The Difference Between a Low Cost Power Inverter and the More Expensive Models

Have you ever wondered why some inverters costlighter socket found in most vehicles. We suggest this
much more than others of the same power. I willbecause after reaching 300 watts of draw on the
briefly describe one of the main differences betweeninverter, the fuses in your car will begin to blow. There
a low cost power inverter and a high cost item.are several units available on the market powered
Finding a power inverter to convert DC power to ACbetween 100-200 watts that plug directly into the
may seem like it should be a simple task, but whencigarette lighter of a vehicle. It has only one outlet, but
you start shopping for a power inverter for yoursince plugging it into a 12 volt socket is all that is
personal use, you'll soon find that many choices willrequired for operation, it can't be beat for ease of use.
confront you. With prices ranging from less than $25These little units usually supply around 150 watts of
to well over a $1000, it can be difficult to know whatcontinuous operation and normally have a built in surge
features are important and how to choose a unitprotector.
appropriate to your needs.Square wave units or your low cost power inverters
While wattage you need and how you will befall into the following three groups:
connecting the unit to your power source are items to500w or less For household appliances, TVs (up to
be taken into consideration, another item that you19"), VCR, desktop computers, other mobile office
should take into account is the inverter's wave formequipment. Most of these connect via a 12-Volt plug.
output. There are two general types of power501-999w For household appliances, large screen TVs,
inverters: true-sine wave or modified-sine wave5-amp power tools, and bread machines. Most such
(square wave). True-sine wave inverters produceinverters are connected directly to the 12-volt battery
power that is either identical or sometimes slightlyand have three or more grounded outlets for powering
better to power from the public utility power gridseveral products at the same time.
system. The power wave when viewed through an1000-3900w For household appliances, larger power
oscilloscope is a smooth sine wave. Modified-sinetools, microwave ovens, toasters, and hair dryers. All
wave and square wave inverters are the mostof theses inverters are designed for direct connection
common types of power inverters on the market.to the battery network and can generally supply 750-
Modified-sine wave power inverters produce a power2500 watts of continuous power.
wave that is sufficient for most devices. The powerThe problem with wave form only comes into play
wave is not exactly the same as electricity from thewhen specialized pieces of equipment need to be
power grid. It has a wave form that appears as apowered. Here are a few devices which could have
choppy squared-off wave when viewed through anproblems when they are connected to an inverter
oscilloscope. What does that mean to the everydayproducing a modified-sine wave signal: oxygen
user? Not much. Most household electrical devices willconcentrators, fax machines, laser printers, high voltage
run perfectly fine on either type of wave form.cordless tool chargers, equipment with variable speed
Most of our customers who are using a powermotors, electric shavers, and garage door openers. For
inverter to run a laptop, a/c cell phone charger, fan, ormost all other applications you can go with the low
camera find that a modified-sine wave power invertercost power inverter.
that operates through the cigarette lighter socket theIn closing, it is really not necessary for the average
easiest to use.user to go with the true sine-wave unit. The modified
We usually suggest choosing power inverters that aresine-wave found in most low cost power inverters will
rated under 300 watts when using the 12-volt cigarettebe sufficient take care of your applications.