People often complain that their tubular inverter battery does not last long. This trouble can be a result of poor maintenance. As you know, an inverter with a battery is the most viable solution to increasing power outages and unreliable grid situations in Nigeria. However, buying a battery is just the first step. You have to take care of it on a regular basis to make the best use of it and make sure it lasts long.
Many people are unaware of the maintenance techniques for an inverter battery. The good news is the maintenance tasks are quite easy and straightforward. For your convenience, we have discussed some tips that you can follow to help your inverter battery last long and perform better throughout its lifespan.
Maintain an Optimum Water Level
If you want your inverter battery to perform better and last longer, make sure to maintain an optimum water level. The water level should not be maximum nor minimum but somewhere in between. To check if the water level is at its optimum level, check the float indicators. If the indicators show that the water level is not up to the required level, add some distilled water after opening the indicators and turn the water level to its desired level.
Keep in mind not to use tap water or rainwater to fill your battery, as it can affect your battery life and performance. To check battery health, check the colour of the acid. If it’s colourless, the battery is good. If the acid appears black or brown, it indicates the battery is about to die.
Keep Your Battery Rust-Free
Keeping your tubular inverter battery free from rust is the next important step in maintaining overall health. The formation of rust restricts the flow of current, which ultimately reduces battery life. If you notice any rust on your battery, use a mixture of baking soda and hot water to clean the battery terminals. After cleaning, apply some petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent rust from forming.
Place the Battery in a Dry and Ventilated Area
Your inverter battery will most likely heat up from its operations. So, it’s best to position it in a dry and ventilated area. Make sure your tubular inverter battery does not come in direct contact with sunlight or heat to ensure efficient functioning. Also, to avoid heat build-up, do not cover the battery from all sides. Keep a clear space behind the battery to help it release the heat. In short, maintaining an optimum temperature condition for your battery is important for its performance and long life.
Place the Battery on a Trolley
Do not ever place the battery directly on the floor. Keep it on a trolley instead. This will prevent the floor from getting damaged due to accidental acid spillage. Another benefit of using a trolley is that you can easily transport the battery as and when you need it.
Do Not Tilt the Battery
Make sure to position your battery upright, not tilting it a bit. Even a slight tilt in the battery may cause the acid and water to spill on the floor, resulting in potential damage. This might also reduce the battery life. So, make sure to keep the battery in an upright position.
Manage the Input Power Line Condition of the Inverter
The condition of the inverter input power line plays a role in maintaining optimum battery performance and longevity. A loose connection of the main line power cord will affect the battery’s functioning. Similarly, voltage fluctuations, high/low input voltage or a blown-away fuse will impact the battery performance.
Do Not Overload the Battery
Avoid overloading the battery as it diminishes its backup capacity during power failures. Disconnect power-intensive devices to reduce the strain on the battery and enhance its longevity.
Use the Battery Regularly
Regularly utilize your battery post-installation. Even in the absence of power cuts, discharge and recharge the battery periodically to maintain its efficiency and overall performance.
Check the Vents
Ensure vents around the battery remain free from dust to prevent hydrogen gas accumulation, which could lead to potential device bursting.
Keep the Surface Clean
Keep the battery surface clean by promptly removing any dust or dirt deposits using a cloth to ensure uninterrupted functionality.
Check the Wires
Regularly inspect wires for breaks, crimps, or insulation issues to prevent potential threats like short circuits in your house and maintain the inverter battery’s long lifespan.
Check the Battery When Charged
Perform maintenance checks on the inverter battery only when fully charged. It requires approximately 10-15 hours of charging using a suitable inverter or external device. Disconnect the inverter from the socket and remove it from the front panel before initiating the check.
Use Energy Saving Appliances
Opt for energy-saving appliances and gadgets to reduce electricity consumption and enhance inverter battery efficiency. Consider replacing ordinary bulbs with LED bulbs and using energy-efficient fans to achieve significant energy savings.
Change Battery When Needed
Ensure you promptly replace the inverter battery when necessary. Over time, batteries lose their capacity with usage, diminishing the device’s backup capabilities. For optimal efficiency, consider a tubular inverter battery, which offers high energy efficiency, prolonged operational life, and reduced maintenance costs.