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pasusan's avatar
pasusan
Explorer
Oct 06, 2021

Which inverter?

In our Roadtrek (Class B) we have an inverter that is used just to run the TV and the DVD player. We think it wrecked the TV. When I put our electrical checker on it there were just 101 volts and there was another message about open neutral.

We're looking to replace it with a new inverter - we know nothing about them and I do remember reading here about pure sine wave or something. :@

So - what size do we need for just those 2 items - how many watts - and should it be a pure sine wave one?

6 Replies

  • If the inverter produces a modified sine wave (MSW), you need a high quality volt meter that will measure TRUE RMS voltage. A run of the mill volt meter will always read MSW voltage as "low voltage"

    I always use PSW (Pure Sine Wave) inverters in my recent RVs.
  • Thanks for the input guys! Will look into a new one 300 - 500 watts...
  • 101 volts is probably due to MSW and is normal. Open neutral is also normal and will not hurt a thing. Most tvs have a brick to supply lower DC to the tv. Have seen some things run hot on MSW although for this it should not be an issue. Signal interference might be a bigger trouble but maybe not with digital signals today.

    Anyway I recommend a 200 or 400 watt Go Power sine wave inverter.

    https://gpelectric.com/products/400-watt-industrial-pure-sine-wave-inverter/
  • You DEFINITELY. Want a pure sine wave inverter. They cost a bit more, but are worth it. Lots of brands too choose from.

    If all you are going to use it for is the DVD and the TV and maybe a laptop charger, 300W - 500W is plenty.
  • Pure sine wave is the safest route and I’d suggest a 300 watt inverter for a TV and DVD if you don’t want look up their individual power needs.

    This one has worked well for me for over a year — BESTEK 300Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter DC 12V to AC 110V with 4.2A Dual…Amazon $50.

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