Comparing Backup Types

Let’s help you choose the right type of power backup based on your actual needs at home or in your home-based business.

Modified vs. Pure Sine Wave Inverters - Know the Difference

There are two main types of inverters:

🔸 Modified Sine Wave

• Budget-friendly

• Works well for electronics, chargers, LED lights

• ❌ Not ideal for motors, fridges, or heaters

🔹 Pure Sine Wave

• Higher cost, but worth it

• Safely powers all types of devices

• Mimics Eskom’s power supply, which is better for sensitive or inductive loads (e.g. pumps, compressors, heating elements)

👉 For homes and home businesses, we always recommend Pure Sine Wave inverters for reliability and versatility.

Online vs Offline (Switching) Inverters & UPS Devices

There are two ways backup systems deliver power:

🔷 Online Systems (Also called "mixing" or "continuous")

• Your devices are always powered through the inverter

• Offers smooth, stable power with no switchover delay

• Can blend multiple power sources: grid, solar, generator, batteries

• Helps protect sensitive equipment from spikes, drops, or flickers

• More efficient and extends battery life by reducing unnecessary cycles

🔷 Offline (Switching) Systems

• Devices run directly on grid power until the grid fails

• The inverter only switches on during an outage (a brief delay occurs)

• More affordable, but can expose your equipment to power surges and switch spikes

• Best for simple setups where occasional switchover delay won’t cause problems