Can you use a 120VAC-12VDC inverter as a 12VDC-120VAC inverter?

Question

Can you use a 120VAC-12VDC inverter as a 12VDC-120VAC inverter?

Answer 1

No, it works one way only.

Answer 2

No..  Going from AC to DC relies on the alternating field generated by alternating current flowing through the transformer to generate the lower voltage in the scondary side of the transformer, which is then rectified to provide DC voltage.  When you are starting with DC voltage, there will be no alternating magnetic field to generate a voltage in the secondary.  That alternating current has to be produced within the inverter, a function which is not provided in the AC to DC converter.  This is the main reason that inverters cost more than converters of similar wattage.

Answer 3

You're thinking of a transformer, which can take one voltage of AC and turn it into another. These do actually work in both directions: 120V AC down to 12V AC and vice-versa.

A 12V DC power supply only works in one direction - from line to output. Depending on its design it will internally convert to low-voltage AC then low-voltage DC, or to high-voltage DC then down low-voltage DC.

An "inverter" that takes 12V DC and makes 120V AC. It also works in only one direction - in this case, from DC to output. These usually boost low voltage DC to high voltage DC, then modulate this into AC using an output driver. In this regard, inverters resemble a high-powered car audio amplifiers in that they use boosted DC to make the large AC swing needed to drive a load.

Solar "grid-tie" controllers actually do work both ways (3 ways, if you include the photo voltaic panel set.) They do this by changing mode depending on the battery state of charge, amount of solar available and the presence or absence of utility power. Link below gives an intro.

Answer 4

No such thin as a 120VAC-12VDC inverter. It's a converter. But you can't use it as an inverter, that is totally different.

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