How does the power consumption monitor work?
The power consumption monitor provides a complete overview of all electrical consumers in your camper van, split across 12V DC and 230V AC circuits. Based on your appliances, the tool calculates the total power and advises on the right inverter size.
Splitting DC and AC power
Each appliance is assigned to either 12V DC or 230V AC. The total continuous power per circuit is the sum of (wattage × quantity) for all appliances in that circuit. The peak power accounts for inrush currents from motors and compressors. The DC current draw is calculated as: total DC power / system voltage.
Sizing the inverter
The minimum inverter is calculated as: total AC power × 1.25 (25% safety margin). The recommended inverter is the nearest standard size above this minimum. The margin protects against simultaneous use of multiple 230V appliances and extends the inverter's lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave?
A pure sine wave inverter delivers the same waveform as the mains grid. Sensitive electronics (laptops, chargers, medical devices) require a pure sine wave. A modified sine wave inverter is cheaper but can cause humming in some appliances and is not suitable for inductive loads. For camper van builds, pure sine wave is almost always recommended.
When do I need 230V in my camper van?
You need 230V for appliances that do not run on 12V: coffee maker, hair dryer, microwave, power tool chargers and certain kitchen appliances. Many modern devices also work on USB or 12V. The fewer 230V appliances you have, the smaller (and cheaper) your inverter can be.
What is the difference between peak and continuous power?
Continuous power is what an inverter can deliver over a sustained period. Peak power is the brief maximum during inrush currents (1–5 seconds). Appliances with motors (fridge, air conditioning) have an inrush current 2–5 times higher than normal. The inverter must be able to handle the peak power of all appliances starting simultaneously.
Should I enter peak or continuous consumption?
Enter continuous consumption. Peak consumption (at startup) is calculated separately for inverter and fuse sizing.
How do I calculate fridge power consumption?
A fridge doesn't run continuously. Use the rated power × the percentage the compressor runs (usually 30-50% of the time, so 8-12 hours per day).