What is the difference between MSW and PSW inverters?
What is the difference between a Pure Sine Wave (PSW) inverter and a Modified Sine Wave (MSW) inverter?
Pure sine wave is the smooth sine wave shown in the image above. Simply put, it is the cleanest and best type of sine wave due to its smooth oscillation waveform. True Sine is the type of sine wave that comes from the AC (wall) sockets in your home and allows all electronic equipment to operate smoothly, cleanly and efficiently.
Ideally, the pure sine wave inverter is the best solution to your power needs; it allows all electronic devices to operate as intended. The downside of a PSW inverter is the cost to manufacture it; the price can be 2-4 times the amount of a Modified Sine Wave Inverter.
Modified sine wave is a manufactured type of sine wave that is less expensive to produce. It can be used with most electronic equipment and is an affordable and adaptable alternative to the pure sine wave inverter.
MSW inverters are best suited for powering older technology and resistive loads, such as heating elements in water heaters and small fans like computer and desktop fans. However, bear in mind that heating elements may not operate at full efficiency with MSW inverters.
MSW inverters have different components and specifications, so it's misleading to give an exact list of what won't work with ALL MSW inverters. We have therefore compiled a list of appliances and electrical equipment that may work with an MSW inverter, but may not work as expected.
Here are a few examples:
- Laptop/phone chargers: The charger plug can get hot and hum, reducing battery life.
- Fluorescent lights: They may hum and buzz, appear dimmer or not work at all.
- Household refrigerators: They may generate excessive heat. This can overload the compressor and affect the internal electronics.
- Battery chargers (for toothbrushes, drills, cameras, etc.): They can cause excessive heat in the charger and battery, which can shorten battery life.
- Electronic timers and digital clocks: They may not work at all or work out of sync.
- Variable speed devices (such as fans or drills): They may only work on or off, with no speed control.
- Lighting dimmers: They may flicker or fail to dim.
Which is the best choice?
If you need an inverter to power sensitive electronics such as: medical equipment, computers, anything with a dimmer/variable speed, heater/heating coil, or just need clean power; buy the pure sine wave inverter... you can't go wrong with this choice.
On the other hand, if you need temporary power for tailgating, camping, road trips, or to charge your laptop/radio, power fans, run a blender, power a microwave, etc., the modified sine wave inverter is a smart and affordable choice.
Hubei Volker New Energy Technology Co., Ltd is a professional green energy product manufacturer with great commitment, contribution heart and responsibility. We specialize in R&D, manufacturing and sales of high quality inverters, all kinds of pure sine wave hybrid solar inverters (off-grid and on-grid, single phase and three phase).