5
INVERTER INFORMATION
Types of Inverters
There are 2 types of inverters available for
use in consumer applications. These are:
Pure Sine Wave Inverters
The name “pure sine wave” inverter comes from the wave form of its
output, as shown in the above diagram. This is identical to or replicates
as closely as possible the normal AC mains. As most electronic products
are designed to be powered by sine wave AC, pure sine wave inverters are
suitable for all applications, especially motorized devices where it is proven
that pure sine wave power will lengthen the product’s lifetime and run
much quieter. Pure sine wave inverters are more expensive than modified
sine wave inverters because they involve a much more complicated design
in order to simulate the smooth sine wave output of standard mains power.
Modified Sine Wave Inverters
Again, modified sine wave are named after their output waveform. The
output of the modfied sine wave inverter cycles through positive, ground
and negative voltage as shown in the diagram above, to give a rough
approximation of a sine wave.
Modified sine wave inverters are a cheaper alternative to pure sine wave
inverters as they don’t require the complicated system needed to smooth
and render the output waveform. The main down side with a modified sine
wave is that it can introduce electrical noise (buzzing) to inductive and A-V
equipment. This is caused by the fast reversal of the output voltage 100
times per second. However, modified sine wave inverters are OK for heat
element devices (kettle, heaters, etc) and devices that have an external or
built-in adaptor (laptop, TV, etc).
How do I choose between Modified Sine Wave or Pure Sine Wave
Inverters?
1. Inductive loads such as microwave ovens run faster, quieter, cooler and
more efficiently on pure sine wave.
2. Pure sine wave reduces audible and electrical noise (buzzing) in fans,
fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TVs etc
3. Pure sine wave prevents crashes in computers, glitches and noise in
monitors
4. Pure sine wave reliably powers the following devices that normally won’t
work with modified sine wave inverters:
• Laser printers, photocopiers, magneto-optical hard drives.
• Some fluorescent lights with old-type ballasts.
• Power tools using variable speed controllers AC motors.
• Sewing machines with speed/microprocessor control.
• Battery chargers
Pure Modified
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