Power inverters keep supplying electric current to electrical and electronic devices and keep them running during power cut. The performance and back up of an inverter depends largely on its battery. A battery is the backbone of an inverter. It is responsible for the good performance and long life of your inverter. Just like any other home appliance your inverter and its battery require regular maintenance for effective operation and longer backup life. Below are some useful tips and guidelines to increase the back-up of your inverter battery:
Disconnect extra load when not required
Power inverters utilize the energy stored in batteries and supply current to the electrical and electronic devices to keep them running during power cut. The more load or devices you use during power failure, more power will be sucked out of batteries and shorter will be the backup period. So, disconnect the extra loads when not required to extend the backup of inverter.
Use energy saving devices
Go for energy saving devices to reduce power consumption from inverter batteries. For example, an ordinary bulb uses 75% more energy than a CFL or LED bulb to provide the same amount of light. Similarly a ceiling fan with better copper wiring consumes lesser power than a fan with poor quality winding (poor quality copper winding increases the resistance and increases the load on inverters).
Take good care of inverter batteries
- Keep the battery terminals corrosion free and rust free. Rusting and corrosion are bad for battery performance. Rusting in terminals reduces the current flow to and from the battery. This restricted flow of current results in slow battery charging which ultimately reduces battery life and eventually effects your inverter back up. If the terminals get corroded pour hot water + baking soda solution on the corrosive area or use a tooth brush for cleaning. This will remove the corrosion.Once the terminals become corrosion free, apply petroleum jelly on to the terminals, nuts and bolts to avoid future corrosion. Refer to “Why do inverter batteries die earlier than expected”.
- It is very important to charge the inverter batteries correctly in order to maintain the back up. After installation use battery on a regular basis. If the power cut does not occur, discharge the battery completely once every month and then recharge it.
- Check the water level of battery every two months. Ensure that the water level is maintained between the maximum and minimum water limit. Always top up the battery with distilled water. Do not use tap water or rain water as it contains excess minerals and impurities which affect the life and performance of the battery.
- Change the batteries of your inverter if they are worn out. Over time batteries lose their designed capacity thus reducing the backup. Buy good quality batteries that will last longer and also guarantee the correct charge storage capacity. Poor quality batteries fail prematurely and do not offer sufficient backup. Maintenance free or sealed batteries are best suited as these won’t leak the electrolyte. There are other types of batteries as well like lithium batteries which can be used for back up. Tubular batteries are the most efficient batteries. They have a complex design, great efficiency, longer operational life (8+ years) and low maintenance.
Following these simple tips will help you in extending the back-up of your inverter battery and consequently will increase its lifespan.
For more information on inverters and their battery maintenance refer to “8 useful tips to take care of your inverter battery” and “How to choose the right inverter and battery for your home”
If you are facing the problem of inverter back up, book a case for battery back up problem with Mr. Right.
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