Q - What does a power inverter do, and what can I use for?
A - A power inverter changes DC power from a battery into conventional AC power that you can use to operate all kinds of devices like electric lights, kitchen appliances, Microwaves, Tvs,Radios Computers to name just a few. You just have to connect the inverter to a battery and plug your AC devices into the inverter and you will got portable power whenever and wherever you need it.
Q. What Should be the 'capacity' / 'rating' of my Inverter?
A. INTEX have many different sizes of power inverters. The size you choose depends on the watts (or amps) of what you want to run ( find the power consumption by referring to the specification of the appliances or tools). It is recommended to buy a larger model than you think you'll need ( at least 10% to 20% more than your largest load).
Typical Power Consumption Of Domestic Load
Fans - Approx. 85 W
TubeLights - Approx. 52 W
Colour T.V. - Approx. 40-60 W
Computer With Moniter - Approx. 300 W
Loads Not Recommended To Be Used On Inverter(modigied sine wave)
Sensitive Equipments: such as Medical Equipments.
Hi Performance Equipments: such as laser printers ,scanners & also equipments such as refrigerators,coolers,motors,etc.
Loads Which Take Very High Start-up Current
Color tv's, pumps, motors (e.g. desert cooler)etc.
If you require to use a colour television on inverter mode take care to first switch off all other appliances & then allow the colour tv to be the first load to be switched on the other appliances later.
Determine continuous load and starting (peak) load:
You need to determine how much power your appliance require to start up (starting load), and also the continued running requirements (continuous load).
What is meant by the terms "continuous"and "peak surge" is that some appliances or tools, such as ones with a motor, require an initial surge of power to start up ( starting load or peak load ). Once started, the tool or appliance require less power to continue to operate ("continuous load").
Helpful formulas
To convert AMPS TO WATTS:
Multiply: AMPS X 220(AC VOLTAGE) = Watts
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of the appliance.
To Calculate approximate Startup Load:
Multiply: WATTS X 2 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, though some may require an even greater starting load.
Note: Induction motors such as refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating. Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it.
For example, you have a freezer with a continuous load of 2 amps, and start up load of 6 amps:
2 amps x 220 volts = 440 watts continuous
6 amps x 220 volts = 1320 watts starting load
You would need an inverter with peak-surge rating greater than 1320 watts.
Formula to convert AC watts to DC Amps :
AC Watts divided by 12 x 1.1 = DC Amps ( this is the size vehicle alternator you would need to keep up with a specific load; for example, to keep up with a continuous draw of 1000 watts, you would need a 91 amp alternator)
Q. Do I Need Modified Sine Wave, or Pure Sine Wave?
A. Advantages of Pure Sine Wave inverters over Modified Sine Wave Inverters:
- Output voltage wave form is pure sine wave with very low harmonic distortion and clean power like utility-supplied electricity.
- Inductive load like Microwave Ovens and motors run faster, quieter and cooler.
- Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, Tv ,Fax and Answering Machines.
- Prevents crashes in computers and noise in monitors.
- Reliably powers the following devices that will normally not work with modified sine wave inverters:
- Laser printers, photocopiers, magneto-optical hard devices
- Certain Laptop Computers ( check with manufacturer)
- Some fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts
- Some battery chargers for cordless tools
- Sewing Machines with microprocessor control
- Medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators
Q. What is the difference between an Inverter and a Generator?
A. Inverter is based on an electronic circuitry to convert DC supply from batteries to AC whereas Generator is a mechanical assembly. The Generators are noisy and require periodic maintenance, whereas inverter is noise free, pollution free and require less maintenance. In case of mains failure inverter instantly starts supply of power to the load but in case of Generator one has to start.
Q. Why humming sound comes from fans and Tube lights while Running on Inverter?
A. Inverter produces square wave out puts which if, without proper filtering applied to the inductive load, will produce wear and tear in the winding and gives humming sound. INTEX Square Wave Inverters produce quasi-square wave output, which generates very low noise as compared to other Inverters.
Q. General Safety Precautions and Installation Tips :
- Place the Inverter on a reasonably flat surface, horizontally.
- The Inverter should not be installed in the engine compartment, due to possible water/oil/acid contamination,and excessive heat under the hood, as well as potential danger from gasoline fumes and the spark that an inverter can occasionally produce.
- It's best to run battery cables to a dry, cool inverter mounting location.
- Keep the Inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not operate the Inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated, or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury.
- Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators, or other sources of heat.
- Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature is between 50degree and 80 degree F.
- In order to properly disperse heat generated while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
- Do not use the inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartment where fumes or gases may accumulate.
 |