What is an inverter?

What is an inverter?

An inverter converts the DC voltage to an AC voltage. In most cases, the input DC voltage is usually lower while the output AC is equal to the grid supply voltage of either 120 volts, or 240 Volts depending on the country.

Modified Sine Wave versus Pure Sine Wave Inverters

The Modified Sine Wave inverter is an older technology and more cost-effective. They can be used in many standard electrical appliances, such as mobile phones, laptops, computers, cameras, outdoor mattress air pumps, etc. But it is not suitable for high-power electrical appliances, such as high-power motors, microwave ovens, air conditioners, etc.
The output waveform of a Pure Sine Wave inverter is the same as that of the grid. This means that it has a wider range of applications. The high-power pure sine wave inverter can run almost any electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, bread makers, electric drills, angle grinders, coffee machines, etc.


How To Determine What Size of Inverter to Use

Inverters are rated in watts, and almost all electrical appliances have a corresponding rating. Use our Inverter Calculator Tool to help choose the right Go Power! Inverter for you.  or check out the examples below:

Wattage Used by Mobile Appliances & Tools

Operating wattage may not be exact for all applications. Please review individual product specification for actual wattage requirements. Wattage rating can be calculated by Volts (120) x Amps.

Appliances and Electronics

= Ideal with Pure Sine Inverters

Appliance Watts
Cell phone 50
Ceiling fan 75 – 120
Coffee maker 800 – 1200
DVD player 35 – 100
Gaming console (X-Box) 100
Hair dryer 900 – 1600
Iron 1000
Light bulb (incandescent) 100
Light bulb (fluorescent) 25
Microwave oven 1500 – 2000
Mini Christmas lights (50) 25 – 75
Computer + monitor 125
Laptop 25 – 150
Laser printer / fax (printing) 850 – 1300
Satellite receiver 10 – 25
Stereo 250
Tablet (iPad) 100
TV (Flatscreen) 65
TV (25″) 300
Toaster 800 – 1500
Toaster oven 1500
Toaster oven (convection) 3000 +
Vacuum cleaner 1225 – 1500

Common and Commercial Tools

 = Ideal with Modified Sine Wave inverters

Appliance Watts
1/4″ drill 250
1/2″ drill 750
8″ circular saw 1800
Air compressor 2000-3000
Bucket heater 1500
Charger – Battery powered tools 240 – 500
Credit card machine 100
Electric chain saw (14″, 2 hp) 1100-3000
Engine block heater 750
Fiber optic splicer 1000
Grinder (4 1/2″) 800-1500
Halogen flood lamp 500-750
Hammer drill 1100-1600
Heat gun 600-1500
High-pressure washer (1hp) 1200-3600
Knife cutter 1100
Reciprocating saw 1500-1800
Sewer camera, lights + crawler 500
Shop Vac (5 hp) 1000
Space heater 1500
Sump pump (1/2 hp) 1100-2200
Table saw 1800
Thumper (electrical fault locator) 1800-2500