Difference between inverters with the same VA and W ratings and inverter with different ratings?

[The_Yemeni_solar_man]

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that some inverters specify the same rating for VA and W, is that a marketing thing, or could they actually be the same? As far as I understand the inverter rating is specified in VA and the wattage rating depends on the power factor of the load, so it does not make sense to say that the inverter is 4KVA/4KW.

Please clarify or correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pollenface]

I believe VA is apparent power.

Usually multiply by 0.8 to get Watts

 

[The_Yemeni_solar_man]

I believe VA is apparent power.

Usually multiply by 0.8 to get Watts

Yes, but some inverters would be labled 4KVA/4KW, souldn't be something like 4KVA/3.2KW?

 

[SeaGal]

For powering a resistive load, they will be the same, where power factor = 1.

VA can be seen as the pure output, W output will depend on the power factor of the load.

see also:-

Volt-Amps and Watts

An intro to Volt-Amps vs Watts TLDR - in DC circuits VA = Watts https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/volt-ampere-VA What is a volt-ampere (VA)? A volt-ampere (VA) is a measurement of power in a direct current (DC) electrical circuit. The VA specification is also used in alternating...

diysolarforum.com

 

[pollenface]

Yes, but some inverters would be labled 4KVA/4KW, souldn't be something like 4KVA/3.2KW?

Yes, I've seen that also.

 

[rhino]

You might also be referring to some resellers who seem to consistently mislabel inverters and mix those two terms up. Looking at you Northern Arizona Wind & Sun and their Victron listings.

 

[pollenface]

Like 2000w PMPO speakers which are the size of teacups