With so many inverters around, you wonder which you should buy to power your appliances safely. You have heard about modular, sine wave inverters, and even industrial power inverters.
There are primarily two pretty popular inverter types.
They seem similar but are quite different, and they are modified and pure sine wave inverters.
Read on to learn more about their differences, advantages and applications.
Differences between pure and modified sine wave inverters
The two significant differences are in their inverter working and efficiency and cost.
Pure or true sine wave inverters are:
- Excellent for powering devices that run on AC
- Perfect for powering devices like radios that suffer from interferences
- Expensive
- Ideal for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, laser printers, and specialized applications like medical equipment
Modified sine wave inverters:
- Are inexpensive
- Produce less-than-pure current
- Produce some interference
- Safely power lights, TV, microwave oven, and tools
While some computers may work on modified sine wave inverters, it’s always better to check with the manufacturer using. Pure sine wave inverters safely power sensitive equipment because they produce cleaner and better current.
That’s why many people opt to get a small pure sine wave inverter to power their sensitive equipment. And have a larger modified sine wave inverter for powering the rest of their applications.
Advantages of pure sine wave inverters
Pure sine wave inverters offer the following benefits over modified sine wave inverters:
- Low harmonic distortion output voltage waveform and power similar to grid power
- Reduces noise of appliances like audio amplifiers, fans, game consoles, fax, and fluorescent lights
- Microwave ovens and motors with inductive loads run quieter, more relaxed, and faster.
- Prevents computer crashes, noise, and glitches in monitors and weird printouts
- Safely powers various devices like:
- Sewing machines with microprocessors
- Medical equipment
- X-10 home automation systems that do not work on modified sine wave inverters
Why pure sine wave inverters offer these advantages
a) Produces similar grid power
Pure sine wave inverters produce the same AC power provided by the grid. They can thus be safely connected to devices for pure and interference-free power.
It is also possible to use most of these inverters for running any loads in their wattage range.
b) Industrial versions ideal for powering fleets
Industrial pure sine inverters can even be used for powering any fleet or utility trucks. They reduce the vehicle’s idling and maintenance, generators’ need eliminates avoidable greenhouse gas emissions and controls fuel consumption.
While pure sine wave inverters offer various benefits over modified sine wave inverters, modified sine wave inverters also have their uses. They may not produce a perfect AC but are affordable and reliable emergency mobile powering options for many applications.
How to decide which is the right type for your device
There may be situations where you aren’t sure which is the better inverter for your device. If this happens, finding answers to these questions may help.
- Is the device something delicate like medical equipment?
- Does the device run on a motor?
- Can I use a DC adapter to power the appliance?
- Does the device use a rectifier?
A pure sine wave inverter is a better choice if you answer ‘yes’ to the first two questions. While a ‘yes to the last two questions suggests a modified sine wave inverter is better, checking with the manufacturer is always better.
Don’t worry if you are still confused about which inverter to buy for your applications. Your Exeltech executive will help you make the right choice based on your requirements and appliances.
