Inverter/Battery charger question (Basis!)

[Mary51]

I have a battery charger/inverter that is "400 watts," "maximum output 800 watts." So far, I've only used it to charge my cell phone.

To figure out if its safe to use it to charge my laptop battery, etc., what do I look for?

Yes, I have a book on electrical systems, and I read it, and I understand it for a split second at a time. Then, it's gone . . . Sort of like contemplating infinity. You get your mind around it, and . . . then it's gone. (I found Catholic school boring. I contemplated infinity when I wasn't reading a novel behind my math/english/science book.)

Please, any basic "how to" response would be much appreciated. I know that the battery charger packs for everything have info about watts, but also about volts and amps, and therein lies my problem.

BTW, I never leave the charger unattended. I am VERY leery about any potential fire hazard.

Thanks.

Mary

[sailingdog]

Most laptop chargers are 65-100 watts...so you should be fine. BTW, it should say on the charger what the input amperage is... Multiply that by the 110 VAC, you'll get WATTS.

Watts = power = volts * amps

[PBzeer]

I use a 400 watt portable inverter to charge my laptop. I also use it for my electric razor, but unplug the laptop while doing so. You should be able to run the laptop on what you have.

Currently at 37 32 02 N 76 20 03 W , Fishing Bay, VA

[sailingdog]

PBz-

Unless you're using a hedge trimmer to shave with, you should be okay on leaving the laptop and razor running at the same time. I doubt an electric razor draws even 100 watts.

[Mary51]

Now if I have to motor, I'll have the up side of watching dvd's.

[Rockter]

MY olde laptop used 8 ampere at about 12V.

Multiply the two to get power...

power = 8*12 = 96 Watt

... so your inverter could run 34 of them.

Your cellphone will use far less than that.

You are very wise not to leave anything unattended that runs on electrickery.

[Rockter]

Damn it, 4 of them... not 34 of them, sorry !!

FOUR of them.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Rockter

MY olde laptop used 8 ampere at about 12V.

Multiply the two to get power...

power = 8*12 = 96 Watt

... so your inverter could run 34 of them.

Your cellphone will use far less than that.

You are very wise not to leave anything unattended that runs on electrickery.

I see your math skills are as good as your physics skills...