Using a modified sine wave inverter on a Frigidaire?

2oldman wrote:
If MSW works for you, great. A good PSW is much less risk. Not zero, less. I think it's only fair to people reading this that they're aware of that.

In all fairness I would have to agree with that.
When I installed my first residential some 14 years ago, I contacted several manufacturers requesting advise, and all stated they had never done any testing with any type of inverters and were not aware of any being done.
That was the reason I asked about testing lab reports. One can find articles supporting or denying anything the want on the internet.
I have an air guitar I will sell for $100. complete with a certificate of authenticity and a lifetime gurantee. Any takers?

If MSW works for you, great. A good PSW is much less risk. Not zero, less. I think it's only fair to people reading this that they're aware of that.

I thought you said you had information from testing labs.

harold1946 wrote:

Rich D. wrote:

harold1946 wrote:

2oldman wrote:

ScottG wrote:
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.

Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.

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.

Rich D. wrote:

harold1946 wrote:

2oldman wrote:

ScottG wrote:
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.

Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.

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.

harold1946 wrote:

2oldman wrote:

ScottG wrote:
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.

Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.

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 put the same fridge in my previous coach, 18 cu.ft. Frigidaire from Lowes. I called Frigidaire (Electrolux) tech support and was told they recommended pure sine wave to ensure longer component life.

Would it have really made a difference? Not sure. However, considering what I paid for the Norcold to residential swap, I decided not to take the risk. I replaced my old MSW inverter with a Magnum Energy PSW unit.

I will say I immediately noticed that the fridge ran quieter when I made the switch.

2oldman wrote:

ScottG wrote:
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.

Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.

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.

ScottG wrote:
It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.

Seems strange economics to save a few bucks on an inverter and put who-knows-what at risk. But that's just me.

In general, motors don't like MSW and run hotter. Whether or not this shortens the life of a particular fridge is mostly unknown. It's going to be better if you have a PSW inverter though and some are getting pretty cheap these days.