Use Your Ridgid 18V Batteries as Portable Power Supplies
As a concept, power inverters are simple: they take power from one form and output it to another. Ridgid now offers a 175-watt inverter powered by its 18V batteries that makes them useful for powering devices on the go. I’m taking a closer look at this inverter to see if it’s the right model to keep your phone, laptop, or tablet topped up all day.
Want to watch the video instead of read? We’ve got you covered!
Ridgid 18V 175-Watt Inverter Overview
- Model: Ridgid AC86097
- Charge up to 4 devices simultaneously
- Max power output: 175W
- Outlets:
- (1) 120V AC outlet
- (2) USB-A ports
- (1) USB-C port
- Fast-charging USB-C port
- Onboard LED light
The Ridgid AC86097 power inverter uses any Ridgid 18V battery for its source, letting you charge your devices on the go. It features four ports: two USB-A, a USB-C, and a 120V AC outlet. You can even utilize all four battery ports simultaneously, assuming you don’t draw more than 175 watts at once. Keep in mind that using multiple ports at once will drain your 18V battery at a quicker rate.
Of the available ports, the USB-C port is the best for charging your phone or tablet since it’s capable of faster charging than conventional wall chargers or other USB-A ports.
The control panel is simple on this inverter, with just two buttons. There’s the on/off button that toggles the inverter’s power, and a light button that controls the onboard flashlight. When the inverter is powered on, the power button’s LED will be white, indicating that it’s ready to use.
This inverter is also equipped with overload protection. When you draw more power than the inverter can handle, the power button’s LED will blink red, and the inverter will turn off. If it turns solid red and then powers off, this means the inverter is overheated and needs to cool before using it again.
Uses and Applications
As mentioned, you can use the AC86097 inverter to power and/or charge USB-powered devices and small electronics like phones and tablets.
It’s important to keep in mind that this inverter is not intended to power appliances, corded power tools, air conditioners, or other large electrical devices. After all, 175W is only 1.5A on a standard 110V circuit.
For those power hungry items, you’d need something like an inverter generator. While they’re much more pricey than Ridgid’s portable 18V model, they’re designed with much greater output to safely power larger home appliances.
Ridgid 18V 175-Watt Inverter Price
This inverter retails for $89 as a bare tool, and Home Depot has a bundle for $202 for the kit that includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger.
However, at the time of writing, there are several deals on Ridgid battery and charger kits that could bring your total down. For example, we found the inverter kit listed separately for the price of the bare tool, just $89.
Ridgid backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty and a Lifetime Service Agreement when you register your product.
