The inverter may be single phase with one inverter leg or N-phase with N inverter legs for connection across a DC source. Each leg includes a pair of series connected thyristors with a terminal between the thyristors for connection to a load. In addition, each thyristor has a diode connected in reverse polarity across it. A commutation circuit which includes an inductor in series with the inverter legs and a capacitor in parallel with the inductor and the inverter legs, provides a commutation pulse to turn off the thyristors in each leg. A further isolating inductor is connected at the DC power input to the inverter, and a reverse polarity feedback diode may be connected across it.