The Mantus Scuba Compressor uses a 1.3 kW electric motor, but with the peak current on start of the machine the wattage can be 3 times higher to around 3600 W. Most inverters have a 50% overload capacity, meaning a 1000 W inverter will have 1500 W overload capacity. So make sure the inverter you will purchase can handle 3600 W overload capacity. This usually means you would need a 2400 W inverter, but it is important to check the specifications of any inverter you are trying to purchase.