Questions & Answers about Power Inverters

What is the difference between Modified Sine Wave & Pure Sine Wave Inverters?

Modified Sine Wave

If your equipment can accept some voltage fluctuation, consider a modified sine wave inverter. These inverters provide mobile power at a more affordable price and come in a full range of sizes.

Pure Sine Wave

If you want to run your equipment exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications, choose a true sine wave inverter. With true sine wave, motor loads start easier and run cooler. Some equipment only operate properly with true sine wave power—laser printers, variable speed motors and digital clocks.

Waveform is an important consideration when choosing an inverter. Pure sine wave inverters provide premium power that is identical to or even better than power supplied by your utility company. Modified sine wave inverters provide good performance at a great value.

How long can I run the power inverter on my battery?

To calculate the approximate power drain on your battery you will want to estimate the reserve power ("amp/hour") of the battery, and the amps the power inverter will require, to meet the continuous load demands of the appliance.

What is meant by "continuous 2200-watts and peak 5000-watt surge"?

Some appliances or tools, such as ones with a motor, require an initial surge of power to start up ("starting load" or "peak load"). Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate ("continuous load")

What can a power inverter do and what can I use one for?

A power inverter converts DC power into conventional AC power which can run all kinds of household products such as: kitchen appliances, microwaves, power tools, TVs, radios, computers and more. You just connect the inverter to a battery, and plug your AC devices into the inverter and you've got power on the go.

Can I operate a microwave with a power inverter?

The power rating used with microwave ovens is the "cooking power" which refers to the power being "delivered" to the food being cooked. The actual operating power requirement rating is higher than the cooking power rating (for example, a microwave with "advertised" rating of 600 watts usually corresponds to almost 1100 watts of power consumption). The actual power consumption is usually stated on the back of the microwave. If the operating power requirement cannot be found on the back of the microwave, check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

Do any power inverter above 300 watt include a cigarette lighter adapter?

No a cigarette lighter can not handle more than 300 watts, the highest model with a cigarette lighter is the AED400, 400 Watt 12 Volt DC to 110 Volt AC Power Inverter. You can only use up to 300 watts on the cigarette lighter input with the AED400 or up to 400 watts using the cables by connecting directly to the battery.