WHAT IS AN INVERTER?
AN INVERTER TAKES 12-VOLT DC POWER FROM YOUR RV BATTERIES OR SOLAR SYSTEM AND CONVERTS IT TO 120-VOLT AC TO POWER YOUR STANDARD APPLIANCES.
POWER INVERTERS
While your RV batteries generally provide 12 volt DC power, many of the appliances you run in your RV require 120 volts AC (like in your home). Do you find your outlets don’t work when plugged into shore power? That’s where an inverter comes in. Making this conversion is the primary role of your RV power inverter.
There are several things to consider when choosing your RV power inverter. First, while most older inverters use ‘modified sine wave’ technology (to recreate the AC power profile in your home), many appliances and sensitive electronics run better on the power produced by newer, ‘pure sine wave’ inverters. While more expensive, pure sine inverters provide more assurance that all your current and future devices will run optimally.
We recommend choosing an inverter from a company with a proven track record and reliable customer support. Your inverter should have a full range of safety certifications (such as CSA and UL) to ensure safe operation within your RV.
More elaborate converters also give you the capability to charge your batteries when you’re plugged into shore power or running a generator. Some even allow you to ‘pass through’ AC current directly to your appliances when you’re plugged into shore power, or to draw shore power and battery power at the same time.
MODIFIED SINE WAVE VERSUS PURE SINE WAVE INVERTERS
Modified sine wave inverters are older technology and generally less expensive. They can be used for many standard appliances but may cause trouble with delicate electronics or audio equipment. Some equipment may work but run hotter than normal.
Pure sine wave inverters are a bigger investment, but much more versatile. Equipment such as LED televisions, laptops, battery chargers and some fluorescent lights may encounter difficulties may not function unless a pure sine inverter is installed. Learn more about Go Power! pure sine inverters here.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHAT SIZE OF INVERTER TO USE
To determine the size of inverter you may need, it is important to understand how solar works. Inverters, in particular, are rated in watts, and almost all electrical appliances have a corresponding rating. Use our Inverter Calculator Tool to help choose the right Go Power! Inverter for you, or check out the examples below.
WATTAGE USED BY MOBILE APPLIANCES & TOOLS
Operating wattage may not be exact for all applications. Please review individual product specification for actual wattage requirements. Wattage rating can be calculated by Volts (120) x Amps.
