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Compact black rectangular inverter with cigarette lighter plug and battery clamps attached

Samlex

Samlex SAM-250-12 Modified Sine Wave Inverter 250W

SKU CH-F0ES-BX4G9

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.

Highlights

  • 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

Specifications

BrandSamlex
ModelSAM-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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