According to the US Department of Energy, an inverter is one of the most essential parts of a solar energy harvesting system. A pure sine inverter is also perfect for off-grid use.
Pure sine wave inverters facilitate the conversion of a Direct Current (DC) from your battery into an Alternating Current (AC). The AC voltage is preferred over the DC voltage because the former can be easily stepped up and down as per the requirements. Additionally, the power lost during the AC voltage transmission is less than when transmitting the DC voltage.
USAID adds that pure sine wave inverters convert battery power into the same power that comes out of conventional electrical outlets. A pure sine wave inverter provides the energy you need to run your electric appliances, compressors, computers, light strips and lamps, and other gadgets that cannot run on battery power.
You should note that some electrical gadgets cannot work with a modified AC sine wave inverter. They can only work with pure sine wave inverters. Another reason you should buy a pure sine wave inverter is that it does not harm your electric appliances.
When purchasing a pure sine wave inverter, you should consider an inverter’s efficiency, battery power, operating time, and cost. The Daily Sundial, an award-winning multimedia publication, also recommends looking for reputable brands when buying any inverter.
To know the best pure sine wave converter on the market, we took two weeks and tested top-rated ones. We assessed different households and noted the pure sine wave inverters’ features, efficiencies, pros, and cons. Here is what we found out.
Best for safety: WZRELB DC to AC Converter
What we liked:
✓ It has many protection features to safeguard your battery and devices
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It is compact and portable for camping
What we didn’t like:
✘ The product manual is not clear on how to wire the ground connections.
The inverter safeguards your devices from excess current. This inverter features seven protection systems; high voltage input cut-off protection, overload protection, low voltage alarm protection, over-current protection, reverse connection protection, surge power protection, and short circuit protection fuses.
The inverter is multi-device powering. It has dual US outlets that provide constant power flow to your small home appliances. It also has a terminal block that you can connect to high-power appliances.
The inverter’s lightweight design makes installing and moving from one place to another easy. You can easily move it from one vehicle to another if you need to change the vehicle you use on the camping trip.
One thing that might work against you if it is a DIY project and you do not have any electrical installation knowledge is that the product manual is unclear on the ground wiring works.
Best for Reliability: WZRELB Reliable 3000W
What we liked:
✓ It is of good quality
✓ It is reliable (works perfectly)
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ The customer service is top-notch.
What we didn’t like:
✘ For some connections, you may need to hire an electrician.
If you choose this inverter, you will be surprised by its reliability. It pushes out energy power to cater to your electrical needs during camping or a power outage. You need to connect it to a 12V battery, which will generate the power you need to run your small household appliances such as laptops, printers, lights, phones, and laptops.
Although most of the connections that get this inverter running are straightforward, we had to call in an electrician to help us with the wiring.
The inverter comes with an all-around protection system. It has an output design, low voltage, over-voltage, short circuit, overload, polarity reverse protection, and overheating fuses.
Additionally, its built-in soft starter ensures that the Alternating Current rises smoothly, extending your electrical appliances’ lifespan.
Best for a high conversion rate: Renogy 2000W
What we liked:
✓ It has a high conversion rate
✓ It is safe for use
✓ It protects your electronic devices
✓ It is quiet and runs smoothly
✓ It produces a steady power output
✓ It is easy to install
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is a bit heavy
This reliable, pure sine wave inverter made our list due to its high conversion rate and affordability. The inverter has a conversion efficiency of 90 percent. It does a perfect job of minimizing conversion loss.
Another feature that impressed us is its safety. It features an LED indicator for over and under-voltage protection, over-load protection, over-heating protection, and short-circuit warning. Additionally, it has cooling fans to regulate temperatures on the inside while in operation.
The Renogy 2000 W is easy to install and set up. It has a long remote control and two three feet 4AWG inverter cables.
Additionally, its compact design makes it easy to fit into tight spaces. However, it is heavy, and you might need the help of another person when fitting it on vertical surfaces.
Best for Ease of Control Via a Remote: Sigineer Power 6000W 48V
What we liked:
✓ It is remote controlled
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It features the all-sided protection technology
✓ It provides you with a stable power supply on the go
✓ It is reliable (it works efficiently)
What we didn’t like:
✘ You will need the services of a professional for some connections.
This inverter is easy to set up and control using its remote. It comes with a remote LCD control and a BTS package.
It is easy to install. All you need to get this power rig running is to connect it to a 12V battery, and it will generate the electric energy you need to run your small household appliances such as laptops, printers, lights, and phones. You can also move it easily from one vehicle to another, provided quick connections are available.
While our team found most connections straightforward during installation, we still needed an electrician.
The reliable inverter features an all-sided protection technology. It comes with 300% surge output, short circuit, overload, over-heating, and under & over voltage protection fuses.
Best for Quiet Operation: VOLTWORKS 600 Watts
What we liked:
✓ It operates quietly
✓ It is easy to install
✓ It features advanced protection
✓ It is remote controlled
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is not suitable for some devices.
This unique inverter is less audible. A quiet inverter is better because it will not scare away birds and other animals from camping site surroundings.
Another feature we found impressive is its ability to protect sensitive equipment. It features low-voltage and high-voltage protection, short-circuits or overload protection, and overheating protection.
It features a smart cooling fan. Its fan system contributes to its quietness and makes it more energy efficient. Additionally, the fan prevents this inverter from breakdown due to overheating. The fan kicks in at 104 Fahrenheit or when a load of more than 340 Watts is drawn from the pure sine wave inverter.
One downside of owning this inverter is that it cannot power some small household appliances like microwaves and fridges.
Best for All-sided Protection: aeliussine 5000w
What we liked:
✓ It features all-sided protection
✓ It features a smart cooling fan that improves its efficiency
✓ It is portable
✓ It is compact
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is a bit heavy compared to other items on this list.
We included this inverter in this list due to its all-around protection. It comes with a low and high-input, polarity reverse, AC output anomaly, short circuit, overheating, battery volt anomaly, super load, and overload protection.
The inverter has a smart cooling fan that cools it when in operation. Cooling helps to maximize the output of the inverter.
Because of its compact size, you can install the aeliussine 5000w on any surface. Additionally, it comes in a portable size, making it easy to move from one point to another. Although compact, this inverter is bulkier than other products in its category.
Best for less power consumption: Cantonape Pure
What we liked:
✓ Consume a small amount of power
✓ It features an all-around protection system
✓ It is controllable by remote
✓ It is quiet
What we didn’t like:
✘ It cannot run some home appliances such as fridges.
This inverter consumes a small amount of power. It converts 85 percent of the DC 12 voltage into AC 110 voltage output. Also, its 1600 Watt power output is achievable and can efficiently power your home appliances such as laptops, iceboxes, heaters, and power drills.
However, the inverter cannot power some home appliances such as fridges. When we tried to power a small fridge, the inverter went off.
The Cantonape Pure inverter has a smart cooling fan that cools it when operating. Cooling helps to maximize the output of the inverter. It kicks in when the inverter reaches 104 Fahrenheit or the load reaches approximately 640 Watts.
The Cantonape Pure comes with all-around protection. It features short circuit protection, overload protection, overheating protection, over-current protection, under-voltage protection, overcharge protection, heat dissipation outlet, and a high-density battery.
What to look for when purchasing a Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Reliability
When purchasing a pure sine wave inverter, you should consider how reliable it is by looking at its reliability rating online; buy inverters with an above 4.0-star rating.
Ease of installation
If the pure sine wave inverter is for a DIY project, you should consider buying one with a clear installation manual. Also, buy a light inverter if you are installing it on a vertical surface.
All-around protection
Consider buying a pure sine wave inverter with a low and high-input, polarity reverse, AC output anomaly, short circuit, overheating, battery volt anomaly, super load, and overload protection system for your safety and that of your electric appliances.
Minimum conversion loss
If you are planning for a pure sine wave inverter, buy one with a conversion loss of below 10 percent because it will save a lot of power in the long run.
Noise
Whether using it at home or on a camping site, consider buying a quiet inverter to avoid noise pollution, which can irritate other people or animals.
Portability
If you are buying a pure sine wave inverter for camping trips, consider buying one with a portable design or one that is light.
FAQ Section
Is it advisable to hire the services of a professional when installing a pure sine wave inverter?
Yes, it is advisable to hire the services of a professional when not sure about any wiring step to avoid blowing it and having to buy a new one. Hiring a professional will save the cost of replacing your new pure sine wave inverter.
Why should I buy a pure sine wave inverter?
A pure sine wave inverter would be best because it does not harm your electric appliances. This is unlike the modified sine wave inverter, which will harm most of your electric appliances in the short or long run.
How long should a good pure sine inverter last?
It should last for between five to ten years when working 24/7/365. However, to work for this long, you must maintain it well and change blown fuses in a timely manner.
What is the benefit of buying a pure sine wave inverter with a smart cooling fan?
The fan kicks in automatically when a strong load is drawn from it. It cools the pure sine wave inverter down and optimizes it.