The extra-thick (2-mm) PCB will enhance the unit's load capacity. The LED screen displays both DC and AC voltage. The reverse connection protection switch will be able to protect power supplies and electric circuits if a reverse voltage is applied at the terminal.
The provided cables are short.
The WZRELB RBP300012B1 will be able to power even sizable refrigerators and washing machines. You can bring this little power plant with you on a camping trip and enjoy the great outdoors without giving up the conveniences of modern civilization.
Input: 12V DC
Output: 120 VAC
Continuous power: 3000 W
Surge power: 6000 W
60 Hz
2 x cooling fans
High voltage input cut-off protection, Low voltage alarm protection, Overload protection, Overcurrent protection, Surge power protection, Reverse connection protection, Short-circuit protection (fuse)
4 x cables with cable lug terminals, manual
1 year
The unit decreases the rush current, reducing interference. The high-strength aluminum construction will not mind an occasional drop/bump, protecting the internal components from impact. The same construction aids heat dissipation, lowering the temperature inside the unit.
The fan is pretty loud.
Off-grid vacations, camping trips, emergency kits, there are multiple scenarios and/or applications that can benefit from the Giandel Power Inverter. With this unit, you can power laptops, linear adaptors, motors, freezers, fans, CPAPs, medical devices, and more.
Input: 12V (9.8-16 VDC)
Output: 110-125 VAC
Continuous power: 1200 W
Surge power: 2400 W
60 Hz
Intelligent cooling fan
Overvoltage, Low voltage, Overload, Short-circuit, Overheat, Polarity reverse protection (fuse), Soft start tech, Auto-restart function
2 x battery cables, remote controller with a 15-feet cable, 8 x shockproof pads
18 months
The ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection prevents electrical shock hazards. The integrated USB port will let you charge USB-enabled devices without an adapter. The overload protection mechanism covers both the DC input and AC output.
Direct wire hookup has a cover that involves disassembling a large portion of the unit.
The Renogy RNG-INVT-1000-12V-P2 is aimed at off-grid systems dependant upon a 12-volt connection. These include cabins and tiny homes. Delivering a high-quality waveform, the model reduces harmonic distortion, protecting even the most sophisticated electronics.
Input: 12V
Output: 115 VAC
Continuous power: 1000 W
Surge power: 2000 W
60 Hz
2 x high-speed ventilation fans
Overload protection, Under-voltage and overvoltage protection, Over-temperature protection, Overload protection, Short-circuit indication, GFCI protection, ETL-listed
4 x AWG inverter cables (3 feet), wired remote control (16.4 feet)
1 year materials and workmanship
The model's idle power draw is reduced, minimizing its continuous energy consumption. The low-interference circuitry lets you work with audio and video equipment without disrupting the reception. Measuring 9.7 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches, the unit is more compact than most inverters.
The area for hardwire is a little tight.
The Samlex PST-300-12 is an excellent emergency back-up power source. The model can handle long continuous operation periods without hiccups. Setting aside the universal protection circuit, the unit also features dual GFCI-protected AC outlets, preventing electrical shock hazards.
Input: 10.5-16.5 VDC
Output: 120 VAC
Continuous power: 300 W
Surge power: 500 W
60 Hz
High-efficiency, temperature-controlled cooling fan
Universal protection circuit: Low voltage, Overvoltage, Over-temperature, Overload, Short-circuit, Dual GFCI-protected AC outlets, Safety certified to UL standards, FCC compliant
4 AWG cables, wired remote (19 feet)
3 years limited
The instructions are vague.
The Y&H Grid Tie Inverter works not just with 12-volt solar panels but also with 24-volt battery banks. Using the MPPT technology, the unit makes its continuous use more than 99% efficient and its peak conversion ~80% efficient.
Input: 11-32 VDC
Output: 90-140 VAC
Continuous power: 600 W
Surge power: 650 W
48 Hz ~ 62 Hz
Intelligent cooling fan management
Islanding, Short-circuit, Converse connection, Low voltage, Overvoltage, Over-temperature protection
Power cord, manual
1 year
3000 Watts of Continuous Power
The WZRELB RBP300012B1 packs a massive punch. Whereas most pure sine wave inverters are usually capping at ~1000 watts of continuous power and ~2000 watts of surge power, this one offers 3000 and 6000 watts respectively. As you can imagine, with an output like that, this unit easily powers most machines, from washing machines and vacuum cleaners to printers, photocopiers, sewing machines, and more. The model can be used both indoors and outdoors. In fact, people with RVs and trailers will benefit from this device the most, using the unit as a portable power plant that they can bring with them on a camping trip somewhere, powering multiple devices. That said, when natural disasters strike, this reliable model will prove useful not just for RVs but also at home. What makes the unit so reliable though?
Well, first things first, the high-quality MOSFETs and true copper inductance combination contributes quite a bit, optimizing machine performance and keeping the output stable. Second, the device is EMC-approved, meaning that electromagnetic interference coming from TVs, radio, different audio systems, and more will not be able to disrupt its operation. What's more, the printed circuit board (PCB) on this unit is extra-thick, measuring 2.0 millimeters. With this board, the inverter's load capacity is enhanced.
Even Reverse Connection Protection
Where an average individual is concerned, pure sine wave inverters can seem somewhat complicated. Not this one though. With this one, monitoring the power usage will be pretty easy, with an LED screen displaying both DC volt and AC volt. There's an LED power indicator above the screen, letting you know that the system is working as intended. As always, to the right, the unit houses an On/Off switch, two AC sockets, and a terminal block. On the opposite side, you will find a grounding lug, cooling fan, positive terminal, negative terminal, and a second cooling fan.
Considering the model's high-end disposition, certain protection mechanisms come without saying. Low-voltage protection, over-voltage input protection, overload protection, over-thermal protection, overcurrent protection, nothing surprising about these. There's, however, something surprising about the reverse connection protection, protecting power supplies and/or electric circuits when a reverse voltage is applied at the input or output terminal.
Bottom line, those who need the most powerful backup power supply source for an off-grid system or emergency like a power failure will not regret choosing the WZRELB RBP300012B1.
| Last updated price | $317.71 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0792LW2H7 |
High-Strength Aluminum
As impressive as the previous unit is, the scenarios in which you'll need something quite as powerful are limited. This inverter from Giandel, on the other hand, will prove much more suitable for everyday people. With its 1200-watt wave output power and 2400-watt peak power, the model will provide just enough juice to power most machines and appliances, from fridges and freezers to laptops, CPAPs, air compressors, different medical devices, and more. But the best part about this unit is its construction.
Made from high-strength aluminum, the inverter is a lot more durable than its peers with plastic cases, so a slight drop/impact won't affect the internal parts. To add more, the aluminum housing improves the unit's heat dissipation, preventing the same parts from overheating. Despite using aluminum, the model is about as lightweight as plastic pure sine wave inverters, not even reaching 6 pounds. Size-wise, the unit is also pretty orthodox, measuring ~ 11.2 x 5.5 x 3 inches. Needless to say, with these parameters, you should face no serious transportation challenges.
You might face some challenges with the fan though. On the one hand, the intelligent cooling fan is great, starting automatically when the internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or when the load approaches 40% of the rated power. In spite of this intelligence though, the fan is quite loud, which is not necessarily the biggest problem but something that we would like to see addressed with the next model nonetheless.
15-Feet Remote Control
Aside from using high-strength aluminum, this pure sine wave unit incorporates pure copper wires. Unlike conventional wires, these ones reduce energy consumption as well as generate less heat, increasing the model's efficiency. Plus, the wires are fixed with nuts, so they're more secure.
Still, what we like the most about this product is that it comes with remote control. Using a 15-feet cable, the remote lets you control the unit from a fairly sizable distance. Plus, the remote comes equipped with a protection indicator lamp, so you can figure out the status without looking at the screen. Speaking of, the LCD screen displays input voltage and output power cyclically. Besides that, when protection's activated, the screen also displays the respective protection indication.
Long story short, this pure sine wave inverter from Giandel is a must-have for camping trips, off-grid vacations, emergency kits, and more.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $199.96 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07G36Z2TH |
Covering Most Off-Grid Systems
The Renogy RNG-INVT-1000-12V-P2 is a high-quality solar unit that covers most off-grid systems with relative ease, including cabins and tiny homes. With this one, the continuous wave output power reaches 1000 watts, and the peak power doubles that, offering 2000 watts. That being said, you can also go small, sticking with 700/1400 watts or go big, choosing between 2000- and 3000-watt models that can provide a peak power of 4000 and 6000 watts respectively. While there's a considerable output difference, every one of these models delivers a high-quality waveform with reduced harmonic distortion.
But, before that, what we appreciate about the company's units is how lightweight they are, not even reaching above 4 pounds. At 13 x 7 x 3 inches, they're not necessarily the most compact contenders but, again, the lightweight construction can make a noticeable difference on the road. Having said that, what might also make a difference on the road is that the direct wire hookup has a cover that involves disassembling a large portion of the unit, which is pretty inconvenient. What's not inconvenient, however, is the overload protection switch, covering both DC input and AC output. With this switch, the unit protects its internal components.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection
Now that we've approached protection means, the model comes outfitted with multiple LED indicators, covering under-voltage as well as over-voltage protection. To go with these, the unit offers short-circuit indication and overload protection. There's also an over-temperature protection switch but, truth be told, there's almost no chance the switch will prove useful since the high-speed fans do a pretty great job of making sure that the unit is running at a low temperature. Likewise, the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection switch will prevent most electrical shock hazards.
While the difference between pure sine wave inverters can be negligible at times, there's nothing negligible about the USB port that the unit adopts. With this port, you can charge tablets, smartphones, laptops, and most portable electronics without using adapters. Apart from that, the package includes 4 AWG inverter cables, measuring 3 feet each, and a wired remote control, measuring almost 16.5 feet.
All things considered, off-grid systems that require a 12-volt solar inverter to run everyday electronics will be glad to have the Renogy RNG-INVT-1000-12V-P2 by their side.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $170.99 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07JMQ27WJ |
Covering Less Energy-Hungry Electronics
The Samlex PST-300-12 is a tame little fellow. Naturally, the company lets you choose between 300-, 600-, 1500-, and 2000-watt continuous power output options, but we'll be focusing on the first one. There are countless pure sine wave inverters on the market today that covering the ~1000-watt bracket, but there are very few industrial-grade units focusing on less demanding electronics' needs. Needless to say, with its 300 watts of continuous wave output and 500 watts of surge power, the unit will not be able to supply enough power for large appliances. No, this model is aimed at TVs, stereos, as well as less energy-demanding home office equipment.
Reducing the output, the unit also reduces its dimensions. At 9.7 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches, the model lands among the most compact pure sine wave inverters. Weighing 3.5 pounds, it is also not quite as heavy as its more powerful relatives.
Of course, as much as we appreciate these numbers, they're not the biggest reason this product made the list. No, the biggest reason is the wide low-interference operating DC input range covering 10.5 - 16.5 VDC. With the increased DC input range, this model will be compatible with more devices, including medical devices, CPAP machines, and more.
Dual GFCI-Protected AC Outlets
More often than not, the difference between industrial-grade models and less capable units boils down to the universal protection circuit. With industrial-grade inverters, low-voltage, over-voltage, over-temperature, overload, and short-circuit are always expected. But, aside from these protection means, the model also incorporates dual GFCI-protected AC outlets, preventing electrical shock hazards upon connection.
In general, what's attractive about this unit is its low idle power draw, reducing energy consumption when peak power is not required. In less general, the supplied detachable cable that comes equipped with a 12-volt plug adaptor is a pretty attractive attribute as well, almost as much as the second detachable cable that features battery clamps. In addition, the low-interference claim that we've made earlier means that the unit can work without disrupting the radio, audio, or video equipment's reception.
The area for hardwire is a little tight, that's the one thing about this product that we're not necessarily crazy about. Forgetting this minor flaw, the Samlex PST-300-12 will handle heavy-duty loads, long periods of continuous operation, and work great as an emergency back-up power source.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $146.52 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00H8N97E2 |
High Efficiency
The Y&H Grid Tie Inverter is a unit that can convert direct current into alternating current, powering different appliances, office equipment, and more. Likewise, the unit can connect them with utility grids. What separates this model from the pure sine wave inverters that we've reviewed above is that this device cannot be used as an off-grid/standalone solar system. No, the unit has to be connected to the grid power. On the upside, the innovative MPPT tech elevates the model's continuous use efficiency to >99% and peak conversion efficiency to 80%. In other words, if you need 400 watts from the inverter, you'll have to connect the unit to a solar panel with an output of around 555 watts.
The unit is a little less sophisticated than its completion within this lineup, which makes sense considering the more affordable price tag. Though the model comes without an LCD screen, there are two LED indicators that will display the connection status and tell you when there's some issue with the connection. Next to these indicators, the unit houses one GFCI-protected AC outlet and an On/Off switch. On the other side, there's a fan, two 30-amper fuses, a DC input, and an AC output. As always, the fuses provide short-circuit protection, so you don't have to worry about a power outage frying the system.
Anti-Islanding
The inverter's biggest strength lies with the aforementioned fan. Equipped with intelligent sensors, the fan automatically activates when the temperature reaches ~110 degrees Fahrenheit and turns off when the temperature drops below 100, keeping the system running at a low temperature.
Besides short-circuit protection, the model offers converse connection, low-voltage, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection. Of course, these protection means are nothing new but there's something new about the anti-islanding protection. With this protection mechanism, the unit can sense when there's a problem with the power grid (like during a power outage) and turn itself off, preventing the device from feeding power back to the grid.
Where things get a little dicey is with the instructions. In short, they're a little vague. There's nothing dicey about the unit measuring 12.2 x 8.8 x 4.9 inches and weighing 3.75 pounds though, enabling easy relocation.
To give you the gist, when you're working with battery banks or solar panels and require utmost efficiency, the Y&H Grid Tie Inverter will be able to lend a helping hand.
| Last updated price | $85.98 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B071F5XJMD |
What Is a Pure Sine Wave Inverter?
Pure sine wave inverters are electronic devices that convert direct current into alternating current (DC and AC respectively). Without going into technical details, a sine wave describes a continuous wave that adopts smooth repetitive oscillation. Conventional alternating current's produced via rotating machines that output an ideal waveform, transferring the current with practically nonexistent harmonic distortion. Unlike modified inverters, pure sine wave models can protect even sensitive audio and video electronics. These inverters are able to power digital microwaves, TVs, refrigerators, even computers without damaging the circuitry.
The most powerful sine wave inverters can even double as portable power plants that will let you supply electronics with sufficient power from the RV on the road. They can also double as backup power supply sources, powering linear adaptors, motors (including brushless motors), freezers, large fans, medical devices, and more during a power outage.
Those who are planning on bringing these devices on the road with them will also benefit from these trailer covers and carports.
What Features to Compare
Voltage
The first thing that separates pure sine wave inverters is the voltage. The inverters with an input voltage fixed at 12 volts will be fine with solar panels but, as you can imagine, they will not work with 24-volt battery banks. Of course, as far as the North American segment is concerned, most systems work with 12 volts, so there are very few scenarios where a wide operating DC input range makes the unit more suitable for residential use than a fixed input. The output that these inverters are offering is also either fixed at 120 volts or ranging somewhere around that, matching North American AC outlets.
Power
With pure sine wave inverters, there's the continuous wave power that they can output and peak power, also known as surge power. The second is something that electronics with clocks, timers, and microprocessors usually require. But, looking at the numbers, most inverters are normally hovering somewhere around 1000 and 2000 watts (continuous power and surge power respectively). As you can imagine, there are models that go above that as well as models capping below that, so you need to take into account what electronics are you looking to power with the inverter or how you're going to use it. As an emergency backup power supply source, going above 1000 watts of continuous power seldom makes sense unless you need to make sure something like a washing machine or a fridge is running even during a power outage.
Cooling
Of course, like all transformers, these inverters require decent cooling. More often than not, they come equipped with high-speed fans. Sometimes, pure sine wave inverters even come adopting fans with intelligent sensors that automatically start working when the temperature reaches a certain preset value and stop working when the temperature drops below that value.
Protection
Even the cheapest inverters usually come equipped with a universal protection circuit. The circuit covers low-voltage, over-voltage, over-temperature, overload, and short-circuit protection, preventing most hazards. Apart from that, more expensive models might have surge power protection and reverse connection protection. Some inverters come equipped with alarms, including not just hazards but also low-battery alarms. There are inverters that incorporate soft start tech as well as an automatic restart function. Certain models also provide GFCI protection to the AC outlet(s).
Pure Sine Wave Inverters vs Modified Sine Wave Inverters
Modified Sine Wave Inverters
The first thing that we need to understand about modified sine wave inverters is that the waves they produce are not necessarily true sine waves. Instead, these inverters output stepped waves, which are not quite as smooth as a pure sine wave. Because that's the case, certain machines and appliances will not work with modified inverters. Also, some electronics can be damaged working with these inverters, and we'll outline these electronics below.
Of course, pure sine wave inverters are an improvement across the board when compared with modified models but they're also more expensive. Old TVs and motors with brushes are okay with modified waves. Most RVs and boats will work equally fine with pure sine waves and modified waves. Also, narrowing the waveform, modified sine wave inverters reduce energy consumption, making them not only more affordable initially but also in the long-term. But, again, they're much less versatile.
First and foremost, these inverters produce noise distortions like buzzing or even visual distortion with some video or audio equipment, transformers, fluorescent lighting, and more. Second, appliances like bread makers and light dimmers will seldom work at all. In fact, most appliances with electronics temperature controls will not work with these inverters.
Pure Sine Wave Inverters
With pure sine wave models, the AC power that's produced by the unit pretty much matches an actual sine wave. Because that's the case, these inverters do not produce distortion, making them more gentle towards sensitive audio and video equipment as well as satellite systems. Pure sine wave models are more expensive than modified sine wave inverters, but that makes sense. With modified inverters, electronic timers and digital clocks will seldom operate correctly. Most electronics that get timing from the line power's peak will not quite work with modified inverters. Since the waveform these inverters produce has a flat top, these electronics will double trigger sometimes, making the clocks/timers on them run faster or not run at all.
Brushless motors and microwave opens will work with modified sine wave inverters but will not be able to produce full output. Medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and similar devices usually has issues with modified inverters too. Certain battery chargers that cordless tools come with run into troubles with modified models but have no troubles with pure sine wave inverters. The furnaces and pellet heaters that come with microprocessors have to be paired with pure sine wave models. Generally speaking, the same goes for home automation systems. The appliances and machines that have speed controls (like washing machines and sewing machines) are, technically speaking, compatible with modified inverters but there might be issues with the speed settings. More rudimentary electronics like electric shavers, emergency flashlights, and garage door openers work the same with both types but more sophisticated electronics like laptops should not be paired with modified sine wave inverters.