressor so ill be able to use air tools out on the road. What size power inverter would be necessary to be able to do this?

The only question I need to ask is this: How many horsepower is the compressor?

And my answer to the above question: For each SINGLE horsepower, you need about 1100 watts continuous to keep it runnning. Double that (2200 watts) to get it started... You can do the math from here... Also, you will need to find an inverter that will handle HIGHLY inductive loads, both starting and stopping.

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It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

You'll need to install dual batteries and have very big invertor for this. A small compressor when it restarts with the tank still under pressure will pop a 15 amp circuit and even sometime a 20 amp circuit depending on the condition of the motor. And with these dual batteries they will not give you a lot of run time because of the draw needed to restart. I don't recomend doing this..

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Tire Proz Stillwater Mn
High End Restyling and Comlete Repair

i would look at getting the tools you are using 120 volt and using a lower inverter. if the tools are all available in 120, thats my plan personally. how about a generator also since you say you have a van, could create some custom exhaust system and enclouser now that would be cool. i see alot of roofers using genarators on jobs