please explain an inverter to me
What does it do, and when do I need to use it? Sorry if this question is so elementary, but I just have a hard time with electrical stuff.
Forum Discussion
late bloomer wrote:
So if I am plugged in to shore power or running the generator, I don't need to turn it on? Just if I am using battery power only?
That depends on the inverter.. For this discussion I'll split them into two (And later two more)
Stand alone inverters, these take 12 volts and make 120 volts AC, that is all.
In-line units take 120vac in and if there is some, make 12 volts to charge the battery, then pass the rest on to the loads.. Think UPS, because they work just like a UPS going into "Standby" if there is shore or generator power present.
On this type you leave it on, all the time, then if shore power fails, the TV, Radio, Computers, and such do not even blink. The inverter acts like a big I MEAN BIG ups switching automatically to battery power.. (I should know)
I promised a 2nd split as well
Msw/Tsw (Modified/True Sine wave)
True Sine Wave, also called Pure Sine wave, in fact ALL inverters have a list of things that will not work with them:
Any device needing more power than they produce.
That is the list which is common to all.
In addition MSW (Modified Sine Wave or Modified Square Wave)
have a long list of things that MIGHT or might not work with them
Radios, Epically AM
Televisions (They are after all radios)
Sat receivers (likewise)
Audio amplifiers
Clocks, timers and such
Electric Blankets
Coffee Pots (With electronic controls)
microwaves
Night LIghts (LED type, Incandascant work fine)
And more.. the list is very long.
True True/Pure sine is a bit more expensive but I have a very senistive AM radio in this coach (Kenwood TS-2000) and it can not tell what mode the Prosine is in, Standby, Inverter or OFF. It knows when I plug in a MSW inverter though.
Heck, it knows if Daryl turns on HIS MSW inverters (A different RV).
