Is there an electical typre person in da house?

[Vass]

I have a cheap smoke machine that works off 240v mains

400W 50Hz 2 Amps

Can I run this from an inverterthingy from my car?

TIA

[Clive]

Providing the inverter is rated at over 400W then it's a fairly obvious answer. I would keep the engine running. Don't use it whilst driving.

[Andy Burns]

If the inverter can sustain 400W (not just peak load) also beware how quickly you'll flatten your car battery, and really car batteries are not designed to supply a constant load.

[Adrian C]

The uses of this boggle. Is it to throw a cloud of confusion around the vehicle while getting chased by the rozzers? Or a something to blast across vehicle number plates prior to getting flashed?

[Vortex3]

I should have thought than an inverterthingy would be more cost and hassle than a cheap purpose made mains generator. I reckon you could pick a new Chinese one up for 50-70 quid on eBay. You could then make smoke without the need for a car to be attached............

What on earth do you want to make mobile smoke for? (just curious)

[John]

....and consider the current capacity of the cigar lighter socket if you intend using that to feed the inverter.

[Vass]

ah, perhaps should have explained that bit.

"Night photography" not driving!

[meow2222]

For 400w + invertor losses you'd have to use croc clips on the battery, not a cigar lighter socket. Best keep the engine running too

NT