Inverter high cost vs low cost performance difference

AI Thread Summary
Higher-priced inverters tend to perform better due to superior design and quality components, which contribute to their reliability under load. The discussion highlights a comparison between a 2KW Samtec Pure Sine wave inverter and a lower-cost 3KW Xantrex inverter, with the latter failing under load despite its higher rating. Users speculate that the differences may stem from the ability of some inverters to handle inductive loads better than others, which can lead to performance issues. The conversation also touches on the idea that without examining the internal components or schematics, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for performance disparities. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward the notion that higher costs correlate with better functionality and durability.
dingpud
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I have used a multitude of inverters within the past couple of years. I've experienced the good and the bad. I've found that the higher dollar inverters seem to work better, but don't know why. I used a 2KW Samtec Pure Sine wave inverter to power a 1500 watt load without any issues. I tried a 3KW Xantrex inverter which was half the cost yet rated for an additional 1KW, and the inverter alarms and craps out after a couple of seconds.

Without dissecting my entire setup and giving pages of information on what I tested, specs, etc., what is it between the 2 different inverters that
1.) causes the price to be higher and
2.) actually allows the inverter to work the way it is suppose to?

I know that Xantrex makes an industrial line which I am sure compares in cost and performance to the Samlex, but what I want to know is if it's lower quality components, then which ones? Is it missing a certain circuit? Is it a protection thing?
Originally coming into this, I thought that the difference in price only effected the "noise" or type of wave being produced.

Any thoughts, or life experiences with this would be helpful. I don't want to take the inverter apart. I'm pretty much ready to just accept the fact that you just "Get what you pay for", but really am kind of irked by the "why".

Thanks,
 
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Some inverters are able to compensate for reactance in inductive loads.
Many inverters are for resistive loads only.
If you are testing a large inductive load, this may be the problem.
 
dingpud said:
what is it between the 2 different inverters that
1.) causes the price to be higher and
2.) actually allows the inverter to work the way it is suppose to?

2 words ... better design

and because it is a better design ( which is likely to include better quality components), its costs would naturally be higher

but what I want to know is if it's lower quality components, then which ones? Is it missing a certain circuit? Is it a protection thing?
Originally coming into this, I thought that the difference in price only effected the "noise" or type of wave being produced.

without seeing the schematics and the insides of the units, those questions cannot be answered

Dave
 
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