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Get Powered Up! Certified Energy Manager Jeff Yago answers your alternative energy questions



Wondering about a great new energy-saving device
you found on the Internet? Then CLICK HERE!


Sorry. Jeff no longer answers questions online.
This will remain as a searchable
resource for all BHM website visitors.

Archive for the ‘Power Supply’ Category

 

Switching power supply from Inverter

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Hi Jeff!

Hoping you can help.

I need to run a switching power supply (MasTech 5020E: http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-Variable-Regulated-Power-Supply/dp/B000E14BNM) off an Inverter.

It seems to trip off/overload 800 & 1000W units; is bigger going to work?

Thanks in advance.

Jim Blanner

Jim,

The specific power supply you have selected can provide up to 1000 watts of DC power output at full load. Even assuming a high conversion efficiency of 90%, this means it can draw up to 1,110 watts from the wall outlet (inverter) when dialed all the way up to full output load.

However, if it is still tripping out when powering a very small load, most likely it will not operate on a lower cost modified sinewave inverter due to its very high quality voltage control which is expecting a pure sinewave 120 volt AC input at exactly 60 cycles. If you do not need to operate it at its full power output, you still may be able to use an inverter in the 800 to 1000 watt range, as long as its a pure sinewave type. I have found many sensitive electronic devices will not work when powered from a modified sinewave inverter.

I have actually seen some of these sensitive electronic devices actually heat up and start smoking when connected to a modified sinewave inverter, and power supplies and battery chargers of any type not only do not work well on lower cost inverters, but also do not work well when powered from a generator.

Good Luck,

Jeff Yago

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