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How to Run a Chest Freezer on 12V

David Sandoval

Home appliances, such as refrigerators and chest freezers, require household electrical power (120 volts AC in North America) to operate. However, if the need should arise, such as during a blackout, home appliances may be operated using a 12 Volt DC power supply in conjunction with a power inverter.

A power inverter is an electronic device that converts DC power to AC power. Depending upon the battery capacity, a battery and power inverter combination can keep a chest freezer operating for several hours.

A 12-volt battery, such as this car battery, can serve as a temporary power source for a chest freezer.

Step 1

Attach the red (positive) power inverter cable to the positive battery terminal. Attach the black (negative) power inverter cable to the negative battery terminal.

Step 2

Turn on the power inverter, and allow it to charge up for approximately 10 seconds.

Step 3

A power inverter typically has one or more electrical outlets.

Plug the freezer into the power inverter electrical outlet.