Inverters are electrical components which convert DC current from batteries into household AC current.  There are two types of inverters:

Pure Sine Wave Inverters

The power supplied by the national grid is 230V 50Hz AC (or alternating current). The current effectively 'switches direction' 50 times every second. There in no positive or negative like there is with a battery. The change is smooth and gradual conforming to what is called a 'sine wave'. Pure Sine Wave inverters such as our Victron range are the most efficient and highest quality inverters available, producing a sine wave. Because Pure Sine Wave inverters produce little distortion, they are able to run even the most sensitive electronic equipment.

Modified Sine Wave Inverters (also called Modified Squarewave)

Designed to emulate a sine wave waveform, Modified Sine Wave are cheaper than Pure Sine Wave inverters. They mimic the sine wave shape in large steps (much like that of a stairwell). Most simple appliances like power tools, light bulbs, heater elements and electric motors will work fine with a modified wave inverter...although they produce more noise and use more power.  As these inverters don't produce clean sine wave power, they are not recommended for use with electronic equipment like TVs, stereos and computers. Clocks and other timing devices (like digital washing machines) can run either too fast or too slow.