Which Is Better? – Pure Sine Wave vs Modified Sine Wave

2017-09-04 Power Inverter Knowledge

One of the most common tech questions debated today includes the best choice for inverter installations between pure sine wave (sometimes referred to as true sine wave) and modified sine wave technology.

Now that we’ve covered the foundation of how AC operates, let’s address the bigger issue.

QUESTION: Can you provide examples of applications for Modified Sine Wave and Ture Sine Wave power?

Ture Sine Wave waveforms cross zero cleanly, while Modified Sine Wave power waveforms ‘rest’ on zero for a few milliseconds. The processor could interpret this rest as multiple zero crosses resulting in the time being calculated incorrectly. Many electronic

QUESTION: What are the advantages of using Modified Sine Wave products?

ANSWER: Modified Sine Wave products are initially more economical than true sine wave products. In addition, Modified Sine Wave inverters have the advantage when the load is a simple induction

load like a motor, or a resistive load like a light bulb. Modified Sine Wave inverter easily fill this role and typically use DC more efficiently than their Pure Sine Wave counterparts. However, with today’s technological advancements and the rapid proliferation of sensitive electronics that require true sine wave

power to operate correctly, operators often now prefer the PURE SINE WAVE inverter in lieu of the more limited MODIFIED SINE WAVE inverter, particularly when it can now be purchased for roughly the same price.

QUESTION: How do I determine which power source is right for me?

ANSWER: To answer that question, you really must consider how you want to use your inverter.

The more complex or state-of-the-art your demand is, the more likely you will want and need to consider a Pure Sine Wave inverter. If, on the other hand, your demand is simple power and you have no aspirations of utilizing today’s sensitive electronic devices either now or in the future, a Modified Sine Wave inverter is the more economical choice.