Inverter batteries are at the centre of any power backup system. During power outages or utility grid accidents, the inverter battery ensures a seamless energy supply to all connected appliances. So whether you’re using one for home or for large-scale heavy-duty industrial demands, an understanding of inverter battery maintenance is non-negotiable.
Frequent power cuts can put excess stress on your inverter batteries, causing them to run into trouble way before their complete lifespan. Taking good care of your inverter battery during as well as post outages ensures that it lasts long. It also proves cost-effective in the long run.
Inverter Battery Care Tips During Power Cuts
Most contemporary general-purpose inverter batteries are tubular lead-acid batteries. Besides the usual regular monitoring, they require electrolyte refills to retain smooth charging & power dispensation qualities. Here are the most effective inverter battery care tips, especially for long power cuts :
Install Inverter Battery in Ventilated Areas
Lead-acid batteries tend to release hydrogen when charging or discharging. Additionally, when a battery system heats up, it deducts from the health of the battery. Installing an inverter battery in a well-ventilated space with smooth passage of air:
- Avoids the accumulation of hydrogen that could lead to electrical accidents.
- Helps dissipate heat. Extends battery life.
- Prevent moisture accumulation or condensation that could lead to short-circuiting.
- Prevents battery acid from leaking or building up. Deters corrosion.
Use Low Power Appliances
One of the most popular things you’ll hear about extension of inverter battery backup during power cuts is that of unplugging high-power appliances. The use of mixers, refrigerators, microwaves, induction cooktops and similar high-energy devices is advised against to maintain longer battery backup. Switching to low-power appliances that do not deep discharge can have several benefits:
- Less power drawn also translates to less strain on the battery.
- Low battery depletion allows for sustained use of essential devices like lights and fans.
- The battery does not run the risk of overcharging or shutting down
- Low heat generation prevents the eating away of your battery health
Be Vigilant of Battery Water Levels
Float indicators on lead-acid batteries are a periodic maintenance task which becomes more urgent during power outages. Tubular batteries make use of electrolytes in distilled water to efficiently charge and discharge. Your battery water levels need to be vigilantly monitored for several reasons:
- Longevity and an increased inverter battery backup during power cuts
- Prevention of damage to the battery plates
- Prevention of acid leaking and consequential corrosion
- Higher efficiency
- Long-term stability in performance
Use Power Saving Modes
Power saving modes (on available models) are an understated feature in sustaining battery health and getting the highest energy efficiency out of your inverter battery. Just like the power saving modes for our mobile batteries, modern inverters come fitted with “Eco” settings that allow for power conservation during electricity crises. Their functions include:
- Optimised power output to outlast power cuts
- Low energy consumption
- Reduced load on the inverter
Contact your technician or read through your manual to activate these eco settings on your inverter.
Recharge Fully Once Power Returns
While optimising for low output and energy consumption during grid failures is essential, charging your inverter to full capacity once the power returns is paramount to prolong battery life. Lead-acid batteries, especially, can form lead sulfate crystals due to partial charging, which in turn adversely impacts battery life. Full charging cycles are critical for:
- Preventing sulfation
- Maximising backup time & health of battery
- Maximum performance and efficient power discharge
- Being prepared for peak demands during the next outage
Common Battery Care Tips for Prolonged Battery Life
Taking precautions to extend battery life during power cuts is beneficial for those experiencing frequent power outages. Additionally, a few standard inverter battery care tips can help maintain a reliable power supply irrespective of power cuts:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the terminals of your battery clean of dirt or dust prevents sparking or inadequate charging.
- Load Testing: Battery testing is important to ascertain whether your inverter battery retains its holding charge or has reduced in capacity
- Regular Servicing: Contacting a professional technician to inspect batteries or service them between 6-12 months is a healthy practice in upkeep and monitoring of battery health.
- Replacement: Tubular batteries tend to exhaust their capacity between 3-5 years of installation. Replacing batteries when due prevents leakage and damage to the overall inverter system.
Conclusion
Following a few easy, simple, and periodic habits can enhance your inverter battery’s ability to hold a charge for longer durations. You get the most output and the highest efficiency out of your device this way. For these reasons, Livfast batteries come with low maintenance design and high-performance output. They make inverter battery maintenance easy and safe.
Powered with state-of-the-art technology for high-value output and zero compromise on efficiency, Livfast models are built to carry 25% extra backups for outage situations. In case your batteries have run their course, you can explore a range of battery options for a replacement on our website.