Patent ID: 7566232

Claim:
A bidirectional DC/AC inverter comprising: a power conversion means in connection with an electric storage means, the power conversion means being operable to convert alternating-current power inputted from a power source into direct-current power and output the direct-current power to the electric storage means when the electric storage means is charged, the power conversion means being operable to convert direct-current power obtained from the electric storage means into alternating-current power and outputting the alternating-current power to an external load when the inverter outputs the alternating-current power; a control means operable to control an operation of the power conversion means; a plug for electrically connecting the power source to the power conversion means; an outlet for electrically connecting the load to the power conversion means; an inhibiting member operable to cover at least the plug to inhibit the power conversion means from being electrically connected to the power source; and a detecting means operable to detect whether the plug is covered or not, the control means inhibiting the power conversion means from outputting the alternating-current power when the detecting means detects that the plug is not covered by the inhibiting means.