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Here are a few pointers about which kind of inverter to use:
In general, any device that senses either voltage peaks or zero crossings could have problems when running from Modified Sine Wave. Devices such as these should be run from True Sine Wave inverters. Ham radio and CB radio operators may notice RF noise from Modified Sine Wave inverters; in that case do not run the radio and the inverter at the same time. Electronics that modulate RF (radio frequency) signals on the AC line will not work and may be damaged. You may notice hum or buzz in the audio of TV’s, radios and satellite systems used with Modified Sine Wave inverters. Audiophiles or professionals using sophisticated audio, remote measurement, surveillance or telemetry equipment should use True Sine Wave.
Motor Speed Controllers. Examples of problem devices are motor speed controllers employing triacs, and some small battery rechargers that do not incorporate a transformer between the utility power and the load. To help you visualize this, if there isn’t a ‘wall wart’ between the battery charger (or the battery in the device) and the AC plug, don’t use Modified Sine Wave.
Products with a transormer-less Charger {Electric Shavers, Garage Dooer Openers, Emergency Flashlights}. Please note two other common problem loads, electric shavers and emergency flashlights. Both of these items have batteries in them but connect directly into the wall to charge, without an external transformer. Don’t use items like these with an Modified Sine Wave inverter. If you do use an Modifeid Sine Wave inverter with a transformer-less charger, your product will likely be damaged. Garage door openers, laser printers and large strobes used in photography have all been reported as trouble loads for Modified Sine Wave inverters; they either don’t work at all or stop working entirely, so don’t take a chance–use True Sine Wave.
Products with an AC Adapter and Electronics. As a general rule, products operating through an AC adapter will work fine from an Modiifed Sine Wave inverter. These include laptops and cell phone chargers, video games, camcorder and digital camera chargers. Televisions generally work well; some VCR’s with inexpensive power supplies run poorly. Consider switching to another brand of VCR in that case. A potential solution for RV’ers or off-grid cottagers is to purchase our smallest TSW inverter (such as the RS400) to run TV, VCR and audio equipment, and a larger MSW inverter (such as the XPower 1750 Plus) for the coffee maker, hair dryer and microwave.
Medical Equipment. Customers frequently ask us about the use of inverters for medical equipment. Unless specifically noted in the regulatory approvals for the product, assume that no inverter has regulatory approval for use with medical devices or life support equipment. If you use an inverter with a medical device it’s at your own risk.
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