What is an Inverter?

An inverter is an electrical appliance that converts DC (Direct Current) voltage into AC (Alternating Current). Alternating current or AC is the standard voltage households use.

 

How does an inverter work?

Direct current is used in small electrical equipment, such as solar power systems because solar cells can only produce DC or Direct current.

The main electricity supply to our homes from power stations is alternating current at 220 Volts. AC power is used the most as appliances require a higher amount of power or voltage than a Direct Current can supply.

This is why the power produced by a DC Source needs to be converted into an AC current that gives a smooth, periodic oscillation.

 

The difference between Direct & Alternating current.

In a Direct Current, the electric charge (or current) only flows in one direction. With an alternating current, the electric charge changes direction periodically.

A stand-alone inverter, along with inversion of DC to AC, produces an increase in the amplitude of the voltage and hence produces a change in the frequency or strength of the current.

If you look at the output of these inverters in a graph, it presents itself as a Sine Wave which has a smooth transition between the changing direction of the current. This provides the electrical appliance connected to the inverter with an electrical current, stable and strong enough to properly power the appliance. Interruptions and irregular changes in this current can harm the processing equipment by blowing out the circuits.

What do I need to look for when purchasing an inverter.

When purchasing an inverter, you want the current wave to be as “true” or “Pure” as possible. This pure sine wave just means that there is a stable electrical current. A sine wave is a steady, continuous wave.

Pure sine wave inverters cover all phases, ensuring everything you power with it will be running to its full functionality & capacity.

AgMarket offers various sine wave inverters to power your most important appliances when there is no power to your home from the normal power grid.

With the amount of load-shedding we have here in South Africa, buying an inverter is a great investment and will pay for itself with the convenience of having a power source within the first year.