Many appliances work only with AC voltage, which isn’t really a problem when you have a wall socket around, right?
But in a power outage or any kind of emergency, you’re pretty much stuck with batteries. And believe me, you don’t want to be left with only 12V when the power goes out.
This is where pure sine wave inverters come in. These devices convert low voltage DC to proper 110V or 120V AC electricity that home appliances can use.
Using my knowledge as an electrical engineer and experience as a prepper, I made a list of the best pure sine wave inverters you can get this season.
Let me help you pick an inverter for your RV, cabin, or emergency kit.
Renogy
Renogy
Amazon
A pure sine wave inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) such as what’s produced by a solar system or RV batteries, to usable alternating current (AC) that most appliances use.
These “pure sine waves” ensure smooth and steady voltage, just like in the power grid.
It means you can run your appliances wherever you are. Just plug them in, as you would back at home.
This makes a pure sine wave inverter ideal for people who live off-grid or travel around in their RV.
A pure sine wave inverter converts DC to AC in three steps:
Using integrated electronics, the inverter generates oscillating direct current pulses that simulate positive and negative polarity peaks. But these pulses are too weak, so they need to be amplified.
This stage amplifies the 12V or 24V pulses to high-current levels needed to power appliances.
Although already in AC form, the output voltage is still low to run any appliance.
This is where a transformer comes into action.
In the last stage of DC/AC conversion, a magnetic transformer is used to kick up the voltage to 110V or 120V, which your appliances use.
In their raw form, these AC voltage sine waves are not true sine waves, but rather jagged and boxy.
So pure wave sine inverters use additional capacitors and filters to make the alternating current “smoother.”
You need a pure sine wave inverter if you plan to install solar panels on your roof or RV. Most appliances in your home use AC power, so you need it to convert the DC power that solar panels produce to AC power. It also brings up the voltage to the grid level.
A pure sine wave inverter also saves you money, as it’s much more efficient than the older, jagged wave inverters.
The smoothly-changing phase also minimizes the risk of damage to your sensitive electronics.
The first thing to consider is the power rating. Check the manuals or spec stickers on the back of your appliances to see how much energy you exactly need.
An inverter of up to 1000W is enough for laptops and phone chargers, gaming consoles, and smaller electronics, while at 3000W you can even plug in the air conditioner or electric chainsaw.
The more the wattage, the more power can the unit convert.
This one is simple — you need an inverter that’s compatible with all devices you plan to use. Devices sold in the US and neighboring countries need a standard output voltage of 110V or 120V.
If you want a powerful pure sine inverter, make sure to choose one that comes with plenty of output ports so you can run or charge multiple appliances at the same time. Apart from having 3 AC outlets, some inverters on the market even have several USB ports.
If you plan to power more demanding appliances, look for an inverter that offers AC terminals so you can hardwire a high-power appliance directly to the inverter mains. It's much safer that way.
A top-shelf inverter will come with safety features that protect your unit from overheating, over-voltage, short-circuiting, and more.
An LCD display is not a must-have, but it’s nice to be able to read the current energy usage at all times.
A solid warranty is a clear message that you’re buying a reliable and quality product from a reputable company that will replace or repair your unit if any issue pops up.
Some manufacturers offer separate warranties for manufacturing and performance.
You need an inverter powerful enough to run the essential appliances, but also to match the energy rating of your solar system.
For example, if you’re going for a 3,000-watt solar system, you should purchase a 3,000-watt inverter.
This wattage, in return, depends on the number and type of appliances you want to run. You can find the power information for most devices on the spec sticker on the backside of the product.
A good rule of thumb is to always choose an inverter with 20% to 50% more than the total power that you need, and with at least twice the power of the largest device you plan to run.
With a pure sine wave inverter, you can safely run and charge:
Sensitive electronics
Smart devices like smartphones, drones, etc.
Medical equipment like CPAP machines
Plasma, LCD, and LED TVs
Devices with electronic timers or digital clocks
Appliances with AC motors like fridges and microwaves
Variable speed tools
Fluorescent lights
Pure sine wave inverters produce stable power with low harmonic distortion you can safely use with medical equipment. Such clean power output buys you peace of mind knowing that your expensive devices are safe from power disruptions.
As the voltage rises and falls, pure sine waves change their phase angle and polarity smoothly, with no abrupt drops. This reduces the annoying electrical noise coming from fluorescent lights, TVs, stereos, audio amplifiers, answering machines, fans, etc.
Pure sine waves have the same properties as the grid voltage. This makes them perfect for appliances with AC motors, allowing them to use power more effectively. With a pure sine wave inverter, your microwaves, washers, dryers, and refrigerators will operate smoothly, more quietly, and much cooler.
A pure sine wave inverter provides smooth output voltage, without choppy drops and surges. This allows your sensitive electronics to operate without glitches, crashes, or strange interruptions. It prevents glitches in computer monitors and weird printouts in laser printers.
With any power conversion, some energy is inevitably lost. However, a pure sine wave inverter is the most efficient way of converting DC electricity stored in your battery bank to AC electricity.
Pure sine wave inverters cost more than modified sine wave inverters because of the sophisticated technology they use to generate cleaner electrical energy.
The modified sine wave inverters will work just as fine with appliances that don’t need a rectifier and that can be powered by any regular DC adapter.
While pure sine wave inverters convert DC energy more efficiently than the other type of inverter, they are also more efficient in depleting your battery bank. The complex circuits plus the transformer means your battery bank charge won’t last as long.
A good rule of thumb is to always choose an inverter with 20% to 50% more than the total power that you need.
With the voltage transformer onboard, your pure sine wave inverter will weigh more than most modified sine wave inverters, watt-for-watt. Transformers use heavy magnetic cores, and there’s no way around it.
The standalone inverter is the most common type of power inverter. It basically does just one thing — inverts DC power from your battery into AC power.
The inverter charger, on the other hand, can work as an inverter, transfer relay, and converter/charger — all in one.
Standalone inverters are available in sizes from 75 watts to 5,000 watts, and their price depends on the additional features. You can simply connect it to the battery, or “hardwire” it to use the existing outlets in your cabin, boat, or RV.
Inverter chargers are three-in-one units that automatically “detect” an outside source and go into charging mode. When the internal switch loses the outside power, it automatically returns to inverter power.
Standalone inverters are smaller than inverter chargers, so they’re ideal for camping or in the case of a power outage.
Inverter chargers are much more convenient for RVs or boats in situations when you have the chance to top up your battery from an outside source.
All inverters convert the input DC voltage into sine-wave AC output voltage.
The first inverters, however, didn’t really produce a perfect sine curve, but a rather choppy one called a modified sine wave. These were called modified sine wave inverters.
Their “blocky” AC voltage, however, works fine for simple devices that don’t rely on delicate electronics.
These modified sine wave inverters can be used for older devices such as old tube TVs and motors with brushes.
Pure sine wave inverters are the more advanced of the two, as they produce a more consistent output voltage.
Pure sine wave inverters produce stable power with low harmonic distortion you can safely use with medical equipment.
This makes pure sine wave inverters safe to use with all devices.
If you’re connected to the grid and need an inverter only as a backup supply, you’ll need a pure sine wave inverter, because utilities provide pure sine wave voltage.
On the other hand, if you need to power an off-grid cabin with simple appliances, modified sine wave inverters will work fine and cost you less.
If you need clean sine AC voltage but don’t want to spend a lot, you can convert an old modified sine wave inverter to a pure sine wave operation.
Find a used modified sine wave inverter online for cheap, and this video tutorial can become your next DIY project.
Yes, you need a pure sine wave inverter for medical equipment, AC motors, bright fluorescent lights, and audio systems.
Renogy makes the best pure sine inverters. Their products are well-made and reliable, which has been proven in both our tests and other users’ testimonies.
No, a modified sine wave inverter won’t damage your TV. However, you may experience interference, glitches, or audible noise when powering your TV with it.
The most trusted pure sine wave inverter brands are Renogy, Giandel, and EDECOA. Their products may seem more expensive upfront but are packed with useful functions and safety features.
If you're looking for the best option for your solar or power emergency system, I would definitely go with the Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display.
This little powerhouse has enough peak wattage to start virtually any device in your home, including AC motors.
It uses 12V as the source, so you can use it with a car battery, but also hardwire it to an AC distribution box for a more permanent setup, like in a cabin or boat.
When it detects an outside AC source, this inverter goes into the charger mode and maintains the healthy charge of my battery.
I also appreciate the separate LED indicators for various functions.
This product from Renogy is an essential and reliable piece for every off-grid or grid-tie solar system, so my vote goes to the Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display.
I Recommend
The Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display
Renogy
Amazon
This inverter buying guide will discuss some of the key points to look out for when you want to acquire a power inverter and its battery.
Selecting the appropriate inverter and battery stands as key decisions when creating an effective power backup solution. This inverter buying guide will delve into selecting the best inverter and battery, along with determining the right capacity or size.
Power backup solutions, commonly referred to as inverters in Nigeria, play a crucial role in providing alternative power solutions.
There are three main components in a power backup setup:
1. Inverter
2. Battery for storing DC current
3. A power source (electricity grid or generator or solar panel) for charging the battery
There are several sources of electricity needed to charge an inverter’s battery. However, the power grid is the default electricity source in many homes today.
During a power outage, the battery’s DC current needs to be converted to AC current using an inverter. In a nutshell, what the inverter appliance does is to convert stored DC current in the battery into AC current that can be used to power your electronics & home appliances.
We’ll discuss detailed guides for buying inverters and batteries in separate sections as we go further in this inverter buying guide.
Before you head out to purchase an inverter, try to figure out how much backup you need first or how many appliances you want it to power.
The table below provides the typical power consumption of common home appliances.
AppliancePower Needs (Wattage)Fan80LED bulb7TV120Cable TV Decoder20Sound Bar50For instance, if you want to power 4 fans, 3 LED bulbs, 1 TV, 1 Decoder, and 1 sound bar, the total power required would be (4 x 80 + 7 x 7 + 1 x 120 + 1 x 20 + 1 x 50) = 559 watts. This means the inverter you want must support at least 559 watts.
An inverter’s capacity depends largely on the total load or appliances you want it to power. The formula is simple: just divide the total load by the power factor.
The power factor accounts for efficiency loss during energy conversion, helping balance energy efficiency.
Inverter capacity is measured in Volt Ampere (VA), and you’ll find the VA rating mentioned in all product descriptions. Refer to the image below for guidance on identifying the VA rating.
In the table earlier, we noted that a total of 559 watts would be needed to power the mentioned appliances.
Thus, the VA rating of the inverter needed to power the appliances would be 559 / 0.8 = 699 VA.
This means the inverter to buy must have at least 699 VA rating. You’ll have to put this calculation into consideration when shopping for an inverter.
Typically, inverters are measured in VA, while batteries are measured in WA. We will go deeper into battery capacity in the battery buying guide.
Many wonder about the purpose of these two capacities and why they exist. Think of it like a ‘water well.’ Imagine using a bucket tied to a rope to draw water from the well.
The water in the well equates to the battery capacity, while the size of the bucket represents the inverter capacity.
The battery capacity is the total electricity stored, and the inverter capacity is how much can be served at a single time.
Pay attention to the information in this inverter battery guide as it is crucial to find the right match between battery and inverter capacity.
If you have a large capacity battery but a low-capacity inverter (e.g., 600 VA), you won’t be able to support appliances like a refrigerator or multiple fans, as their total load exceeds the 600 VA limit.
As mentioned before, the inverter changes DC current to AC current. However, the classification of inverters depends on how the AC current appears—either as a Sine wave inverter or Square wave inverter. The detailed distinctions are outlined in the table below.
FeatureSine Wave InverterSquare Wave InverterSupported AppliancesPCs, laptops, ovens, refrigerators, etc. Includes motor-based products such as fans, ovens, toasters, blenders, etc.Appliance SafetyHigh level of safetyLow level of safetyNoise LevelNormalHigh, emits humming noise in inverter as well as in appliancesPriceHighCheaperOpting for a Sine wave inverter is a wise choice, despite the higher cost, for the safety and durability of your appliances.
There are also modified sine wave inverters, more affordable than sine wave but pricier than square wave, offering moderate performance.
However, they fall somewhat between sine wave and square wave, with very few models available in the market—making them easy to overlook. You can view a selection of efficient sine wave inverters here.
The major distinction lies in the time delay. Generally, UPS is employed to back up your system. If you connect a desktop computer to an inverter, any power loss results in shutting down the computer as it takes one microsecond to switch to the backup power solution.
Although inverters may not be ideal for computer backup due to this delay in switching, however, newer models of inverters now have the capacity to quickly switch power without the delay.
FeatureInverterUPSPower backupLED lights, TV, fans and other home appliancesDesktop computerTime delay to switch power during a power cutDepends on the brand/modelMicrosecondBackup time10 – 20 minutes3 – 6 hours depending on the inverter/battery as well as the loadMaintenanceRequires water toppings in the battery as specific intervalsNone requiredPriceExpensiveCheapSet upRequires technical supportSimpleHomes should be equipped with power backup provisions. While it’s straightforward to provide backup for the entire home using an inverter from the main source, this requires a large-sized battery and inverter.
However, many people only wish to back up specific fans, lights, and appliances. In such cases, the wiring should be configured to allow the operation of these selected appliances on the inverter. Consult with your technician about the wiring requirements before purchasing an inverter and battery.
Keep in mind that larger appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators, demand a higher power requirement to initiate.
For instance, a 1 KVA inverter is generally needed to support a refrigerator, and a 2.5 KVA inverter for a 1-ton AC. The battery requirements are also substantial. Therefore, in this inverter buying guide, we advise excluding these larger appliances from the inverter wiring plan.
There are several well-known inverter brands worldwide, however, one of the most popular is Su-Kam. Many of these brands also offer batteries alongside their inverters.
Opting for a combo is beneficial as it eliminates compatibility concerns. Below, we’ve highlighted a few carefully selected inverters for your consideration.
Su-Kam Falcon Pure Sine Wave Inverter 900VA/12V (630 Watts)
Su-Kam Falcon+ Inverter Pure Sine Wave 1050VA/12V (735 Watts)
Su-Kam Falcon+ Pure Sine Wave Inverter 1600VA/24V (1120 Watts)
Su-Kam Falcon+ Pure Sine Wave Inverter 2500VA/24V (1725 Watts)
Su-Kam Falcon Pure Sine Wave Inverter 4KVA/48V (3000 Watts)
Su-Kam Colossal Pure Sine Wave Inverter 5KVA/96V (3500 Watts)
Su-Kam Falcon+ Pure Sine Wave Inverter 5KVA/48V (3500 Watts)
Su-Kam Colossal Pure Sine Wave Inverter 7.5KVA/120V (1P-1P) (6000 Watts)
Su-Kam Colossal Pure Sine Wave Inverter 10KVA/180V (1P-1P) (7000 Watts)
Many inverters in Nigeria can be purchased online. However, for this inverter buying guide we recommend purchasing your inverter from an authorized distributor such as SIMS Digital Centres.
Not only will you be getting original products, you’ll also get access to a certified inverter installation expert to quickly get the inverter running in your home.
– For first-time buyers, consider getting both the inverter and battery at a go.
– Ensure your home has adequate earthing to prevent accidental electrocution. Seek assistance from a qualified professional for this.
– Prioritize products with longer warranties when shopping. Keep in mind that as the warranty period increases, the price of the battery may also rise.
Battery names, such as Su-Kam Tubular Battery, may include terms like AH or Ah. AH or Ah stands for Ampere Hour, indicating the amount of current the battery can supply for a specific duration.
For instance, a 100Ah battery capacity can be interpreted as:
– 100 Amperes of current for 1 hour
– 50 Amperes of current for 2 hours
– 25 Amperes of current for 4 hours
– 1 Ampere of current for 100 hours
To calculate the battery size, use the simple formula below: multiply the total load by backup hours, and then divide the result by the voltage.
Battery size = (Total load in watts) x (Backup in hours)
———————————————–
Voltage
Total load in watts
Consider the total watts the appliances in your home consume. For example, if you want to back up 6 lamps of 40 watts each and 3 fans of 75 watts, your effective power requirement for the total load would be calculated as 6 x 40 + 3 x 75, which equals 465 Watts.
Backup in hours
Determine the number of backup hours you need. It’s evident that as the number of backup hours increases, the required battery size also increases.
Voltage
The battery cell’s voltage, commonly known as Nominal voltage, is typically 12V for most top battery brands.
The table below provides clear examples of calculating battery size, serving as a handy tool, often referred to as an inverter battery calculator.
Total load (Wattage)Backup (in hours)Recommended battery size600 W2 hours(600 x 2) / 12 = 100Ah900 W2 hours(900 * 2) / 12 = 150Ah1000 W3 hours(1000 * 3) / 12 = 250AhIn the market, you’ll find three main types of batteries: Flat plate battery, Tubular battery, and Sealed maintenance-free battery.
Each battery type differs based on its internal technology for storing current. Variations in safety, efficiency, battery life, maintenance, and price distinguish these options.
A detailed analysis of each battery type is provided below.
Flat plate batteries, belonging to the first generation and also widely used, fall into the category of lead-acid batteries.
Consisting of two electrodes—one made of lead and the other of lead dioxide—the electrolyte used is sulfuric acid. These batteries are lightweight and cost-effective depending on capacity.
However, flat plate batteries come with some drawbacks. They require more maintenance, necessitating the replenishment of mineral-free distilled water every 3 to 6 months.
Delaying this water top-up can lead to battery damage. Beyond maintenance concerns, flat plate batteries have a short lifespan and pose safety risks, emitting poisonous gases during charging and discharging.
Due to these issues, it’s recommended to keep them outside the home with proper ventilation. Given these drawbacks, flat plate batteries are gradually becoming outdated and are being replaced by tubular batteries.
In the current market, only a few brands still manufacture flat plate batteries, with some offering only a couple of models.
Tubular batteries represent an enhanced version of flat plate batteries. With a longer lifespan of up to five years, increased efficiency from deep charging cycles, and relatively low maintenance, they offer notable improvements.
The only downside is their higher cost. The key to their efficiency and extended battery life lies in replacing the positive plate with a tube, protected by a cloth. This distinctive tubular design gives these batteries their name.
True to their name, maintenance-free batteries eliminate the need for regular upkeep. Bid sayonara to the hassle of filling distilled water at regular intervals; this is made possible by a special type of electrolyte that doesn’t require replenishment.
One of the standout features is safety—maintenance-free batteries don’t emit any poisonous or harmful gases.
They are an ideal choice for older individuals or busy folks who lack the time for water refills. Maintenance-free batteries are also known as sealed batteries, Deep Cycle SMF Sealed Maintenance Free, or VRLA (Value Regulated Lead Acid).
However, it’s worth noting that many brands don’t produce this type of battery. Thus, finding them can be a challenge as they may be unavailable, out of stock, or some batteries may not be compatible with inverters.
The drawback of these batteries is a shorter lifespan and a higher price tag. Because of this, we strongly recommend choosing tubular batteries in this inverter buying guide. The table below clearly outlines the differences for easy understanding.
FeatureFlat plate batteryTubular batteryMaintenance-free batteryBattery LifeLow (approx. 3 Years)High (approx. 5 Years)Medium (3 to 4 Years)Water toppingsHighMediumLowMaintenanceHighMediumLowSafetyLowLowHighVentilation requirementYesYesNoReleases harmful gasesYesYesNoWeightLowHighDepends on the modelChoosing a high-quality inverter but opting for a local brand battery can be a problematic decision for several reasons.
Local brands often neglect safety and efficiency standards, resulting in a relatively shorter lifespan for their batteries.
While local brands may highlight their affordability, offering prices nearly half of established global brands, it’s crucial to prioritize selecting the right battery over the inverter, especially regarding safety.
Many local batteries emit fumes and poisonous gases, like carbon monoxide, and reputable brands ensure emissions are at the lowest levels.
This safety aspect is often overlooked by local brands. Local batteries may also demand excessive maintenance work.
Additionally, they usually lack warranty or guarantee coverage. It’s strongly advised not to purchase refurbished batteries, even if they come at a lower price, as they are likely to be unsafe and have a shorter lifespan.
Another thing to check for in this inverter buying guide is to ensure compatibility between the battery and inverter.
Calculate the ideal battery capacity by multiplying total power with backup hours and dividing the result by voltage.
The inverter’s VA is directly linked to the total power needed. For instance, if your inverter is 150 VA and you require a 2-hour backup, a 25Ah battery is adequate, while a 200Ah battery might be deemed unnecessary and a waste of money.
Some inverters may not support high or low battery capacities, so it’s crucial to consider “inverter compatibility.”
For first-time buyers, opting for inverter and battery combos from a specific brand is a wise choice, as these packages typically include an inverter and a compatible battery.
Also, be sure to purchase from an authorized distributor. If you have any questions regarding compatibility, you can ask their experienced personnel to explain to you and offer the best tips.
When it comes to inverter batteries, the landscape of guarantees and warranties differs due to their susceptibility to damage.
Unlike most home appliances, inverter batteries are more prone to issues. Consequently, you may encounter instances where two batteries with similar specifications vary in price based on their warranties.
Opting for a longer warranty is advisable, even if it entails spending a bit more. In the context of inverter batteries, the guarantee often implies free replacement within a specified duration in case of damage.
On the other hand, warranty pertains to the period during which free repairs are provided. For instance, if an inverter battery has a 2-year guarantee and a 3-year warranty, it means the battery will be replaced for free within 2 years and can undergo cost-free repairs for malfunctions within the 3-year warranty period.
Note that some manufacturers may use the term “Warranty replacement” in place of “Guarantee.”
Choosing from reputable brands is crucial when it comes to inverter batteries. In Nigeria, one of the top and well-known brands is Su-Kam.
Reliable after-sales support is essential, especially for unforeseen situations such as battery repairs or replacements.
Many leading brands like Su-Kam go the extra mile by offering services like distilled water top-ups, where their representatives visit your home to replenish the distilled water levels in the battery.
As mentioned earlier, the cost of inverter batteries varies depending on factors such as battery type, brand, capacity, warranty, and the dealer. When looking up inverter prices, take note of the following:
Keep in mind that prices may vary from dealer to dealer. You may want to visit the dealer’s store or call to confirm the prices before placing an order.
Inverter batteries fall into the category of hazardous materials, making them somewhat unsafe. It’s essential to take precautions during storage and transportation.
Due to these safety considerations, only a limited number of batteries are available online in Nigeria. For this inverter buying guide, we recommend buying inverter battery at any SIMS Digital Centre in Nigeria.
Some of the best tubular batteries you can buy in Nigeria include:
Su-Kam Tall Tubular Batteries 200AH/12V
Su-Kam Tall Tubular Batteries 220AH/12V
To enhance the lifespan of your inverter battery, consider these simple practices:
By following the information in this comprehensive inverter buying guide, we believe that you will be loaded with sufficient knowledge required to guide you in your quest to purchase an inverter power backup for your home.