Why is my inverter NOT a pure sine wave?

That's likely because the inverter is producing a rougher waveform, not a pure sine wave. Appliances like laptops, refrigerators, and microwave ovens are designed to function optimally on clean power. A pure sine wave inverter respects that design.

Should I buy a pure sine wave inverter?

Appliances like laptops, refrigerators, and microwave ovens are designed to function optimally on clean power. A pure sine wave inverter respects that design. Though a bit more expensive, it's like choosing a cab with working AC over a dusty auto in peak May heat.

What is a sine wave power inverter?

The pure sine wave mimics the electricity from the grid almost perfectly, making it ideal for delicate electronics. The regular power inverter (often a modified sine wave one) is simpler, cheaper, but less smooth in its delivery. To understand this, imagine drinking water from a tap versus a waterfall.

What does a sine wave inverter look like?

If you chart it out, it looks like a sine wave at first, but if you look closely, there are jagged stair steps in the waveform as the inverter crudely flips between polarities rather than the smooth wave seen above. Devices designed to run from an AC power source will all generally run on a modified sine wave.

What is a pure sine inverter?

Pure sine inverters are more sophisticated devices that can exactly replicate an AC sine wave from a DC power source. Because of their added complexity, they've historically cost a lot more than modified sine inverters. However, their cost has decreased dramatically, making it harder to choose which type is right for you.

What is a modified sine inverter?

The major advantage of modified sine inverters is that they are less expensive than pure sine models. Pure sine inverters are more sophisticated devices that can exactly replicate an AC sine wave from a DC power source. Because of their added complexity, they've historically cost a lot more than modified sine inverters.