Question on Inverters
- Thread starter JoeD
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generally not a problem
Joe
It in applications you mention, using a MSW inverter isn't a problem but you might want to read the following from theXantrex web site regarding choosing an inverter:
"In general, any device that senses either voltage peaks or zero crossings could have problems when running from MSW. Devices such as these should be run from TSW inverters. Ham radio and CB radio operators may notice RF noise from MSW inverters; in that case do not run the radio and the inverter at the same time. Electronics that modulate RF (radio frequency) signals on the AC line will not work and may be damaged. You may notice hum or buzz in the audio of TV’s, radios and satellite systems used with MSW inverters. Audiophiles or professionals using sophisticated audio, remote measurement, surveillance or telemetry equipment should use TSW.
Examples of problem devices are motor speed controllers employing triacs, and some small battery rechargers that do not incorporate a transformer between the utility power and the load. To help you visualize this, if there isn’t a ‘wall wart’ between the battery charger (or the battery in the device) and the AC plug, don’t use MSW.
Please note two other common problem loads, electric shavers and emergency flashlights. Both of these items have batteries in them but connect directly into the wall to charge, without an external transformer. Don’t use items like these with an MSW inverter. If you do use an MSW inverter with a transformer-less charger, your product will likely be damaged. Garage door openers, laser printers and large strobes used in photography have all been reported as trouble loads for MSW inverters; they either don’t work at all or stop working entirely, so don’t take a chance – use TSW.
As a general rule, products operating through an AC adapter will work fine from an MSW inverter. These include laptops and cell phone chargers, video games, camcorder and digital camera chargers. Televisions generally work well; some VCR’s with inexpensive power supplies run poorly. Consider switching to another brand of VCR in that case. A potential solution for RV’ers or off-grid cottagers is to purchase our smallest TSW inverter (such as the RS400) to run TV, VCR and audio equipment, and a larger MSW inverter (such as the XPower 1750 Plus) for the coffee maker, hair dryer and microwave."
Joe
It in applications you mention, using a MSW inverter isn't a problem but you might want to read the following from theXantrex web site regarding choosing an inverter:
"In general, any device that senses either voltage peaks or zero crossings could have problems when running from MSW. Devices such as these should be run from TSW inverters. Ham radio and CB radio operators may notice RF noise from MSW inverters; in that case do not run the radio and the inverter at the same time. Electronics that modulate RF (radio frequency) signals on the AC line will not work and may be damaged. You may notice hum or buzz in the audio of TV’s, radios and satellite systems used with MSW inverters. Audiophiles or professionals using sophisticated audio, remote measurement, surveillance or telemetry equipment should use TSW.
Examples of problem devices are motor speed controllers employing triacs, and some small battery rechargers that do not incorporate a transformer between the utility power and the load. To help you visualize this, if there isn’t a ‘wall wart’ between the battery charger (or the battery in the device) and the AC plug, don’t use MSW.
Please note two other common problem loads, electric shavers and emergency flashlights. Both of these items have batteries in them but connect directly into the wall to charge, without an external transformer. Don’t use items like these with an MSW inverter. If you do use an MSW inverter with a transformer-less charger, your product will likely be damaged. Garage door openers, laser printers and large strobes used in photography have all been reported as trouble loads for MSW inverters; they either don’t work at all or stop working entirely, so don’t take a chance – use TSW.
As a general rule, products operating through an AC adapter will work fine from an MSW inverter. These include laptops and cell phone chargers, video games, camcorder and digital camera chargers. Televisions generally work well; some VCR’s with inexpensive power supplies run poorly. Consider switching to another brand of VCR in that case. A potential solution for RV’ers or off-grid cottagers is to purchase our smallest TSW inverter (such as the RS400) to run TV, VCR and audio equipment, and a larger MSW inverter (such as the XPower 1750 Plus) for the coffee maker, hair dryer and microwave."
Cautions
Heeding the disclaimers Don posted is a smart idea. Having said that, I have run everything from a MSWI for ten years without failure or protest (Heart 2500) as have friends with power boats who have just about anything you'd have around a house including desktop computers, printers and faxes running off Hearts when their gensets are (happily) off.
Heeding the disclaimers Don posted is a smart idea. Having said that, I have run everything from a MSWI for ten years without failure or protest (Heart 2500) as have friends with power boats who have just about anything you'd have around a house including desktop computers, printers and faxes running off Hearts when their gensets are (happily) off.
Ive only used the cheap hardware store inverters (modified sin wave) but had some fairly heavy use of these for a few years in an off grid mountain cabin. This was with a variety of electronics. Never had any issue - except..
I would buy $100 dollar TV sets and you could not use the ch 3/4 modulator input on the TV because of radiated noise from the inverter. Something in the TV's would also burn out after a while (probably the power supply) and Im fairly sure the TV's would burn out faster than if they were used on the grid with a proper AC waveform.
I would buy $100 dollar TV sets and you could not use the ch 3/4 modulator input on the TV because of radiated noise from the inverter. Something in the TV's would also burn out after a while (probably the power supply) and Im fairly sure the TV's would burn out faster than if they were used on the grid with a proper AC waveform.
I have the modified sine wave inverter
but..., it is a non-issue for me since my TVs are 12 volt. But the other electronic appliances that I have used it for are fine. But then, for the lap top, I use an inverter that is an inverter that I got from the computer shop made for the computer to use in a car or airplane, so I just use that for the laptop instead of the big modified sine unit that I have.
but..., it is a non-issue for me since my TVs are 12 volt. But the other electronic appliances that I have used it for are fine. But then, for the lap top, I use an inverter that is an inverter that I got from the computer shop made for the computer to use in a car or airplane, so I just use that for the laptop instead of the big modified sine unit that I have.
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