Enciclopedia de yates
Inverter-charger
Inverter-chargers on yachts: AC from DC plus shore charging, survey checks, and FairHelm limits on sizing claims from brochure watts.
Qué es
An inverter-charger (combi) is a single unit that inverts DC battery power to AC for domestic loads and charges the bank from shore power or an AC generator when available.
Anchor
On northern cruisers FairHelm often sees combis feeding heaters, induction, and laptop loads. Wiring, ventilation, and battery chemistry must match the unit's charge profile.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: brochure watts without cable size, fuse rating, and battery type are noise. Heat, alarm history, and correct charge settings beat "new electronics" claims.
Limits
We do not size inverters for your voyage here. Continuous load, surge, and bank capacity need a proper energy audit. Wrong lithium settings can destroy a bank.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q: Is an inverter the same as an inverter-charger?
A: Not always. A pure inverter only makes AC. A combi also charges from AC sources.
Q: Can I run everything through the inverter?
A: Only within continuous and surge limits. Heavy heaters may need shore or generator AC instead.
Q: Does a new combi fix a weak battery bank?
A: No. The bank still sets how long you can run. Fix capacity and health first.