It’s not only generators you can depend on for an alternative power source during a power outage. There is now quite an extensive range of industrial power inverters that provide continuous power supply.
And an increasing number of people use industrial power inverters for its added benefits, like not being as noisy as generators. However, inverters work at their optimal efficiency only if and when they are well maintained.
Here are some maintenance tips worth following to have well-maintained industrial power inverters to help minimize downtime.
1. Keep inverters cool at all times.
Continuous charging and the use of inverters can heat the inverter. Too hot an inverter can, with time, lead to wear and tear and damaged parts.
And the best way to prevent this is by always keeping the inverter as cool as possible. Placing the inverter in a well-ventilated place helps because the surrounding air ensures the device’s efficient dissipation of heat.
While a fan in the inverter keeps it cool, it works optimally only if well maintained. So a regular maintenance keeps the fan running and consequently, your inverter cool.
It’s also equally important that you place the inverter in a spot that’s away from possible fire and smoke. This especially applies if your industry manufacturing process emits smoke or uses fire.
Not only will the fire and smoke heat the inverter, but it will also, with time, damage the battery. There is also the risk of it creating unnecessary sparks that may prove risky and dangerous to the surroundings.
2. Avoid keeping the inverter idle.
It is sometimes ironic that you invest so much in an industrial power inverter, only to face no power cuts! This is when you may wonder if you had made the right decision, which is yes.
It is definitely always better to be prepared than sorry.
So it’s better to have an inverter ready for emergency power instead of not having any power at all during a power outage.
However, do remember to discharge the batteries entirely if there were no power cuts for some time. This helps prolong the battery life, and the inverter working. Just like you need to discharge the battery, you also need to charge it at least once a month.
This regular discharging and charging of an idle battery helps with its battery maintenance. And it is a well-maintained battery that keeps your inverter working fine.
3. Maintain water levels
In addition to keeping the battery charged and discharged, you also need to check its water levels periodically. It has to preferably be in between the maximum and minimal water level limits. If required, top it up with distilled water, after checking, preferably once in two months.
4. Right-sized battery
It’s not enough for the inverter to just have a battery. It should be powered by the correct battery. While a too high-capacity battery may not harm the inverter, it’s an unnecessary waste of your money.
However, if you use a low-capacity battery, it strains and, with time, harms the inverter.
You can find out your exact battery requirements based on your power consumption. Or, in other words, the appliances it will be powering.
Last but not least, make it a point to follow the inverter manufacturers’ maintenance regimen. It is usually mentioned in their user manual. And if it is not, they typically have their maintenance program you can join.
This way, know that your industrial inverters are properly maintained to provide uninterrupted power at all times. And in the process, minimize unnecessary downtime and provide for your maximum productivity.