What are inverters used for?

• A. Converts AC into DC
• B. Converts DC into AC
• C. Stabilizes voltage
• D. Stores energy

Answer: (B)

Inverters are devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This is essential when the available power source is DC (like a aircraft battery or solar panel) but the equipment requires AC power, often at a specific voltage and frequency (for example, 115V AC at 400 Hz in many aircraft systems). The inverter’s job is to generate that AC waveform from the DC source so the devices can operate normally.

This differs from a rectifier, which would take AC and produce DC. It also isn’t a voltage stabilizer or regulator, which means keeping voltage constant, nor is it an energy storage device—that role belongs to batteries or capacitors. The inverter simply performs the DC-to-AC conversion to suit the load’s requirements.