Zero Is The New Black

Inverter is the major electronic component that converts the 12, 24 or 48 volts DC current from the battery into 220 volt AC current, the same as utility power for household lights, outlet and appliances. There are basically two types of inverters. (1) Modified Sine Wave and (2) Pure Sine Wave. The different between these two types of inverters are subtle but significant in the way they operate certain types of load.

(1)   Modified Sine Wave Inverters: These are the most common types of power inverters. A modified sine wave inverter can adequately power most household appliances and power tools. It is more economical but may present certain compromise by giving sounds with some loads such as microwave ovens. Laser printers, clocks and cordless tool chargers.

(2)   Pure Sine Wave Inverters: These true sine wave power inverters provide utility grade power. These inverters are expensive, although prices are continually falling. These true or pure sine wave power inverters can power almost anything including laser printers and fax machines. A sine wave inverter is designed to replicate and even improve the quality of electricity supplied by utility companies. To operate higher electronic equipment, a sine wave inverter is recommended.

Inverters supply power of better quality than the power company, and correctly with any appliance. A small 150 watt true sine wave inverter might be used when you have just a few smaller appliances that require true sine wave power. Inverters are rated by their continuous voltage output and are capable of briefly sustaining much higher loads, than they can run continuously, because some electric load, like motors, require a surge to get started. The more they can put out, the more they cost initially. For example, if you want to run the following with wattage as

-14 inch TV (40W)

-A VCR (20W)

-Fluorescent (14W)

This is a total of 74 Watts. In picking an inverter for this set of appliances, an inverter that can supply at least 74 Watts continuously will do. All inverters produce a small amount of waste heat. The harder they are working, the more heat. If they get too hot they will shut off or limit their output to protect themselves.