DC/AC Converters – Pure Sine Wave Inverters to 230 V

Why choose a pure sine wave inverter?

A DC to AC converter, usually called an inverter, turns the direct current of a battery into 230 V alternating current, just like a mains socket. The shape of the output wave is what matters.

A pure sine wave inverter reproduces the mains waveform. It is the right choice for sensitive electronics (computers, televisions, routers, medical equipment, chargers) and for motors: fridges, pumps and compressors start without abnormal heating or hum. Cheaper modified sine wave inverters are only suited to resistive loads and simple motors, which is why all three of our ranges are pure sine:

• Sine: 12 V or 24 V input, 350, 700, 1,100 and 1,600 W;
• Sine PRO: 12 V input, 600, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 W, built for intensive use in work vans, boats, food trucks and remote sites;
• Sine ULTRA: 12 V, 24 V or 48 V input, from 350 up to 3,500 W depending on the voltage.

12 V to 230 V or 12 V to 240 V? Mains voltage in the UK and across Europe is nominally 230 V, even though 240 V is still often quoted in the UK; our inverters deliver 230 V.

What power rating do you need?

Add up the power of the appliances that will run at the same time (it is on their rating plate), then allow 25% headroom: total power × 1.25. For motors and compressors, check the start-up peak, which can reach three times the rated power; it often determines the inverter size.

Example: 400 W of appliances used together × 1.25 = 500 W, so a 600 W model is suitable as long as no motor has to start.

12 V, 24 V or 48 V input?

Choose the inverter to match the voltage of your battery bank: 12 V for most light vehicles and converted vans, 24 V for trucks and many marine or solar installations, 48 V for larger solar systems. For the same power, a higher voltage means a lower current: 1,000 W needs at least 83 A at 12 V, 42 A at 24 V and 21 A at 48 V (before inverter losses), which means thinner cables and lower line losses.

• 12 V battery: all three ranges, including the Sine PRO up to 3,000 W.
• 24 V battery: a 24 V inverter from the Sine range (350 to 1,600 W) or the Sine ULTRA.
• 48 V battery: Sine ULTRA, up to 3,500 W.

Installation and protection

Fit the inverter as close to the batteries as possible, in a dry and ventilated place, with short cables sized for the current, and protect the battery line with a fuse or circuit breaker rated for the input current. Each range has its own built-in protection:

• Sine: overload, overheating, reverse polarity, low battery;
• Sine PRO: overload, short circuit, overheating, low and high battery voltage;
• Sine ULTRA: overload, short circuit, overheating, battery voltage thresholds.

Batteries and DC/DC converters: the complete system

For an off-grid system in a van, a boat or a remote site, pair your inverter with our 12 V lithium, AGM and gel batteries and, to step one DC voltage down to another (24 V to 12 V, for instance), with our DC/DC converters. Looking for the opposite, an AC/DC unit that turns 230 V into 12 V or 24 V DC? That is our range of AC/DC power supplies.

Not sure about sizing? Ask for a quote and we will reply within 48 hours, or contact us. Business customers get 5% off the whole site with a pro account.