Can I run any appliance from an inverter?

You can run most household appliances from an inverter, as long as the inverter's wattage is high enough to handle the load. Always check the power rating of your appliance and choose an inverter with enough capacity – including a safety margin.

What size inverter do I need for camping?

It depends on what you plan to power. For basic charging (phones, cameras, small devices), a 100W inverter may be sufficient. If you're running kitchen appliances or power tools, you'll likely need a 2000W or 3000W inverter. Add up the wattage of all items you'll use at once to choose the right size.

What’s the difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters?

Pure sine wave inverters produce a clean, smooth wave that closely replicates grid power, making them ideal for sensitive electronics. Modified sine wave inverters are cheaper but can cause interference or damage to certain devices. All KickAss inverters provide pure sine wave output for safe, reliable performance.

What Does an Inverter Do and How Does It Work?

If you’ve spent any time off-grid – camping, caravanning or touring Australia’s remote outback – chances are you’ve come across the term inverter. But what exactly does an inverter do, and how does it work? This article will take a deep dive.

What is an Inverter?

At its core, an inverter is a device that converts DC (direct current) power from your 12V battery system into AC (alternating current) power, like what you’d find in a typical household power point. This allows you to run standard 240V appliances – such as laptops, kettles, TVs or power tools – straight from your 12V setup.

Why Do You Need One?

Most off-grid power systems, including batteries and solar panels, produce DC power. But many everyday appliances require AC power to operate. That’s where an inverter comes in – acting as the bridge between your 12V battery and your 240V gear.

If you’re simply charging phones or running 12V appliances, you might not need one. But if your adventures include working remotely, brewing real coffee or powering fridges, then an inverter is a game-changer.

How Does an Inverter Work?

Inverters take the steady DC current from your battery and convert it into an AC waveform – alternating current that can safely power household appliances. But not all inverters are made equal. The type of waveform they produce matters.

There are two main types:

Modified sine wave inverters: Cheaper, but produce a rougher electrical signal that can cause problems or noise with sensitive equipment.
Pure sine wave inverters: Produce clean, smooth power that closely mimics what comes out of a regular wall socket – making them safe for all devices.

All KickAss inverters – from the compact 100W model to the powerful 2000W and 3000W units – deliver a pure sine wave output. This ensures compatibility with sensitive electronics and protects your gear over the long haul.

Final Thoughts

An inverter is one of the most useful additions to any 12V setup, allowing you to bring the comfort and convenience of 240V appliances to the great outdoors. Whether you're working from the bush, running a mobile trades setup or just want to fire up the espresso machine at camp, a good quality pure sine wave inverter makes it possible.

If you're not sure what size inverter you need, drop into one of our retail stores, or give us a call on (07) 3123 4715. Our team of 12V experts will be happy to chat.