I was just about to buy one of these Powerjack "5000W" inverters when I decided to check for reviews to see if it really was what it was hyped up to be on its ebay page, and ended up on this review series. Thank you so much Knurlknar24, you have saved me a wad of cash, time, and a great deal of heartbreak on this piece of junk. There's no way I would bet my life on one of these units for operating my well water pump during a power outage. Keep up the good work!

I want to thank you for the service you provide. I don't like to read books about electricity, it goes right over my head. With this approach I get a picture and a voice. Your knowledge is up there and has helped me obtain what I need to boondock in my bounder. Right now I'm trying to find a remote on/off switch for my 5000 watt potek inverter.

great thorough discussions and evaluations.. alot of things i had wondered before have been cleared up now!

Your video reviews were extremely helpful. I had purchased a pure sine wave xantrex 2000 watt inverter a while back and found that it could not fully utilize the batteries power as it would turn off at about 11 volts. After watching your videos I now know that I can most likely remedy this with a potentiometer it has internally.(once I fix the blown capacitors and mosfets!). So much for purchasing a well known and respectable brand name!! I decided to buy a larger modified sine inverter and would never have thought to buy a PowerBright brand...just sounded like another cheap and over rated inverter to me. This 6000 Watt inverter is great! I can run everything I want on it at the same time...several lights, small fridge, small freezer, Keurig coffee maker, and then start up my 1/2 HP well pump and washing machine without issue although the lights will dim ever so slightly when the pump starts. The inverter stays completely cool to the touch. The fans are large and fairly quiet when running...and there are two of them - one at each end which I have never seen before. The price currently is about $500.00 now and well worth it. So far none of my electronics have an issue with the modified sine wave so it must be of decent quality as well...this includes all of my variable speed power tools which have had issues with other modified sine wave inverters I have had. Thanks again for your time in creating these videos.

Not that it would have made much difference. Some of those cheap noisy fans are noisy because there very high flow fans. I recently found this out when I tried to swap the noisy fan in my power supply with a better quality one. Also I'm not a fan of reversing the air flow of fans, on my experiments with PC's I always found the exhaust fans were the only one's that really mattered(reversing the air flow was disastrous). So if the designers had the fan exhausting from the case I would have left it that way. Anyway interesting fix tour and review. POWER Jack!

I was about to buy one of these in a 8000w version but now I will be looking a little more carefully at other makes. Thank you for a very interesting series.

I had one like this years ago and you had to ground the frame to ground to get it to work right and have the engine running, higher voltage...??? then it worked fine...?

Another good series. I think it'd be interesting to see how this unit performs with a high performance(high CFM) fan in exhaust mode. It's been my experience that quieter fans are quieter because they simply aren't pushing as much air. I learned that through experience by installing a top rated fan in a portable ice maker. The high quality fan was much quieter, but wasn't pushing/pulling enough air to cool the unit and it's performance suffered way more than I would have imagined. How about making a Knurlgnar24 buyer's guide/ratings index that lists the equipment you test so we can get a snapshot of the best, worst, and middling equipment capabilities vs. cost? And/or a Knurlgnar24 favorites/recommended list? Keep up the good work.

The 3000w inverter advertised for motors was a LF design

Love the videos. Maybe you can help me. I noticed that Powerjack inverters are shown in pictures being used in beach water. It would appear that they can be used for surf boards and attract young Chinese girls. Have you tried the high surf 10kw hand ten option yet and do you find yourself surrounded by young Chinese girls ?

Than you for going through all the trouble and helping me not to waste my hard earned money on that piece of junk. Keep up the good work. Tnx again

I'm wondering if the rapid overheating is the result of something else malfunctioning on one of the circuit boards ? Perhaps a resistor or a capacitor, or even a transistor ?

I'm extremely grateful for your videos you certainly have truly educated me about it, keeping in mind that I'm one of those stupid people that pay for two of the 10Kwatts! thank you very very much!

I'm glad I came across this particular series of videos. I was considering this model for an inverter but was very unsure as to its capabilities and quality. I know it's been a long time but how is the samlex performing?

Thanks for the very informative video without bias. Good job

Why are you picking on this manufacturer? I love the idea of a warning LAB - LEE! lol .... PS - your videos are awesome... I am learning a lot from your pain! Thank you!

Great review good job. I always thought they were not any good from ebay feedbacks. I would not get one ever.

Keep in mind that the LF inverter that Powerjack sells contains mains-frequency transformers. They are far more capable when dealing with inductive surges. It would be quite interesting to see inside one of those inverters.

Very practical and informative tests. Thanks!

Dave you've talked me out of every inverter I see. what do you suggest. I'm trying to get one with direct connect also if possible.

Thanks for your review and hard work!!

Sensible load test for the inverter should be a main's powered 250 amp arc welder ?

So basically its an 800 watt inverter with a high surge rating... what a load of old rubbish, not even worth it at the knock off price.

When you started the saw, my ears blew out!!! OUCH!!! So much for headphones!

So would a modified sine wave inverter be better for a continuous load instead of a pure sine wave? Does a pure sine wave produce more heat?

I need to replace my Heart interface freedom 20 2000 watt inverter/ charger I have 50 amp power supply will this unit be the right one or do I need to buy another model?

what is a good inverter for a solar set up ?? is a low frequency inverter better for a solar application

which is the most powerful 12 volt to 120 volt that I can get?

sir, can you convert a modified sine inverter into pure sine?

So what's the best mane brand please I will be relying on one or two maybe more for off grid living

Hi, do you have any recommendation what brand of inverter I should buy or do you assemble inverter that I can buy?

I think maybe they marketed the product wrong. Instead of it being just an Inverter they should give it a dual purpose Inverter / Space heater designation. That would really up the efficiency rating!!! What do you think? HAHAHA

Have you done any tests with the air compressor on various when it is attempting to represurize air when it is already at a high PSI. E.g. Start the compressor at 100 PSI and have it charge the compressor to 120-150 or wahtever its rated for. I found that one of my inverters can start my compressor fine, but can't start it when the pressure of the compressor is above like 50 PSI.

I want to run a 3hp 230v motor, what invertor do I need??

Could anyone tell a Dodge Ram 350 Hi top camper van (V8 318 5.2L) running idle could continuously power its built in AC through this inverter?

The results seem in line with what you might expect out of a "5kW" consumer audio duty power converter. Which is indeed one possible niche - powering audio equipment. But keep in mind that generally only analog audio equipment actually need sine wave to avoid EMI. The digital stuff pretty much always run fine with modified sine.

I need a Good inverter for My work truck. 20 gallon Compressor. Power tools. Lights. Mini fridge. Small microwave. What do U recommend?

Could you tell me if there is a difference in the amount of watts you draw from your battery set up is more with a larger, say 2ooowt invertor as opposed to using a smaller say 400wt inverter or would it be the same draw from the battery depending on what is pluged into the inverter sorry about spelling, in short would a smaller inverter use up less wattage from the battery if any additional wattage because of being a larger unit.

today is almost the end of 2017, have you made another revision of this brand. They told me they improved

You have to love the chart!

Thanks for the review! I have been using a power jack 1500 watt inverter infrequently for the past 6 years and it has worked great for me. That's why when I wanted to upgrade I was looking at power jack again. Are you sure the inverter was over heating and not low voltage cut off in your tests? Just 2 batteries run down quick even with a 45 amp charger. What type of inverter do you recommend?

Any word on the LF version of this product

Thanks for the review

I like your vidz but none of the better brands you talk about seem to be in Australia unfortunately. Going by your reviews, if the costs are good, would you recommend finding 2 lower wattage more efficient inverters and running them together rather than a single bigger one? I want to build a completely off grid system and looking into if I should go all 240v inverted which I like the idea of or some 12v for the fridge and lights, or perhaps 24v as ive heard inverters run much more efficiently this way.

i think it keeps cutting off is the input voltage dips to 11v ? too much current

Hi! Do you know any sites that have schematics on power inverters? I want to know what modification to make to make a grid tie inverter function as off grid inverter, if possible. It's a Socomec sunsys home 3965 grid tie inverter. Any help appreciated.

Could you do a review of a Cotek 1500 watt 24 volt ? They are affordable ($220 ish) now and look well built.

i am looking for a high quality inverter that will need to run pretty much 24/7. I am looking at samlex units. What other brands would you suggest?

I have s 3500w powerjack and it runs a 2400w 240v vacuum... Good enough for planned use running my home light circuit of led lights and possibly some powerpoints via a changeover switch for blackouts....

I haven't checked the Warning Lable on my Magnum 2800 Inverter/charger. Can I run a light bulb with it? They don't include a gold medal on the case declaring it "best". I'm scared...

I couldn't help but noticed that @14:18 when u started the saw u went into slasher mode and it seems all to convincing u might enjoyed it..lol keep these vids coming thanks for the entertainment

Great review. Can you tell us the make of that power strip with the voltage display and where can we find it?

Great video and great job...keep up the good work mate, BTW I am retired electronics engineer from Sydney Australia, I received one of these units "Power Jack PSW-5000" Inverter 12V-240VAC, unfortunately someone has been into it and missing (Q9,Q10,Q11 & Q12) Mosfets. cannot fine schematics to identify the Mosfets labelling.

Power Jack makes a 15KW/60KW 24V inverter. Can you do a review on that one?

Thank you for your info. Good man Charlie Brown!

ارغب بشرا جهاز 4000 وات او5000 وات وان يصلني للبحرين كيف الطريقه وكم يكلفني سعره

I'm looking at the 3000w LF split phase so these videos have helped. I have a few observations, though. First, I wouldn't have reversed the air flow direction. The arrangement from the factory draws cool external air across the output filters first. This is important as they will run the hottest. Also, have you confirmed the supply line you modified for a higher dropout isn't part of the thermal regulation circuit? It could need recalibrated now. Do you recall the part number on the output MOSFET? I'd like to take a look at the data sheet. Thanks!

se puede hacer corto circuitos de base con 8,7.6.5.4,3,2,1(500uv)

As usual, a new hit, loved your critical approach, trials for improvement, and i wish you try to go a little deeper when it comes to improving performance, and tell us dose it really worth to boost this poorly made inverter t o be a really good quality 5000 Watt?

Just like every flashlight, bike light or switchmode power supply I've tried from an unknown Chinese company, the advertised numbers are arbitrary. It's good to see people like knurlgnar exposing these products for what truly are.

How much dc voltage want and how wattes battery required this 5000 WATS unit and how much price Pakistani rupees

Wouldn't adding one or two more batteries to keep the input voltage higher help to keep the output voltage a bit higher and thus increase the power output at least slightly? I know that the controller should maintain steady output voltage, regardless of the input voltage but since it clearly doesn't, maybe it would be worth giving it another shot with a more capable battery bank that can keep the voltage a bit higher. Nice review, btw.

Hi, I just got a power jack 8000 watt LF split phase inverter. The Instructions are NOT good. I wish to use it as a UPS/ battery charger. Do I wire direct to my house panel using L1, L2, N and leave the grid mains on? Why are there AC in connections if this is correct? I am more than confused and I have seen alot of your vids, you seem to know the most about this.

you trust the inverter alone in your home?

Quick uninformed question I have not seen the other videos but are the outputs in parallel or separate? Even with a pure sine wave inverter it should roughly handle 15 to 20 Amps per outlet saying it's a 5000 watt inverter means it can should handle 20 amps per outlet. Also it needs more batteries and a stronger power source providing the proper amperage to the batteries at 5000watts that inverter should be pulling over 450 amps from the batteries.

If you get your inverter shipped, take the cover off and make sure it's not damaged or poorly constructed before powering up. I just got one where the FETs weren't mounted to the heat sink.

I got a flash light that is over 250w, its using 4 100w LED chips, and requires a shoulder strap lol (also burnt out 3 of those cheap 150w dc-dc boost converter boards before I bothered to get a 600w board)

how the hell can my 5000 watt powerjack LF PURE SINE inverter charger, have only a 25 amp fuse? i was told i need 00 gage cables , fur a 25 amp fuse. says 30,000 surge but fuse blows starting a 1400 watt AC.

it not start the compressor up the second time as the compressor will not unload the pressure it made the 1st time if you pull the the plug

Hi Bro, Have you ever test a whisler xp2000i inverte, if so what is your finding,,,,thanks in advance

The Chinese to English conversions are hilarious I was laughing my butt off. Thanks for the great video and test

Greetings. Very good videos. I was thinking about to do pure sine wave inverter with home made audio amplifier( I am good do this type of amplifier,ab amp) and power transformer but it will be only 75 percent of efficiency. So, after saw this video i believe that my amplifier will be better than that crap.

superb review...you save some money for me. Thanks

Woa! Almost bought one. Thanks so much.

I have got it few days ago its junk. Going to teturn it back.

Heh heh, I enjoyed the constant references to the 'Warning Lable' :-)

if you still have this inverter, i have an idea: since you said most 3kW inverters can't start those big devices, make a switching circuit with a contactor, so it switches to one of your 3kW inverters, like using it to get devices that need a big surge running, and then keep em running with a higher quality inverter

you must be in Canada, here in the states we use farenheit

what does everyone suggest for a pure sine wave 1000-2000 watt 12V/110 power inverter? Been looking for three months and every time I find one I see bad reviews. I'm trying not to spend $1000

Hey my name is Prentiss and I have a question I am running 4075 Watts what size inverter do you think I need. The items that I am running are a water pump air pump + 2 element heaters please help me I really need your help

Wow. How nice powerful apparatus it is!

Great vid, have you reviewed any xantrex sw series, I need some pointers on how it works so I can maybe repair mine.

knurlgnar24 Do you know of a cheap inverter than can run a few lights, a skill saw, and an air compressor(heavy use) for several hours. My generator is an old Coleman 5500, but i would much rather just idle my truck and not lug it around. I am looking for a decent cheap inverter that can run as good as my generator. An answer would be greatly appreciated. Thx.

Do you understand the difference between power inverters HF or LF ??? From your movie it appears that you do not understand the difference at all.

Are you sure your problem is not on the other side? What kind of batteries and cables are you using? Most people underestimate the input power required.

Inductive loads (things with motors) you always need to spec double the wattage with the inverter, as the wattage quoted on those loads in an average value, they all draw double their rating (read much more) for a short time on startup, that is not shown on an average current draw figure. Thats true with any inverter and things with motors or heating elements, which require a large rush of current to start. You will either blow a fuse or destroy your inverter, as you are doubling the average rated power of the appliance for a very brief time at startup.

Hi sir Winder if you can hilp me , I have mobile car wash and I have ginretor and it is very noise I have that thought to use inverter but I don't know how to wire it is one buttrey is enough , I use vacum clener it is power 2.4kw max and steam machine it is 350 watt . So waht should I do if I go withe inverter ?!

para que el inversor prenda la nevera,se puede hacer corto circuito de base con 7.5v culo(7.500w)

Hey my name is Prentiss and I have a question I am running 4075 Watts what size inverter do you think I need. The items that I am running are a water pump air pump + 2 element heaters please help me I really need your help? May you please respond to me.

Far out I wish I had your brain. I had a Giandel inverter and threw it away because it stopped working. I'd love to be able to fix electronic stuff. I have an old Technics amplifier that sounded amazing and I want to get fixed.

Any more videos in the workings knurlgnar24?

Very to the point, astute vid on an important item. Thank you. You saved me time & money

my dear can y till me what inverter y 5000 w is the bist bicous anly thing y are till as that nothing is good and y know that is eiverthing naw mead in chaina ???????

How many feet of extension do you have trying to start that stuff

11:26 .... oh, I love your sense of humor! haha

Can it power a fridge,microwave(what size) and TV in a tractor trailer?and maybe a laptop?

Isn't the P3 Kill-a-Watt meter only rated for 1875VA?

ehm...any news about oscilloscope?It's a pure sine wave?Now do you know real thd? thanks for the information

I think not over in warning table/lable means the rated power of appliances won't be higher than that.

Nice review,,keep it up :)