How to Power a PC with a Deep Cycle Battery

Desktop and workstation computer power supplies require AC power.

Personal computers can be found nearly everywhere. Laptops computers can operate for several hours without being plugged into a wall outlet. However, many laptop computers are built with portability (rather than speed or processing capability) in mind.

In some cases, nothing less than a desktop computer will do. However, a desktop computer requires an AC power source. To operate a desktop PC using a battery as a power source, a special electronic device is needed: a power inverter.

Things You'll Need

• One 12V deep-cycle battery
• Power inverter (600 watt or higher capacity)
• Desktop PC

Instructions

1. 

   Many power inverters use battery clamp electrical input interfaces.

   Attach the red (positive) inverter battery clamp to the positive ("POS" or "+") battery post. Attach the black (negative) inverter battery clamp to the negative ("NEG" or "-") battery post.

2. 

   Power inverters have one or more electrical output sockets.

   Plug the computer into one of the inverter output sockets. Turn on the inverter and wait a few seconds to allow the inverter electronics to charge up.

3. Turn on the computer. Allow the computer to boot up fully. When finished, shut down the computer.

References

• "Principles of Inverter Circuits"; B.D. Bedford; 1985
• DonRowe.com: What size inverter should I buy?