Most devices will work just fine without a pure sine wave inverter, but it is a good idea to think about the issue before making a purchase anyway. First, it’s important to understand why the differences between pure sine wave inverters and modified sine wave inverters can cause problems.
The two main issues at hand are efficiency and undesired interference from the additional harmonics present in a modified sine wave. That means that a pure sine wave inverter is good at two things: efficiently powering devices that use the alternating current input without rectifying it first, and powering devices like radios that can suffer from interference.
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Some useful questions to ask yourself in order to determine if you need a pure sine wave inverter include:
- Does my device or appliance use a motor?
- Is my device a delicate piece of medical equipment?
- Does my device or appliance use a rectifier?
- Can my device be powered by a DC adapter?
If you answered yes to either of the first two questions, you may need a pure sine wave inverter. If you answered yes to either of the second questions, then you’ll probably be fine without one.
When a Pure Sine Wave Inverter Is Necessary
While a modified sine wave inverter will get the job done in almost every circumstance, there are some cases where it may cause damage or just not be very efficient. The primary category of devices that run more efficiently with a pure sine wave inverter is electronics that use AC motors, like refrigerators, compressors, and microwave ovens. They’ll still work in most cases, but they may not work as efficiently, which may lead to excess heat buildup and the potential for associated damages.
If you use a CPAP machine, especially one that includes a heated humidifier, then you’ll probably want to go with a pure sine wave inverter to avoid damaging the unit. It’s always a good idea to check the recommendations of the manufacturer, but most CPAP manufacturers recommend going with a pure sine wave inverter.
When a Pure Sine Wave Inverter Isn’t Necessary
If you have electronic devices that use rectifiers to convert AC to DC, then you probably don’t need a pure sine wave inverter. Don't be mistaken, a pure sine wave inverter will still work just fine with these devices. If you have the money, and you don’t mind spending more than you have to just for extra peace of mind and to future-proof your installation, then you can’t go wrong with a pure sine wave inverter. It will work just fine even in situations where you don’t really need one.
However, most electronic devices run just fine on a modified sine wave. For example, laptop computers, cell phone chargers, and all other equipment that uses a rectifier or AC/DC adapter to take an AC input and output DC to the device will typically work just fine without a pure sine wave inverter.
Of course, with a lot of those devices, you can just cut out the middleman and use a DC to DC converter that steps the 12V DC from your truck’s electrical system either up or down without first converting it to AC before converting it back to DC. This is the more efficient route to go, so it might be worth looking into if a 12V adapter is available for any of your electronic devices.
If you enjoy camping, having a pure sine wave inverter for your camper is quite useful so you can run your electronics while you are in the wild. Modified sine wave inverters can be found at a great price, but there is always the potential for damage to your electronic devices — which makes it necessary to learn as much as possible before you make your purchase.
There are only two types of electronics that you need to be concerned about when using a modified sine wave inverter: appliances that use AC motors and certain classes of delicate medical equipment.
If your electronics don’t fall into either of those two categories, then it's extremely unlikely that a modified sine wave inverter will do any damage. While a pure sine wave inverter is safe for use with a wider range of devices, the greater cost associated with pure sine wave inverters isn't always worth it.
How Modified Sine Wave Inverters and Pure Sine Wave Inverters Work
Both pure and modified sine wave inverters take 12V DC from a battery and turn it into something that approximates the AC power normally available from the wall outlets in your home or business. AC stands for alternating current, which refers to the fact that AC power periodically changes direction. This can be visualized as a sine wave that gently rises and falls and swaps polarity instantly when it hits zero volts.
In pure sine wave inverters, the AC power produced by the inverter very closely matches an actual sine wave. In modified sine wave inverters, the polarity abruptly switches from positive to negative. The simplest inverters produce a square wave, where the polarity is flipped back and forth, while other modified sine wave inverters create a series of steps that more closely approximate an actual sine wave.
Since producing a modified sine wave is a much simpler process than creating a pure sine wave, modified sine wave inverters are typically much less expensive. The trade-off is that some electronics just don't work correctly or may even be damaged if they aren't powered by a pure sine wave.
Devices That Might Be Damaged By a Modified Sine Wave Inverter
While you’re probably fine using an inexpensively modified sine wave inverter in your camper, there are a few different things that you don’t want to run off a modified sine wave. Anything that uses an AC motor isn’t going to work to full capacity on a modified sine wave. Appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and compressors that use AC motors won’t run as efficiently on a modified sine wave as they would on a pure sine wave.
In some cases, running an AC motor on a modified sine wave may lead to a buildup of excess waste heat that could damage the equipment. You’re probably OK to use these devices with a modified sine wave inverter, but you do so at your own risk.
The other main thing to be concerned about with modified sine wave inverters is delicate medical equipment. For instance, if you use a CPAP to help correct apneas when you’re asleep, you’re going to be better off with a pure sine wave inverter. Some CPAP manufacturers warn that you can damage your machine with a modified sine wave inverter, and others specify that the CPAP will work but the humidifier unit could be damaged.
Other types of medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, also need a pure sine wave. In these types of cases, you’re better off using pure sine wave power or looking for a unit that can be powered by DC without the need for an inverter at all if it's available.
Some devices suffer from unwanted interference from a modified sine wave inverter. You can power the radio with a modified sine wave inverter, but it may pick up interference from the modified sine wave, which could make it difficult to listen to.
iForway portable power inverter will help you to find the best one.
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