Read only if you know about Sterilight systems

[terracore]

I contacted the manufacturer but haven't received an answer yet, and I want secondary confirmation anyways.

I want to add a backup power source to my water system and am curious if a Sterilight system will run properly (or do I run the risk of frying any portion of it) using power from a modified sine wave inverter (either a regular generator or solar alternative).

[kalakoa]

Short answer: don't risk it.

Longer answer: active component is a flourescent ballast; these will usually work "okay" on MSW, but with higher current draw to compensate for the efficiency loss.

Were this my system (and I'm hoping to build mine this year, so I'll find out soon) I would get a small pure-sine inverter just for this purpose. Recommend the Morningstar SureSine 300, they're fanless/ventless with epoxy-potted electronics, a perfect fit for the local environmental conditions. (Use the "extra" wattage for things like cable/DSL modem, cordless phone, etc.)

[Obie]

Why not use a UPS Power Supply?

I used a UPS this past summer to supply clean power to my refrigerator because I was afraid my gas generator would fry it.

http://www.officemax.com/technology/cables-surge-battery-backup/ups-surge-protection/ups-battery-backup-devices/product-prod4920218?cm_mmc=Googlepla-_-Technology-_-Cables%20and%20Surge%20and%20Battery%20Backup-_-UPS%20and%20Surge%20Protection&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=24008075

[kalakoa]

Most UPS are MSW; because they have batteries, you generally can't order them from off-island, at least for any size that's shippable. (Larger than about 2KW have to be sent freight, which is theoretically possible.)

And yes: a "conventional" generator is pure-sine, but the power is almost always dirty; the Honda inverter-generators (small i at end of model#) are just that, output power is MSW.

[terracore]

I got an answer from the manufacturer today:

"I ran your application through our engineering group and they have advised me that this will not be a problem."

[Jay Bondesen]

What I have wondered about when considering this is the light frequency, or wave length. The bulbs are supposed to be changed yearly because the hours of use will affect it. Even though it still lights up it will no longer work well enough to fully disinfect the water. Don't know if the input power will alter that or not.

Jay