POTEK 500W Power Inverter/Car Inverter DC 12V to AC 110V Dual AC Charging Port and 2A USB Ports for Laptop, Smart Phone

I was recently seeking a portable power inverter for use in my vehicle as well as my travel trailer for when I go camping. I happened to find the Potek 500W Inverter here and opted to give it a shot based on the price and because it looked like it would get the job done. Of course, there is a 1000W inverter; however, I don’t need anything with that much drag on my battery and am quite satisfied with 500W at this time based on my personal needs.If you’re a camper or need an emergency power supply (110 – 125 VAC) when you’re on the go, then an inverter is what you need. I am not going to pretend that I know enough about electrical connections or currents in order to sell this to you in my review, but what I will do is present it how I intend to use it and have used it and you can decide from there. I haven’t a significant understanding of electrical systems, so I am a bit of a letdown there. However, as a “typical user,” perhaps this will review will help you as it would me!Here are some specs for those interested:Input voltage: 12.8-13.2 volts DC (VDC)Output voltage: 110-125 volts AC (VAC)Output frequency 60Hz +/- 3HzContinuous output power: up to 500 WWaveform: Modified Sine WaveEfficiency (Maximum): 90%Output power overload shutdown: 550+/- 50 WFuses: 30A (x2)2 NEMA AC Receptacles1 USB Port (2.0A)Can connect both to a battery (e.g., vehicle/deep cycle) and via 12V accessory plugOkay, now that specs are out of the way, let’s just talk about how the unit works and how it looks. I love the look of the unit, as I mentioned before, because it appeared like it would get the job done. I like that it looks professional and is not very large. In fact, the unit is smaller than a typical amplifier you would see in a vehicle for an audio system. In addition, the unit has four small notches on each of the bottom corners so that it can be mounted flush against a wall or other setup such as in a vehicle, trailer, etc. I will likely mount mine on a block of wood that is easy to set out with my battery on my trailer and at my vehicle should the need arise to use it.The unit performs very well and is extremely quiet. I’ve owned other inverters that kicked the cooling fan on within 30 seconds of use; however, this unit does not kick the fan on for quite some time, even under decent load (not full). I assume that if I maxed out the output power upon first turning the unit on, it would likely kick the fan on immediately.I love that this unit has two NEMA AC Receptacles, as I can connect my laptop and a mobile phone charger that requires something higher than 2A. For example, I use devices that use Quick Charge, and I need a higher amp charger for that to function, therefore connecting two units to the NEMA ports is convenient. Additionally, I can charge my Bluetooth headset or other lower-amp requiring device using the 1 USB port (2.0 A) (e.g., low-end tablet, Bluetooth Headset, speaker, portable Wi-Fi hotspot, Nintendo DS, etc.).Overall, I wasn’t able to overpower the unit during my use. Although I would not necessarily recommend it, I was able to connect an extension cord into the NEMA port and power an electric drill off of my battery (this is not pictured as I did not have my mobile device with me during that use). This was a great example of how I can use this inverter in a pinch when I am in need of power supply and all I have is a battery. The unit performs well, is quiet, doesn’t get extremely hot, and is easy to hide away in a compartment or under a seat – don’t forget it’s mountable should that be necessary!I am quite pleased with this unit. I have placed it in my vehicle’s trunk at this time so that I can use it in a pinch should I need connected to power without being close to it. I travel for work quite a bit and am on the road constantly, which means I am not always near a power supply that is sufficient for my needs. Therefore, this unit will provide a much-needed connection point when I am on the road for extended periods. Additionally, it will be great for camping as an extra connection or in my shop that is not connected to AC power.If you’re in need of portable power, look no further!

After almost 8 years, this thing has been used and abused, but keeps working like a champ!I've used it for all kinds of random things over the years, both with the 12 volt car port and the clamps for direct battery use. It's even had a few uses running small home appliances for a few days straight with no issues! (TV, console, sound system, and some other odds and ends all at the same time)The low battery protection is great for keeping the cells from being damaged due to running too low a voltage, but I wouldn't depend on it too much if you're using it on your main battery without running the car if that's what you're hooked up to. I forgot to leave the car running in an instance and the low battery indicator cut power as it should have, and when I went to crank the car I was lucky and it barely came to life! (4 cylinder motor, battery midway through its life. Your luck may vary!)I honestly bought it figuring I'd get a better one for small tasks when I got more money and it just refuses to die. I had one issue where I crushed the 12 volt plug and there was some language issue in support, but they were amazing and ended up just sending an entire unit overnight at no cost so I'd have extra of everything. (The inverter had no logo and was on a black shell, but I still have it and feel bad when I use it in conjunction with the main one!)Tldr: It just works and you'll be happy if you don't need crazy power output. I swear they haven't paid me, but I'd shill their products at this point.

Works for what I purchased it for.

Seems to work good. Only use in Living Quarters horsetrailer

I purchased this for lights in my shed, I Have this hooked up to a battery charged by a small solar panel and it has been working good. The one it replaced burnt up from the heat, so time and summer heat will tell.

bought this on 12-26-2024 and today 05-19-25 while driving down the road and not using it, it started smoking and filled the cab with smoke, tried too return it and there is a no return policy on this product.complete piece of crap, do not buy i would rate it at a zero if it was an option

Installed on a utility body work truck for new construction site power. At first had a 50 amp 12 volt breaker feeding the inverter but kept tripping . Replaced the breaker with a 300 amp 12 volt fuse ( I am only concerned with protecting the auxiliary battery from a catastrophic failure of the inverter or its wiring. Main positive feed is 250 KCMIL welding cable from the battery to a distribution block before the fuse so we're good ).As electricians the first test was a long 500 foot plus wire pull in conduit with an 8000 foot pound rated tugging machine. The pulling head draws between 15 and 30 amps depending on the resistance of the pull. This pull had the pulling head screaming multiple times maxing out for an hour and the inverter never quit. (May have been conduit damage under the slab during backfill) . We then pulled in 5 more runs of a little less length again without skipping a beat. Hammer drills, grinders, light duty charging. I am impressed so far. Definitely recommend.

Nice item it is very affordable and useful and easy to use