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 |