Power Inverters for Covert Surveillance

Before plugging in, five things you need to know

Power inverters fall into the category of a must-have for your arsenal of covert surveillance gear. Inverters make it incredibly easy to use 120VAC equipment in a mobile environment, and now you can find them for as little as thirty bucks at your local auto parts store. But, before you go plugging in, here are five things that you need to know that could save you a lot of money, and help ensure mission success.

1. You may not need one!

Power inverters are horribly inefficient and can be taxing on a vehicle's power system. So if you can avoid using one altogether, then do it!

If the device to be powered uses a power supply, check its attached specification label. If the output spec reads anywhere between 11 and 14 VDC, in all likelihood you can avoid using an inverter as your vehicle’s power system will provide 12 volts on average.

If your device to be powered falls into range for 12VDC operation, you then have a few options.

    a. Use an inverter anyhow out of sheer convenience in a one-time, short duration mission.
    b. Obtain a new power input cable that matches the power supply terminated end, and wire that new cable into the vehicle’s power system.

    c. Sacrifice the power supply by cutting the output lead, and then wire it into the vehicle’s power system. If you do this, I highly recommend cutting in the middle so that you can later re-solder the cable together, if needed. Also, ensure that you maintain positive and negative polarity correctly.

2. Not Created Equal — Modified vs. True Sine Wave

There are two primary flavors of power inverters: modified sine (MSW) and true sine wave (TSW). Most inexpensive inverters (less than $150) output a modified sine wave. MSW inverters do a wonderful job of producing 120 Volts but often do poorly at replicating the smooth alternating current waves found in a home or office AC outlet. This can wreak havoc on delicate surveillance equipment. Motorized gear may also run hotter.

Conversely, TSW inverters provide 120 volts with smooth AC waves. They are ideal and help ensure proper equipment operation. The drawback is price—typically starting around two hundred dollars—but the reduced risk of equipment damage is often worth it.

3. Peak Wattage vs. Working Wattage

Many inverter manufacturers advertise peak wattage versus the lower (and more important) working wattage. Always buy based on working wattage—the maximum continuous output rating.

To size correctly, you need the wattage of your surveillance equipment. If the device doesn’t list watts but shows voltage and amperage, calculate it: Wattage = Amps × Volts. For example, a PTZ camera that consumes 3 amps at 48VDC uses 144 watts.

For quick math, use an online calculator like Amps to Watts Calculator.

4. Check your 12 (12VDC)

Inverters are inefficient and demand a lot of current. Ensure the following:

    a. The vehicle’s battery and charging system are healthy, or the inverter could leave you stranded—even with the engine running.
    b. The power point you’ll use provides sufficient amperage. Small inverters (<20A under load) usually work on cigarette lighter outlets; larger units need a dedicated, fused line to the battery.
    c. The inverter has a low-voltage cutoff—critical when running off a stationary vehicle or standalone 12V battery.

5. Be Safe

Treat inverter output like any 120VAC outlet—risk of shock is real, and vehicles add conductive surfaces and moisture risk.

To minimize risk, many TSW inverters include a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), like the ones found in bathrooms and kitchens.

I sincerely hope this article has been or will be helpful to you. It's my personal mission in life to help educate law enforcement on how to maximize the use of surveillance technologies. Towards that mission, please sound off if you have something to add to the article by emailing me, or posting in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

Jake

Addendum: Battery Packs with Built-In Inverters

One of the biggest changes in the past few years has been the rise of portable battery packs with integrated inverters. These “all-in-one” power units combine a rechargeable lithium battery, built-in pure sine wave inverter, and often multiple 12VDC/USB outputs in a single rugged case.

For covert surveillance operations, these packs offer clear advantages:

• Silent operation — no need to run a vehicle engine to power equipment in the field.
• Portability — lightweight, compact, and easy to conceal or carry into position.
• Clean power — integrated pure sine wave output protects sensitive cameras, NVRs, and transmitters.
• Flexibility — multiple outputs allow simultaneous powering of AC devices, PoE injectors, and low-voltage accessories.
• Extended runtime — when paired with swappable batteries or solar recharging options, these systems support long missions.

For agencies planning extended deployments, these battery inverter packs can replace or supplement vehicle-based inverters entirely. They provide flexible, reliable power where and when it’s needed most.

At MAXSUR, we are here to help with advice and to put together complete power and surveillance solutions that match your agency’s mission profile. If you have questions about field power options, reach out—we’ll help guide you toward the right setup.