Forum Discussion
Rich_D_
Jul 03, 2013Explorer
harold1946 wrote:Rich D. wrote:harold1946 wrote:2oldman wrote:ScottG wrote:Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.
There is no proof that MSW does any harm to a compressor motor, only those that say it could, may, possibly, or some other form of conjecture.
This is our 14th year with a residential using MSW, and the second MH with the same set up. Previous coach was sold four years ago and the new owners are still using the same 14 year old Amana.
Seems to me it would be poor economics to purchase an inverter when one already exists.
It is not conjecture but fact that MSW inverters cause motors to draw more current, start harder, and have a shortened lifespan. There is much research on line posted by testing labs for "off the grid" equipment.
Remember that all MSW inverters are not created equally. Some have more "steps" to smooth out the square wave than others and those will not be as bad as the ones with fewer steps.
I would like to read some of the test results you refer to, but have not been able to locate any. Everything I find says refrigerator compressors suffer little or no adverse affects from MSW inverters.
Here is just one of thousands.
"The modified sine wave has detrimental effects on
many electrical loads. It reduces the energy efficiency
of motors and transformers by 10 to 20 percent. The
wasted energy causes abnormal heat which reduces
the reliability and longevity of motors and transformers
and other devices, including some appliances and
computers. The choppy waveform confuses some
digital timing devices.
About 5 percent of household appliances simply won’t
work on modified sine wave power at all. A buzz will be
heard from the speakers of nearly every audio device.
An annoying buzz will also be emitted by some
fluorescent lights, ceiling fans, and transformers. Some
microwave ovens buzz or produce less heat. TVs and
computers often show rolling lines on the screen. Surge
protectors may overheat and should not be used."
The full article.
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