no question is dumb. not asking a question and to remain wondering is dumb.
anyone who demeans another for any question is just plain stupid.
-Eddie- (713)694-8084 24hrs or email, EddieHuffstetter@hotmail.com
>> RE: what is an inverter? and what does it do? and why was it installed only
>> on later Airstreams? (starting with which model year?)
>>
>> These are really dumb questions, I know, but does anyone have simple
>> non-engineer explanation?
>>
> An inverter takes in DC, like from a battery typically at 12 volts, and
> puts out AC as used for home appliances generally at 120 volts. It
> wasn't in vintage Airstreams because it wasn't adequately energy
> efficient until modern solid state techniques came along. That is, it
> ran the battery down rapidly even without an AC load. And with a
> significant load like a microwave oven an inverter can still run down a
> battery rapidly. It takes roughly 12 times the current at 12 volts DC
> through a good inverter to produce power at 120 volts AC.