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pianotuna's avatar
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 30, 2013

go power and samlex inverters

Hi,

Edit: Some one has suggested I'm trying to bash a particular make. Far from it--I'm trying to get valid information to help me make a decision. It will cost over $1000.00 for what I hope to own, and for me that is a lot of money.

I'm starting to get serious about a replacement for my MSW inverter. I was asking about how long the surge value could be supported and whether they provide parts service, post warranty.

Here is the reply to an inquiry about Go Power inverters:

"Hello Don,

Our inverters cannot be stacked together. Most surges will last only half a second when the desired appliance is started to run off the inverter. We do not have a licensed repair shop if our inverter was to have an issue past warranty. It would be up to the customer to source a reliable electrical repair shop to fix the inverter. We do not sell any spare parts for repairs.

Any further questions please don't hesitate to let me know."


This more or less removes Go Power from my considerations.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2013
    MrWizard wrote:
    Trip lite makes some pure sine wave inverters
    They are big heavy and have transformers,. Just like the MSW versions
    The also have surge ratings in SECONDS not micro SECONDS
    IIRC my pv 1250 will carry 2500 watts for 10 seconds
    1875 watts for 60 minutes


    X2

    Tripplite, a well known NAME in the inverter business but yet a real undervalued builder. The problem is they cost more than $29 and folks tend to migrate to the PRICE rather than buying something made by a long term maker. Tripplite WILL be around when the cheapo imported brands have disappeared in a year or so.

    Tripplite MSW inverters are far better than any cheapo Chinese imported PSW but you simply can not get folks to understand that. I would bet that Tripplites PSWs would be a real fine choice although will cost considerably more than the cheapo Chinese PSWs.

    Quality is king and COSTS more to manufacture due to better engineering and even higher internal parts count.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2013
    I don't think it's cost-effective these days to repair one.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Dec 30, 2013
    Trip lite makes some pure sine wave inverters
    They are big heavy and have transformers,. Just like the MSW versions
    The also have surge ratings in SECONDS not micro SECONDS
    IIRC my pv 1250 will carry 2500 watts for 10 seconds
    1875 watts for 60 minutes
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2013
    Sometimes it depends on the inverter size and cost.... Now MSW inverters up to around 1,000 watts, last time I priced them (NOTE these are stand alone not inverter/converters with power pass through) cost less than one hour of technician's time to fix them... SO.. Repair involves a trash can.

    TRUE SINE WAVE inverters of similar size are worth the repair but if you get a smaller one (Say 300-600 watts) it very quickly gets iffy.

    SO bear in mind that anything electronic less than 150 dollars is very likely not worth repairing.
  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    Standalone inverters all seem to suck wrt after warranty repair. It seems all the good stuff goes to the inverter/chargers. Mastervolt makes some standalone PSW inverters. Biggest 12V is 1800VA (2000VA for 30 sec) with a 4000VA surge. In order to get a larger capacity unit, you have to get the 24V version (2000VA, 5000VA surge). Might be worth looking into.

    EDIT: Why won't you consider an inverter/charger and just simply not use the transfer switch? You could even disable the charger and use it as a backup when you need it. If I were going that route I wouldn't use the built in TS anyways because none of them can pass 50A shore power (except the Victron 5kVA unit I think) and I would want it hooked up whole house anyways.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2013
    I don't know who makes their inverters, but they get their converters from PowerMax now instead of Iota like they used to.

    You would need to find a company that makes their own that would be able to repair them. Usually not economical--toss and replace with a new one is cheaper. They don't cost much these days anyway.

    Just wait for the next CanTire flyer to see which of their line-up is up for rotation to be on sale each week until the one you want is. (most are Xantrex built) I think the 3000w MSW is on sale now.

    http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-3000w-power-outlet-and-inverter-0111846p.html

    What's wrong with the Cobra? My five year old Vector 2000w is still going strong. Easy to replace at today's prices if it ever breaks.

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