Most electronic devices will work without a pure sine wave inverter, but there are some important things to consider before purchasing one. It is helpful to understand why the difference between a pure sine wave inverter and a modified sine wave inverter may be important.
The two main issues are efficiency and unwanted interference from extra harmonics in the corrected sine wave. A pure sine wave inverter is beneficial because it:
- Efficiently power devices that use direct alternating current (AC) input.
- Powers sensitive equipment such as radios that may be affected by modified sine wave interference.
Understanding these benefits can help you choose an inverter that suits your needs.
Some useful questions to ask yourself when determining whether you need a pure sine wave inverter include:
- Does the device or appliance use a motor?
- Is the device a precision medical device?
- Does the device or appliance use a rectifier?
- Can the device be powered via a DC adapter?
If you answered yes to either of the first two questions, you probably need a pure sine wave inverter. If you answered "yes" to either of the second questions, then no questions are ok.
Modified sine wave inverters are suitable for most situations, but may cause damage or be less efficient in some situations. Appliances that use AC motors, such as refrigerators, compressors, and microwave ovens, tend to run more efficiently using pure sine wave inverters. They can still operate with a modified sine wave, but this may result in inefficiencies, heat build-up, and potential damage.
If you use a CPAP machine, especially one with a heated humidifier, it's best to use a pure sine wave inverter to avoid damaging the device.
Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations, but most CPAP manufacturers recommend using a pure sine wave inverter.
If your electronics use a rectifier to convert AC to DC, you probably don't need a pure sine wave inverter. Don't get me wrong, it will still work fine on these devices. However, if you’re on a budget and want extra peace of mind or future-proof your setup, a pure sine wave inverter is a great option. It works well even when it's not needed.
However, most electronic devices operate well on modified sine waves. For example, laptops, cell phone chargers, and all other devices that use a rectifier or AC/DC adapter to deliver AC input and output DC to the device will usually work fine without a pure sine wave inverter.
With many of these devices, you can cut out the middleman and use a DC-DC converter to step up or step down the 12V DC in your truck's electrical system without having to convert it to AC and then back again DC. This is the more efficient route, so it might be worth looking into whether there are 12V adapters available for any of your devices.
