The ultimate inverter buying guide you need to have while looking for a new one!
Nowadays more household appliances require electricity which well signifies its importance. To comply with this need, it is important to have an emergency backup unit.
You also should choose energy-efficient appliances, which can directly affect lowering your monthly expenses. High electricity bills seem to be a big problem for many people who mostly forget that there are many affordable electricity plans for their homes that could help them cut bill surprises.
But what is an inverter? Leave it on us because we have the ultimate inverter buying guide which will help you understand an inverter’s specifics if you are new in this line!
The inverter is an electrical device that converts a potential DC supply (for example, a combination of batteries) to an AC supply which is the retirement of most household appliances. These batteries are rechargeable in quite a few ways.
Inverters prove to be great energy savers. Practically, it is responsible for maintaining the speed and torque characteristics of electric motors. Motors in various types of equipment work with the help of inverters.
So, the question arises. Which inverter suits your requirement the best?
The main components of a power backup are:
- Inverter battery
- Battery charging grid
- Inverter
The charging grid is the connection provided at your home. This charges the inverter battery. In case of a power cut, the DC from the battery is converted to AC with the help of an inverter.
Some factors to keep in mind before getting an inverter:
- Power requirement (W):
It is decided based on several appliances required during a power cut. The wattage of those appliances is to be calculated which will be indicated on the device itself. If not started then consider a general power consumption/requirement of the appliance.
- Inverter capacity (VA):
The inverter capacity is directly proportional to the total load required to be supported. It is the total load required divided by power factor which is the measure of efficiency list in the AC-DC conversion. The VA (Volt Ampere) value is stated on the device or provided in the product description.
- Battery capacity (WA):
The batteries come in the types:
- Lead-acid batteries
- Maintenance-free batteries
- Tubular plate batteries
The capacity of the inverter should match the capacity of the battery. The capacity of the battery is the electricity that it can store.
- Sine wave/square wave inverter:
The inverters are classified as Sine wave inverters or square wave inverter wherein the sine wave inverter tends to maintain the safety of appliances to a greater extent as that compared to a square wave inverter
The sine wave inverter supports appliances like computers, refrigerators, ovens, etc. Whereas square wave inverter generally supports motor run devices.
In pricing, the square wave inverter is more economical than a Sine wave inverter.
But the higher the price, the better the safety being provided to us.
What should you cross-check before finally getting an inverter?
- If this the first time you are buying an inverter, do not hesitate in buying the inverter-battery combo. It will look like it costs a lot, but it is an investment.
- If your house has extra space, do invest in a trolley for your inverter. It is not only for safety, but it is also an easier way to shift your inverter.
- To prevent any chances of electrocution, make sure enough is earthing in the house.
- Always check the warranty. Go for an inverter that has a longer warranty period. This means that it will cost more than the ones with less warranty period, but it will not burn your pocket constantly.
- Do not fall into the trap of fake products! Always buy from genuine, authorized sellers and not from your local shops.
Keep in mind these five points and you will not regret buying your very first inverter!