is there any value in runing a 110v small compressor with an inverter

[slickrock]

Just passing some time and a thought came to me, if a person already has a small 110V compressor 1/4 horsepower, 120 volt, 4.5 amp like this 1/4 HP, 3 Gallon, 100 PSI Oilless Compressor would it be cost effective to run that off an inverter instead of buying an Oaisis 12v compressor?

How large of an inverter would you need to run something like this and what would it cost?

 

[e9999]

well, I did play with something similar on a small 110V fridge.
Ended up frying my inverter (400W) unsurprisingly cuz of startup current.

 

[slickrock]

start up is what I am concerned of.... any know how big of an inverter would be needed to handle a compressor start up?

 

[e9999]

start up is what I am concerned of.... any know how big of an inverter would be needed to handle a compressor start up?

I would guess the startup current may be easily 2 or 3x more than the steady state one, but the inverters may also just not be great at handling these issues. In my case, it handled it fine 4 or 5 times and then gave up with a bang.

 

[Dimples]

I actually have that exact compressor. I run it off of a 2000 watt peek 1200 watt constant generator. The generator doesn't even big in the slightest at compressor startup empty or partial fill. I would wager that a xantrex 1k pure sign wave inverter would run it reliably.

 

[VidereStudios]

I would recommend buying a 12v Puma 100% duty compressor for a couple hundred dollars off ebay. I love mine.

If you go the inverter route, I concur with Dimples...get the pure sine wave inverter. And put a switch in front of it so you can completely shut off the power to the inverter when not in use.

 

[Dimples]

Yes after you spend the 60$ or so on the compressor and 100$ + on a good inverter you are almost there anyway. But I guess if the budget is tight or you already have the compressor then go for it.

 

[slickrock]

Wow...this thread had gray hair. Must have got a dose of just for men to get revived.