Running Steam with modified sine wave inverter

[bowfront]

Roger,

I bought one of these recently for short power outages. I would like to hook up one of my Stream 6060's to it when needed. I noticed that it operates with a modified (instead of pure) sine wave. This can cause problems with some pumps. Do you know if I will damage the Stream by running it with this device. If so I'll return it now and get something that will work before I have to use it.

 

[rvitko]

I am unsure. It depends on how modified. The 6060 will definitely ahve to have 60hz or very close to it to start and after it is running a slight deviation won't be a big deal.

 

[bowfront]

Spec sheet says output frequency 60 Hz plus or minus 4 Hz. Are you saying that if it starts ok it should run w/o problem?

 

[rvitko]

I am pretty sure it should be OK. It may run a little hotter and have slightly less flow but for the short time it is required I think it will work fine.

I will say FWIW I had a cheaper version of that same toy and wasn't pleased. I think you will be happier buying the parts seperate. I would just get a computer UPS system and if you need a compressor I can recommend the Porter Cable 6gal Pancake model. I am thrilled with mine, I have even done some body work with it. I also never found the reserve power from that unit was sufficient to start a car- you got one really week shot at it.

 

[bowfront]

Thanks Roger I am now thinking about returning it for a UPS and seperate inverter (to run off my car for exteneded periods). I actually don't need the air compressor because I already have one. So I quess there shouldn't be any problems in running a stream off an APC UPS like I use for my computer?

 

[rvitko]

No. It should work just fine the Stream you have uses about 21W so I would just calculate the life from there.