Why do I need a sinewave inverter?
You might not need it. It depends on what type of equipment you wish to operate from your inverter. One thing is sure: if you ONCE buy a quality sinewave inverter, you can connect ANY type of mains equipment later on. Squarewave or modified sinewave inverters have their limitations. Square-wave or modified-sinewave inverters have the lowest cost and efficiency and are not manufactured by us. The price of the better quality sinewave inverters is low enough to make non-sinewave inverters an unattractive choice. After all, it is a one-time investment which would ensure that you will be able to operate any kind of 230Vac equipment, trouble-free. Please read the following summary about different inverter waveforms and their area of use or check out the Sinewave inverter FAQ section in order to find out whether you need a pure sine wave inverter or a modified sinewave inverter is just fine for your application.
Sinewave inverter waveform = Mains outlet waveform , suitable for ALL appliances
In your home the wall outlet socket supplies 230Vac to your household appliances. The waveform of this alternating current is sinewave (see picture above), Therefore most electrical equipment is originally designed to operate from a sinewave mains power source.
Non-sinewave inverters = NOT suitable for ALL appliances
Non-sinewave inverters, such as squarewave of modified sine-wave inverters can cause the connected equipment to have operating difficulties or not run at all. Also, non-sinewave inverters produce high levels of harmonic distortion, which can cause electrical interference and audio hum (with TV, radio, etc.) as well as overheating the connected equipment (inductive motors).
Which household appliances require sine wave inverter?
It is highly recommended to run the following equipment only from a sinewave power source: TV, Radio, sensitive Audio or Video equipment, Measuring instruments, ALL inductive loads such as Refrigerators, Water pumps, Power tools, etc.
Here are some of those loads which might not run perfectly with modified sinewave inverters:
- Sine wave output prevents computer crash or audible hum from monitor
- You can use fluorescent lights which would damage non-sinewave inverters
- Printers and photocopiers can run faultlessly, true sinewave prevents incorrect printouts
- Power tools with solid state electronic control (e.g. speed control)
- All equipment with digital clock (video/audio/dvd/etc.) would show false time if not operated from sinewave power source)
- TVs operated from modified sinewave inverter could show horizontal lines
- Hi-Fi or Audio equipment could develope audible noise or hum
SW pure sine wave inverter series
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Built in elegant anodized aluminium housing and assembled using modern SMD-technology the SW sinewave inverter family stands up to the highest standards not only in reliability and price but also fulfills market demands for nice and pleasantly designed appearence.
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| SW pure sinewave Inverter models |
SW-150 inverter |
SW-300 inverter |
SW-600 inverter |
SW-1200 inverter |
SW-2000 inverter |
| Input voltage | 12 or 24V |
12 or 24V |
12 or 24V |
12 or 24V |
12 or 24V |
| Output voltage | 230Vac |
230Vac |
230Vac |
230Vac |
230Vac |
| Output power (nom.) | 150VA |
300VA |
600VA |
1200VA |
2000VA |
| Output power (peak) | 300VA |
600VA |
1200VA |
1800VA |
3000VA |
| Fan cooling | NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
DOWNLOADS |
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| Users' manual | |
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SW true sine wave inverter models
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SW-150 sinewave inverter front view |
SW-300 sinewave inverter front view |
SW-600 sinewave inverter front view |
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SW-1200 sinewave inverter front view |
SW-2000 sinewave inverter front view |
SW-2000 sinewave inverter lid opened |
Description
Inverters of the SW family are modern, microprocessor-controlled devices especially suited for mobile applications. The inverter converts the low DC input voltage into a higher AC voltage. The output signal voltage corresponds to a true sinusoidal alternating voltage. Unlike trapezoidal inverters, true sine wave inverters will provide a largely trouble-free operation to highly sensitive measuring equipment, computer systems, audio and DVD equipment, satellite systems, television sets, pumps and all devices with a transformer.
True sinusoidal output waveform
In order to run ANY type of electronic equipment from an inverter, you will need a high-quality sine-wave inverter. We guarantee that our inverters possess a stable sine wave output, which is necessary for many sensitive appliances and recommended for others.
Overload tolerance with heavy loads
The SW true sine wave inverter family possess increased capability of starting difficult inductive loads (e.g. motors).
Extensive protections against unintentional damage by user
When permanently overloaded, the SW true sine-wave inverters switch off automatically and wait until overload condition ceases, then it restarts automatically (no manual resetting necessary). Its electronic protection system survives even short circuit at the output after which the unit remains intact and fully operational. The SW power inverter units are also protected against reverse polarity connection to the batteries.
"E" Mark certified
The automotive EMC electromagnetic compatibility directive 95/54/EC was introduced to ensure that the driver's direct control of a vehicle is not affected by electromagnetic interference from installed electronic and electrical equipment. Since October 2002 all aftermarket electrical and electronic equipment including radios, light bars, sirens, videos etc must be compliant with the directive and "e" marked accordingly.
Reverse Polarity Protection
In case the DC input of the inverter is accidentally connected with reversed polarity, the current will flow across a diode, which triggers the fuse. This protection only saves the internal parts of the inverter from serious damage, as the diode itself will break the connection. Getting the sine wave inverter unit operational again would require servicing.
Deep discharge protection
Lead acid batteries must be protected against deep discharging; otherwise the cells will be irreversibly damaged (sulphation). All loads will be switched off by the inverter automatically when battery discharge voltage is reached. A new automatic load re-connection is possible only after re-charging the battery to an appropriate level. This is to make sure that the battery leaves the discharged status as soon as possible.
Overload-, and short-circuit protection
In case the SW true sine wave inverters are permanently overloaded, the protection circuit will switch off the unit. After a few restart attempts the inverter remains switched off, further operation is only possible by manual resetting (switch-off). The SW true sine inverters also protected electronically against short-circuit at their output; in such case the inverter will remain fully operational.
Remote control
A very handy feature when the inverter is installed on a boat, on a caravan or on a heavily accessible point. The main switch can be mounted on your dashboard while the inverter itself remains hidden. The inverter can be switched on and off remotely by the use of this switch, the required small plug is supplied in the box. We suggest stranded wire of 2, x 0,5 mm² to be used with the supplied plug. The cable may be extended up to a length of 10m. You may use any switch as ON/OFF switch, since the internal 12V direct voltage is used as switching voltage.
Wiring
The smallest SW150 inverter model comes with a plug for cigarette lighter socket, all the other SW true sine wave inverters have srew terminals for hard-wire battery connection. It is important that you chose a cable with a suitable cross section for connecting the inverter to the battery, otherwise the inverter will not be able to perform its nominal power in all circumstances (voltage drop occurs). Here are some hints for selecting the appropriate cable diameter:
| Inverter model | up to 2m | up to 3m |
| SW-300 | 16mm² | 16mm² |
| SW-600 | 16mm² | 16mm² |
| SW-1200 | 25mm² | 35mm² |
| SW-2000 | 35mm² | 50mm² |
Please note that cables and ring terminals are not supplied with our inverters. They should be available in any stores selling cables or batteries.
Some words of advice for operating your sine wave inverter
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Upon connecting the inverter to the batteries, to achieve proper electrical contact between the bolts and the battery cables, always fasten the nuts of the DC connectors, even if only used for testing purposes.
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Even when the inverter unit has been turned off, there can still be 230V AC at the output for a while.
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An inverter produces alternating current of 230V and is not to be put in children's hands!
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Inverters must not be operated under adverse circumstances such as: Temperatures above 50°C, inflammable gas, solvents, vapours, dust, and humidity over 80 % rel. or water.
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Servicing and repairs of any inverter must be conducted by authorised personnel only. Only fuses of the indicated value shall be used as replacement. It is not allowed to use repaired fuses or short-circuit the fuse holders.