Going for a weekend adventure out of the city can be an exciting experience, as spending time out of the urban jungle is one of the best ways to unwind. However, as much as we hate to admit, we’re still pretty much constantly hooked onto our electronic devices, which most of us still carry with us no matter where we go. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t rely on their phone, TV or laptop for entertainment, it’s hard to argue that Netflix before bed isn’t one of the best ways to fall asleep. But in order to enjoy your electronic devices while you’re out on the road or in the wilderness, you need a reliable AC power source. And this is where power inverters come into play.
A power inverter is a device that allows AC-powered devices to run off a battery or any other DC source. There are two basic types of inverters – modified and pure sine wave inverters. The main difference between the two is how the current changes direction and how long it stays level for. While a pure sine wave inverter follows a smooth flowing rhythm, a modified sine wave power inverter utilises filters to round the corners of a square wave.
A modified sine wave power inverter is significantly cheaper than its pure sine wave counterpart, as it’s created using a more simple technology. That being said, modified sine wave inverters aren’t fit for all types of electronics, sensitive ones especially. This is because a modified sine wave inverter shifts direction abruptly, and sensitive devices can’t handle the surge and drop of current. But on the bright side, modified sine wave inverters use DC power much more efficiently than pure sine wave inverters, meaning your vehicle’s battery will last longer.
Pure sine wave power inverters are much more expensive, but you get the peace of mind knowing that your electronics are safe and sound. This is especially important nowadays, as most devices are becoming more complex, and even the seemingly simple ones feature sensitive microprocessors. Pure sine wave inverters provide an output that’s identical to the power output of household power outlets, meaning that if you can plug the device on the wall at home, you can plug it into a pure sine wave power inverter. However, expect a pure sine wave inverter to drain your vehicle’s battery much faster.
