7
How Power Inverters Work.
There are two stages in which a power inverter changes the 12 volt DC (or
battery) power into 110V AC (household current).
STAGE 1:
The inverter uses a DC to DC converter to increase the DC input voltage from the power source
to 145 volts DC.
STAGE 2:
The inverter then converts the high voltage DC into 110V AC (household current), using
advanced MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) transistors in a full
bridge configuration. This design provides all our inverters with the capability to start and run
difficult reactive loads, while providing excellent overload capability The waveform that is
generated by this conversion is a "modified sine wave" as shown in the diagram below.
The modified sine wave produced by our inverters has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of
110 volts. The majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage and assume that the
measured waveform will be a pure sine wave.
Consequently, these meters will not read the RMS modified sine wave voltage correctly and,
when measuring the inverter output, the meters will read about 20 to 30 volts too low. To
accurately measure of the output voltage of the inverter, use a true RMS reading voltmeter
such as a Fluke 87 Fluke 8060A Beckman 4410, Triplet 4200 or any multimeter identified as
"True RMS"
In Review.
z Never attempt to operate the inverter from any power source other than a 12-volt DC volt
battery.
z Always disconnect the inverter when not in use.
z Always make certain the power cable terminal connections run Negative (-) to Negative (-)
and Positive (+) to Positive (+). Check these connections frequently to make sure they are
remain secure. Use the heaviest gauge wire available to connect the inverter to the power
source
.
z While connecting the inverter to the power source, make certain that the inverter is
positioned far away from any potential source of flammable fumes or gases,
z Always ground the inverter before operating it.
z Make certain the power consumption of the appliance or equipment you wish to operate is
compatible with the capacity of the inverter. Do not exceed 3000 watts.
z When attempting to operate battery chargers, monitor the temperature of the battery
charger for approximately 10 minutes. If the battery charger becomes abnormally warm,
disconnect it from the inverter immediately.
