What is the Difference Between Continuous Power and Peak Surge Power

Question:

What are the Differences between these two Features? [12Volt to 110 Volt Inverters] Continuous Power :1000 Watts Max -for Appliances? or Peak Surge Power:2500 Watts Max- for Appliances! Please explain!

asked by: R. L

Expert Reply:

The difference between the continuous power rating and the peak surge power rating is pretty straight forward. Continuous is the amount of constant power the inverter # WC3720 is rated for. So if you are running a refrigerator and coffee machine off of it, they will draw a certain amount of power when running and provided these items do not continuously draw over 1000 watts combined then everything will work.

If there is a temporary power surge that lasts only a brief moment as long as it does not exceed 2500 watts then everything will continue to work. But if there is a short or surge that draws more than 1000 watts constantly then it will shut down. So it can handle a power draw over a 1000 watts but not a sustained, continuous draw.

expert reply by: Michael H