ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Inverters Can Be Very Useful

    An inverter is a device that changes DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). Alternating current is the type of current you use for most household items and tools. You can hook the inverter to your car battery and then use tools, a normal stereo or any other 120 volt AC device wherever you can take your car. You can also use an inverter around the house instead of a backup generator.

    On the Other: Inverters Have Some Problems

    Inverters need a 12- or 24-volt source of electricity to function. If you are using an inverter for a household backup you need a bank of as many as eight deep well batteries if you want your larger appliances to work. Also, since power inverters come in various models which produce either a square wave, a modified square wave or a pure sine wave, you must be careful to buy the correct inverter for your needs.

    Bottom Line

    An inverter is a useful device to have around the house as a backup source of AC electricity. The smaller models that you can hook up to your car battery are great for camping or working with tools where there is no other source of electricity. While the square wave and modified square wave inverters are considerably cheaper than a pure sine wave model, be sure to get the pure sine wave model if you will be using it with delicate electronic equipment.

    Source:

    Nova Electric: Inverters FAQ

    More Information:

    DC Power Systems: Pure Sine Wave Inverter

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