POTEK 500W PowerInverter

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 +/- 3Hz Continuous output power: up to 500 W Waveform: Modified Sine Wave Efficiency (Maximum): 90% Output power overload shutdown: 550+/- 50 W Fuses: 30A (x2) 2 NEMA AC Receptacles 1 USB Port (2.0A) Can connect both to a battery (e.g., vehicle/deep cycle) and via 12V accessory plug Okay, 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!

Works with no problem so far. The design is good, noise level is ok and power is as advertised. I like that it comes with extra fuses.

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.

I purchased this to provide a large capacity ups setup for my server farm. Each server has its own ups to provide enough power to shut it down gracefully. This inverter and battery bank I use to provide multiple hours of battery backup. With the auto transfer switch this works great. I also really liked the included cables for battery hook up. The transfer speed is too slow to use without an ups between the inverter and server. But overall it works like a champ for me with some trade offs to consider. Some things I don’t like. Fan is obnoxiously loud when it turns on, which is the instant the inverter is running. No temp control . Also sometimes when there is a quick power outage and it switches to inverter then back to utility the fans stay on until you turn the inverter off and on. Even though it’s not running on inverter power. The inverter archs a crazy amount when hooking it up to a battery. It made hooking up difficult and I ended up buying a battery disconnect switch so I could hook up the negative without massive arching. I couldn’t hook it up initially as the bolt kept popping out of the cable then touching it to the battery. The other thing I don’t like is even when it’s on utility power it drains the battery. Battery a 200ah agm went from 12.8v 100% full to 12.2v 60% full in 6 days. You have to keep a charger connected at all times. Personally it’s a fine inverter. Not ideal for a server backup, as it can’t command the severs to shutdown, and it’s slow to transfer power. But as a large capacity setup it’s ideal. Also the blue tooth app is buggy.

I buy for my truck, it’s a great product. Great quality and price. Work very well.

Bought to use in Christmas parade to run lights on our sxs should work great

Sadly this didn't last more than 1 day. Had it mounted in my camper hooked to a 12v car battery. Plugged in a small portable 4inch fan and it ran for a minute or so. Made a whistling beep that sounded like r2d2 dying then no power. All three 30 amp fuses in the center of the board blew. Replaced them but same thing happened as soon as I turned it on again. It looks nice but I just don't think it has the build quality needed for something like this.

Exactly what I have been looking for. Well made......hooked a battery to Inverter with no problems using lights or certain power equipment.and USB. Proof is in the real emergency.... Thanks again

i use it in my transport truck its a little hard on the batteries but i can't work with out it runs all my electronics

Excellent...been in use for a few months no issues what so ever except forgot to shutoff once and it drained the trucks battery once over a weekend.

ok but not as powerful as I thought it might be but will do the job

Works really good. Does what we needed it to. Easy install. Only complaint was that the cables were too short but we just bought longer ones.