Black & Decker Power Inverter

Choosing a reliable power inverter can be pivotal, especially for those on the go who need consistent power to charge various devices. The Black & Decker PI500B power inverter aims to fulfill this need, promising a portable solution with household power capabilities. However, my experience with this inverter has been a mixed bag of results.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the PI500B impresses with its solid build. The durable polymer housing feels rugged enough to handle everyday wear and tear. The inverter is relatively lightweight at 12.1 lbs, making it easy to transport and store in your vehicle. The dual 120V AC outlets and two high-output USB ports (3.1A total) are neatly laid out, offering a decent number of connection options for various devices.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the inverter is straightforward. You have two primary ways to connect it: via the 12V DC outlet (cigarette lighter) or directly to the car battery for higher power needs. While the cigarette lighter option is convenient for quick and temporary use, I found it somewhat unreliable. The unit often failed to power even low-wattage devices consistently. On the other hand, connecting directly to the car battery provided a more stable power output. However, this method requires a bit more effort and isn't as convenient for quick setups or frequent disconnections.

Performance and Reliability

The performance of the PI500B is where things start to fall apart. The inverter claims a power output of 500 watts continuous and 140 watts from the 12V DC outlet, but in practice, it struggled to meet these specifications. Simple tasks, like charging a laptop or running a small string of LED lights, often resulted in the unit shutting down and emitting an annoying beeping sound. This beeping is not only irritating but also signals a failure to deliver the promised power output.

Usability

One of the more frustrating aspects of this inverter is its sensitivity to load. Even with my car running and a new battery installed, the low battery warning frequently triggered, cutting off power to connected devices. This happened even with low-demand devices like an iPhone charger. The inverter appears to have trouble managing power efficiently, leading to frequent interruptions and unreliable performance.

Noise and Heat Management

Another drawback is the fan noise. The onboard cooling fan kicks in almost immediately after powering up and remains quite loud, even when the load is minimal. While effective in keeping the unit cool, the constant noise can be distracting, especially in a quiet environment like a campsite or during nighttime use.

Versatility and Applications

In terms of versatility, the PI500B does offer some valuable features. The dual functionality of plugging into the cigarette lighter for up to 100W and directly to the battery for up to 500W is a good concept. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The unit works well enough for very light applications, such as charging a cell phone or powering a small fan. But for more demanding tasks like running a laptop or multiple devices simultaneously, it falls short.

Customer Support

Interacting with Black & Decker’s customer service was another point of frustration. The responses were slow and often unhelpful, leaving me with little confidence in long-term support or potential troubleshooting solutions.

Positive Notes

Despite its shortcomings, the PI500B does have some redeeming qualities. For instance, the USB ports are a handy feature, especially for charging phones and other small devices. The automatic shut-off feature to prevent battery drain is also a thoughtful addition, although its sensitivity can be a double-edged sword.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Black & Decker PI500B power inverter is a tool with great potential that falls short in execution. Its rugged design and dual power connection options are appealing, but its inconsistent performance and frequent shutdowns make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. The noise level and unreliable power delivery further detract from its overall usability.

Would I recommend this inverter? Unfortunately, not with confidence. If your needs are minimal—charging a phone or running a small fan—it could serve you well. However, for more substantial power needs, the PI500B is likely to cause more frustration than utility. There are more reliable and robust options available on the market that can better meet your power requirements without the hassles encountered with this model.