Firstly lets us understand what is an inverter?
An inverter is an electrical device which provides power back up in the event of a power failure. When you are making use of power supply you are using alternating current (AC) what happens when the power fails? The AC no longer supplies power. Here is what the inverter does, it converts direct current (DC) from battery to alternating current. This alternating current is provided by the inverter through the battery as a primary source.
The battery is a vital component of an inverter, the durability and performance of an inverter depend on the battery. Typically inverters use high power lead acid batteries these are classified on the basis of application design and technology.
Why do we need an inverter?
When disasters such as cyclone, floods, and other natural calamities strike which would lead to power failure we are unable to access the internet, use our personal computer or any house old electrical appliance the reason being is that none of these appliances run without electricity. In this case, we can use an inverter to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Inverters come in various types, they are rated according to the power output delivered by them you can choose between diesel and battery powered inverters depending on your requirement and usage of power. A typical household would require a minimum 650-watt battery, whereas corporate offices would require diesel powered generators to run heavy equipment.
A domestic 650-watt inverter will provide power backup of 6 to 8 hours depending on your usage.
What is the difference between an inverter and home UPS?
Both inverter and UPS function in the same manner. The UPS provides uninterrupted power supply to electrical equipment. The equipment won’t feel the switching delay from the mains to UPS supply. This is because a standard inverter takes about 500 milliseconds whereas a UPS takes about 3 to 5 milliseconds to switch the power supply. Therefore using an inverter to provide backup for computers printers and modems are pointless as they should not experience any power delay during the switching process.
What is a digital inverter?
Digital inverters use pure sine wave technology coupled with advanced digital signal processing (DSP). The use of micro controllers precisely monitors and control applications.
How do you choose an inverter?
Before purchasing an inverter you must fully understand about your power requirement. You must determine the total load you want to run under emergency power supply. Another criteria which have to be met is how many hours you would want the power backup to last.
A typical 650-watt inverter will cover the following aspects
2 fans running at 70 to 80 watts
2 tube lights running at 40 to 50 watts
1 television running at 40 to 100 watts
Desktops and laptops running at 150 and 50 watts respectively
Please note: The above-mentioned figures will vary according to the type of equipment that you use, typically as electronic components get older they tend to extract more power than they used to.
The first step is to hunt for the best dealer in your locality, don’t get attracted to discounts offered by local vendors they would try to rip you off by selling defective goods at cheaper prices. Best bet is to choose from authorised dealers who sell branded inverters, as they offer a better service by installing your inverter, and also take efforts to make you choose the best option suitable to your requirements.
It is always better to spend more money and get a branded inverter rather than going for a cheap locally made one which would not only deliver poor power output but also spoil the valuable electronic devices connected due to a low voltage supply and erratic fluctuation.
A family with 4 members would require a 650 VA inverter. Pure sine wave digital inverters are better than square wave inverters.Since there is not a huge price difference between two pure sine wave would be a better choice.
Another value added point is to purchase a battery which possesses international quality certification. Don’t purchase both inverter and battery from the same band, purchase the battery separately from a branded manufacturer.
Going for tubular batteries are a better option as compared to flat plate batteries the reason being is that tubular batteries last longer than flat plate batteries.
Ensure that your vendor provides battery under warranty, choose an inverter which provides a maximum warranty period. Also, make sure that vendors provide support and service at your doorstep.
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