Use the car as a temporary generator during black out ? (2025 Update)

Feb 18, 2004 Last reply: 8 months ago 3 Replies
J

Is there such a device that you can plug into your car and is capable of turning the car's DC 12V power into household 110V AC ? Please don't laugh if this is a stupid idea, I am just wondering if the power generated by the small alternator on a running car would be enough to drive a force air furnance during black out ?



My neighbour is buying an expensive Honda generator as a backup power supply. Since I can't afford to do the same and black out is not uncommon in my area, I am thinking if the alternator on my three cars can do the same trick and power at least the furnance during a winter black out ?



Appreciate if you can share your knowledge / experience.


Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

There are inverters to run off your battery but a 50 amp alternator of

12 v will give apx 420 watts at 120v. Furnaces require probably 700 - 1200 for surge startup , 350 - 600 running for a small relativly new furnace. So hooking it to the battery would work , if the inverter is putting out 60hz. But you would be running the alternator at full load, they dont last long that way, and you need a good inverter, 60 hz stable. I dont think an alternator would last long though, but you could try. A new alternator + inverter is 300. A fairly good cheap gen 500.
Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

more than likely stormin your blower takes more than 700 surge on startup, 60 hzs wasnt supplied or it didnt output 700

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
R

yes... I've done it here with a 24000 watt power invertor, but it was connected to the battery pack from my Peterbilt (4 batteries, and a BIG alternator) I don't know if a regular car alternator would be able to sustain it for very long.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required