Customer Reviews

Duracell 813-0400-07 400 Watt DC to AC Digital Power Inverter

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I wanted an inverter that had a digital readout so I could monitor the drain on the battery when the car was off and I was using my laptop.

this product fulfills that need with a compact design as a plus.

I was glad I had this when the electricity went out to run a small appliance. I had to run the car while I ran the appliance, but it was very useful. The appliance I was running had specs of: 115V 60hz 1.3A... which I calculate to be equivalent to approx. 150 Watts.

I purchased this in order to use my laptop in my vehicle when on the road or out camping. But, beware that it is not a simple plug-and-go inverter. The wiring must be attached to the post seen in the picture and then attached directly to the vehicle battery, or plugged into a 12v receptacle. It is also large. Not something that will easily fit in the glove compartment. But, it cranks out higher wattage than a smaller unit, just beware the trade-off.

I bought this to recharge my cell phone, camera battery, etc for a camping trip where we wouldn't have access to electricity. The outlets are too close together to plug in the cell phone & battery charger so I had to buy a set of pigtail cords. Duracell should have foreseen the need for this & designed their inverter to accomodate the larger plugs. Otherwise, it worked well to recharge my devices.

I am not happy with this power inverter. The only reason I chose this over other power inverters was because it had the digital display for monitoring the power output (which I thought would be really useful so I could monitor the power output and not overload the cigarette receptacles in the car). In short, the power output display doesn't work properly after trying it with several devices and testing the power inverter in two different cars. The power output sometimes shows 40 watts when nothing is plugged in! It will also display 40, 50, or 60 watts for devices I know don't use that much power (e.g. phone charger). Other times it will show 0 watts for devices that I know use 20-30 watts. Also, the only output values it shows are in 10 watt increments which is really disappointing as well...nothing like you would see on a real watt meter. I exchanged mine for a different unit thinking it was just defective, but even the replacement showed the same behaviour...it is just a crappy product. In fact, it is just a re-branded power inverter from a Chinese company called Xantrex. Even the warranty is provided by Xantrex, not Duracell. I don't suggest buying this product.

In summary, the power inverter may work fine but the non-working power output display doesn't warrant spending the extra money over other power inverters. I will be returning this unit. I wish I knew of another consumer-level power inverter with a digital display since I would really like that feature...does anyone know of one besides the Duracell/Xantrex brand?

Probably the best out there.
The indicator is very useful, nice case.
Could be a bit smaller and square to fit better.

Great product. Tested connecting inside the car (in 12v Lighter plug) & it worked as expected. tested connecting a laptop (60W), a tablet(25w) & a light of 25 w.

There was a small humming sound initially when laptop was connected but it went off. also noticed the fan is not coming up all the times, may be it will run only when the inside temp is more. the display shows input voltage, output watt & output volt.
Noticed when you start the engine, the voltage drops for a sudden & that leds the converter out for a time & you need to restart it else the low voltage error & sound will come, but still it works even if you engine is off.

Nice unit: works quietly, haven't had a problem with it in the year since purchased. I like the voltage display, it helps gauge battery life. Just make certain this units' output is enough for your needs.

If your car power outlet (lighter) does not have a heavy enough line this inverter can blow a fuse etc... ANY inverter pulling a heavy load will do this. It takes more than 30 amps to produce 400 watts at 12 volts! A heavy wire with direct attachment to a battery and a fuse should be used if you plan on using an inverter with more than one laptop etc...
I have found these to be very reliable and efficient sources of power with lower battery drain than many other inverters I have used.

An excellent value for the money and appears identical to the Xantrex inverter of the same size.
Power load indications are not always accurate but battery voltage is very accurate.
The Fan does not run unless needed and does not waste energy from your battery when not under heavy load or subjected to heat.

Unit is small and easy to place in a vehicle. Do not place in front of a heater vent as you may overheat the inverter.

Exellent small inverter. Recommend to anyone with loads up to 300 watts but expecially for smaller loads 15 to 100 watts. Will carry the load and not waste power as many larger units do.

This inveter works like a champ. I have had smaller output inverters in the past but they always quit working after a year or so. This inverter runs my battery charger (dust buster), and two other charging devices for my cell phone and it does them all just fine.