12V air compressors lack a pressurized vessel and pump air directly into objects. They are less powerful than AC units but useful for travel as they run on car and boat electrical systems. They must run continuously and have a time limit for operation to prevent motor burnout. They are powered by cigarette lighter sockets or alligator clips.
There are several types of portable air compressors, some of which are designed to operate on 12 volt direct current (DC). These devices are primarily designed to inflate low-pressure items, such as sports balls and air mattresses, although many are capable of inflating car tires as well. Unlike most air compressors, these units typically lack any type of pressurized vessel to store compressed air. Instead, a 12V compressor typically pumps air directly into an object. These compressors are typically less powerful than portable units that run on alternating current (AC), although the fact that they can run on the 12-volt electrical systems found in cars and boats often makes them more useful when traveling.
Air compressors are devices that use various methods to pressurize air. Most air compressors pump air into some type of sealed container to pressurize, although others are capable of pumping air directly into an inflatable object. The 12v compressor is a prime example, as most of these devices don’t have any type of pressurized vessel. A motor inside the 12V compressor draws in air and then pumps it directly into an object. This can limit the effectiveness of some pumps, as car tires and other similar items often require a very large volume of air to achieve the necessary pressure.
Compressors equipped with tanks should only run until the pressure vessel has been filled. The motor will restart automatically when the pressure drops below a certain level. Since 12V compressors typically do not have any type of tank, they must run continuously. This makes it important to turn them off occasionally during use, especially when filling large volume items such as car tyres. Prolonged use without interruption can burn out a 12V compressor motor, so most manufacturers list a time limit for continuous operation.
Aside from the lack of a pressure vessel to store compressed air, the other major difference between a 12V compressor and other portable units is the power source. Most compressors run on AC power, while 12V compressors are designed to run on the 12V DC systems found in most automotive and marine electrical systems. These units typically have plugs designed to plug into cigarette lighter sockets, although others have alligator clips that can plug directly into your car battery. This can make these units very useful on the road, allowing them to fill tires and other inflatable items, in situations where AC power isn’t available.
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