Samlex SAM-250-12 Modified Sine Wave Inverter 250W
Converts 12 VDC to 115 VAC at 60 Hz, delivering 250 W continuous and 500 W surge through one three-prong outlet and a 5 V USB port
- Plugs into 12 V cigarette lighter for instant vehicle power
- Includes battery clamps for direct connection to a 12 V battery
- Converts 12 V DC to 115 V AC at 60 Hz for household devices
- 250 W continuous output with 500 W surge handles laptops and small electronics
- Universal protection circuit guards against thermal, overload and short-circuit events
Power for Mobile Workspaces
The Samlex SAM-250-12 is a modified sine wave inverter that plugs into a 12V cigarette lighter socket or connects directly to a battery using the included clamps. It converts 12VDC to 115VAC at 60Hz, providing 250 watts of continuous power with a 500 watt surge capacity for starting loads. This unit suits drivers, boaters and RV users who need AC power for small electronics away from grid outlets.
Single Three-Prong Outlet
The inverter offers one standard AC outlet, so only one mains-powered device can run at a time unless a power strip is added. A USB port supplies 5VDC at 500mA for charging phones or MP3 players directly. Buyers needing to run multiple AC appliances simultaneously or requiring a pure sine wave for sensitive medical or audio equipment should look elsewhere.
250 Watt Continuous Capacity
The 250 watt rating comfortably handles laptops, phone chargers, small stereos and similar low-draw electronics. The 500 watt surge covers brief startup spikes, but sustained loads above 250 watts will trigger the overload protection. High-draw appliances such as microwave ovens, power tools or heating devices exceed this unit's capacity and will cause it to shut down.
How it compares
Measured against everything we stock in Jump Starters, Chargers & Power Packs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.
- Price $113.99
- Pricier than about 90% of the 1,744 comparable items (median $14.99).
Specifications
| Product | |
|---|---|
| Brand name | Samlex |
| Model name | SAM-250-12 |
Questions about this item
What does the 250 W rating mean for the devices I can run from this inverter?
The 250 W continuous rating is the steady AC power the inverter can supply; the 500 W surge rating handles brief start-up spikes from motors or compressors.
How does the 12 V cigarette-lighter connection limit the power I can actually draw?
The inverter plugs into a 12 VDC socket, so the vehicle's own fuse on that circuit sets the practical ceiling; for loads near 250 W the included battery clamps give a direct low-resistance path to the battery.
Will the 15.2 by 11.4 by 5.1 inch case fit in my glove box or console?
At 15.2" x 11.4" x 5.1" and 1.2 lbs the unit is larger than most glove boxes; it is designed to sit on a floor or seat with the load-controlled fan facing open air.
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