Choosing an inverter for your home requires some research. You must know your energy requirements, the type that would be most suitable for you, the performance, quality etc. But even when you have chosen the right inverter for your home, the work doesn’t end there. You have to pick the right inverter batteries as well. If you don’t pick the right battery, you would only put your appliances, inverter, and safety at risk.
Once again, there’s a lot more to it. Even when you have purchased the right battery, how do you make sure that it is performing well, and how do you maintain it and preserve its life?
In a nutshell, there are lots of questions about inverter batteries, and a little knowledge. Not all of us are well acquainted with the technicalities of inverters, let alone batteries. So, to make that easier for you, here are all the most common questions about inverter batteries answered.
How do I pick inverter batteries?
Most people end up buying a greater AH battery just because they think it will be better for their inverters. Instead, one must buy inverter batteries that match the inverter capacity closely. Inverter capacity and inverter batteries are determined according to the power requirements. It is always suggested to buy the inverter and the inverter battery of the same manufacturer for better compatibility.
Additionally, picking the type of battery is significant as well. There are two types of inverter batteries available: Tubular & Flat plate. Tubular inverter batteries are ideal for locations that face frequent and longer power cuts. Flat plate batteries, on the other hand, are suited for locations with shorter and fewer power cuts.
How do I preserve the inverter battery’s life?
Like any other machine or appliance, inverter batteries require some maintenance as well. Here are some maintenance tips that can make your inverter batteries last.
- Install and keep inverter batteries in an open or airy space to allow greater scope for them to cool down. Keep them away from hot spaces.
- Keep inflammable objects distant from the battery to avoid catastrophes.
- Clean battery surface and terminals every now and then.
- Ensure the water level doesn’t reach the minimum. Ensure water is not overfilled beyond the maximum level.
- Get your inverter batteries checked up by professionals from time to time.
- Use inverter batteries to discharge them every month when there have been no power outages and no use of inverter batteries. However, do not let the batteries drain completely.
- Turn off extra load when you are not using the appliances.
- Do not give the batteries more load than what they are capable of.
Can I use RO water for my battery?
No, one must never use normal water or RO water for that matter for the inverter’s battery. The rule of thumb is to always use distilled water. Ro water is not always as clean as you think; it still has impurities that can affect the life of inverter batteries.
My inverter battery is heating. What do I do?
It’s normal for inverter batteries to heat. However, when they are heating unusually, check the following on your inverter:
- Check for the battery Selection at the back of the inverter. Make sure that the mode matches the type of battery the inverter is using.
- TUB = Tubular Batteries
- FLAT = Flat Plate Batteries
- Check the charging current jumper. Low AH batteries should only have an ‘L’ charging current jumper. Likewise, ‘M’ for medium AH batteries, and ‘H’ for higher AH batteries. Every inverter has different setting. Check the manual for optimum setting
- f both these are fine, contact the brand for assistance.
How long do inverter batteries last?
When talking about the charging and discharging aspect, inverter batteries last 1-10 hours, depending on the load applied on it before got fully discharged, however it depends on lot of other factors, like type of Inverter, type of battery, age of battery, nature of used load and the power consumption. As for battery life, inverter batteries usually last 3-5 years with periodic maintenance by expert technicians
