BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter

BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is a very popular compact DC/AC inverter, suitable for powering smaller loads like charging laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc., via a pair of 110 AC outlets and for charging devices using its two USB charging ports.

BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter may be connected to any 12V battery using its alligator battery clamps or to the car's cigarette lighter port using the cigarette lighter plug.

Updated: October 7, 2024.

BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter Features and Specifications

Depending on the power source, BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is able to provide:

• connected to the 12V battery using alligator clamps: 500W continuously, 1000W surge,
• connected to the 12V cigarette lighter port: 120-150W continuously.

BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is a modified sine wave Power Inverter that accepts voltages between 11 and 15 volts. It is not designed to be connected to 24-volt systems - such voltage may damage the unit and render its 18-month warranty void.

Note: most cars feature cigarette lighter ports protected with 10 Amps fuse and with car voltage being 12.5-13.0 volts, which translates to approximately 120 VA, or 100-120W effectively. If the engine is running and if the voltage is increased up to 13.4-14.0 volts (or slightly more), one may expect 140-150 VA (input) or 120-140W effectively (output).

Also, BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter features two AC outlets and two smart USB 5V charging ports with a maximum current of 4.8 Amps (2.4 Amps per port) - USB ports are 'smart' and they automatically adjust charging current according to the device being connected and charged.

Note: if one needs to charge a device with more than 5V and 2.4 Amps, simply connect the charger to the AC port directly and charge it.

BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter Safety Features

In order to prevent any accident, the BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter features several safety features, including overheating protection, under/overvoltage charging, overload protection, and short circuit protection.

Also, on the back side of the housing, there are two 40 Amps fuses placed externally - one needs a small screwdriver to remove their protection in order to replace them.

During operation BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is very quiet. The only movable part is a smart cooling fan with adjustable speed within its housing, protecting the unit from overheating - be sure that air ports are free and that cooling air can easily come in and out of the unit.

What's in the Box?

When BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter arrives, its box contains:

• 1 (one) BESTEK 500W Power Inverter,
• 1 (one) Cigarette Lighter Plug (27.5 inches, ~70 cm),
• 2 (two) Alligator Battery Clamps Red/Black (24 inches, ~61 cm),
• 2 (two) Spare 40A Fuses,
• 1 (one) User Manual.

Note: BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is very simple to use Power Inverter, but when it arrives, before the very first use, please, read the User Manual in order to get accustomed to your new inverter - better safe than sorry.

Recommended Battery for BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter

The recommended battery for BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter depends on the user's need to power 110V AC loads - time and actual wattage.

For example, if the BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is connected to the cigarette lighter port, it may draw up to 10 Amps continuously.

One hour of such load can discharge the car's battery by 10Ah, which should not be a problem for modern car battery with 60+ Ah capacity, even if it is starting battery, not designed for deep cycle applications.

However, a few hours of such use may discharge the battery almost fully, preventing it from cranking the engine the next time the user tries it.

When going camping, hunting, fishing, and simply enjoying the outdoors, it is a good practice to have a spare, deep cycle battery and use it for powering inverters and required 110-volt loads - such battery can be part of car electrical system and be connected to the alternator via battery isolator, protecting the starting battery from being discharged.

For example, Mighty Max ML75-12 12V 75Ah Battery is able to provide ~580 watts for one hour constantly (586.2W down to 9.6 volts, 543.0W down to 10.8 volts), allowing the BESTEK MRI5011BU to operate at full power for an hour.

If longer operating times are needed, larger and heavier batteries are required unless more expensive (at least initially) lithium batteries are used.

For example, a 12V 100Ah lithium battery can provide 50 Amps for 2 hours, which is enough power for the Bestek 500W power inverter to operate at full power for 2 hours.

Initially, such batteries are somewhat more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they support a much larger number of charging/discharging cycles, they are lighter, and can be recharged much faster.

Note: If your power inverter is constantly loaded at its ~100% nominal load, that power inverter is seriously underpowered.

What Will a Bestek 500-Watt Power Inverter Run?

A Bestek 500-watt power inverter is suitable for powering a variety of smaller devices and gadgets, making it an ideal companion for road trips, camping, or emergency use.

Here’s a breakdown of some common devices it can run and their typical power consumption, helping you gauge the load on the inverter and your battery:

Smartphones and Tablets (Charging)

• Power Consumption: 10-20 watts per device
• Load on Inverter: Minimal; you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without stressing the inverter or battery.
• Battery Impact: Negligible; even several hours of charging will have a minimal effect on battery levels.

Laptops

• Power Consumption: 40-100 watts, depending on the laptop model
• Load on Inverter: Moderate; it can handle up to 4-5 laptops charging simultaneously, assuming no other devices are connected.
• Battery Impact: Moderate; running a laptop for 4-5 hours can drain a standard car battery.

Mini Fans

• Power Consumption: 15-40 watts
• Load on Inverter: Low; suitable for running continuously without major strain.
• Battery Impact: Low; running a mini fan for several hours uses only a small portion of your battery capacity.

LED Lights

• Power Consumption: 5-20 watts per light
• Load on Inverter: Minimal; the inverter can run multiple LED lights simultaneously.
• Battery Impact: Low; can be operated for long periods without significantly affecting battery levels.

Portable Game Consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch)

• Power Consumption: 20-30 watts
• Load on Inverter: Low; running a gaming console while charging other devices is feasible.
• Battery Impact: Low to moderate; running for several hours will only marginally affect the car battery.

Small TV (Up to 32 inches)

• Power Consumption: 80-150 watts
• Load on Inverter: Moderate; running a TV alone is manageable, but additional devices should be limited.
• Battery Impact: Moderate to high; extended use may deplete a standard car battery faster.

Electric Shavers

• Power Consumption: 10-15 watts
• Load on Inverter: Minimal; it’s suitable for short, periodic use without stressing the system.
• Battery Impact: Minimal; short usage will have little effect on the battery.

Portable DVD Players

• Power Consumption: 20-30 watts
• Load on Inverter: Low; several hours of use is easily supported.
• Battery Impact: Low; occasional use won’t significantly drain the battery.

Camera Chargers

• Power Consumption: 5-15 watts
• Load on Inverter: Negligible; can charge multiple camera batteries at once.
• Battery Impact: Very low; ideal for charging on the go.

CPAP Machines (for sleep apnea)

• Power Consumption: 50-100 watts (depending on model and settings)
• Load on Inverter: Moderate; it can run a CPAP machine but avoid using high-power humidifiers simultaneously.
• Battery Impact: High; extended use may deplete the battery quickly if not monitored.

Important Notes

• Battery Capacity: Ensure your battery has sufficient capacity to support the inverter’s load, especially for continuous or higher-wattage devices. Larger deep-cycle lithium batteries are ideal for this.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the 500-watt limit to prevent damage to the inverter or connected devices.
• Use with Care: Prolonged use of higher-wattage devices (e.g., TV, CPAP) should be monitored, especially when using a vehicle’s battery as the power source.

Long Story Short: BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter is one of the most popular power inverters in it class - it is well designed and built unit, reliable and robust and can be used in various situations, in the car, on the boar, during camping, etc.

If you are looking for versatile power inverter in the 500W range, consider this unit - it has been tested by countless users and it passed the tests with flying colors.

For most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check BESTEK MRI5011BU 500W Power Inverter Amazon link (link opens in the new window).