Inverter Buying Guide 2024: Choosing the Best ...

An inverter is essential for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply in homes, especially in regions prone to frequent power outages. Based on reviews, it's important to understand the types, capacities, and other features to make an informed purchase.

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Inverter Buying Guide

Understanding the Various Inverter Options

What Does an Inverter Do?

An inverter converts the DC current from batteries to AC current, which powers household appliances during an outage.

We’ll provide more detailed guidance on buying inverters and batteries in the sections that follow in this inverter buying guide.

Calculating Your Power Needs

Assessing your power requirements is the first step. Calculate the wattage of all appliances you intend to use during an outage.

For example, if you want to power 4 fans, 3 LED bulbs, 1 TV, 1 Decoder, and 1 sound bar, the total power required would be (4 x 80 + 7 x 3 + 1 x 120 + 1 x 20 + 1 x 50) = 577 watts. Therefore, you should purchase an inverter that supports at least 577 watts.

How to Calculate an Inverter’s Capacity

Inverter capacity is measured in Volt-Ampere (VA). Calculate the required VA by dividing the total wattage by the power factor (usually 0.8).

Using the previous example, the capacity required would be 577 / 0.8 ≈ 721 VA. Thus, choose an inverter with at least 721 VA capacity.

Difference Between Inverter VA and Battery WA

Understanding VA (Volt-Ampere) for inverters and WA (Watt-Ampere) for batteries helps in pairing the right equipment. Think of it like using a bucket (inverter) to draw water from a well (battery).

If you have a high capacity battery but a low-capacity inverter, the inverter may not effectively power high-load appliances.

Difference Between Sine Wave Inverter and Square Wave Inverter

The efficiency of inverters depends on the type of current they generate—a Sine wave produces cleaner and safer electricity for sensitive devices compared to a Square wave inverter.

See the table below for a detailed comparison:

Opt for Sine wave inverters for optimal efficiency and appliance safety.

Key Difference Between a UPS and an Inverter

UPSs provide immediate battery backup without delay, suitable for computers. Inverters may have a slight delay but are ideal for home appliances.

Review Home Wiring Before Purchase

Consult an electrician to identify which appliances should be backed up by the inverter. This ensures the inverter and battery capacity match your power needs.

Larger appliances like air conditioners often require a higher capacity inverter and battery setup.

Top Inverter Brands

Well-known inverter brands such as Su-Kam are recommended for their reliability. Some popular models include:

• Su-Kam Falcon Pure Sine Wave Inverter 900VA/12V (630 Watts)
• Su-Kam Falcon+ Inverter Pure Sine Wave 1050VA/12V (735 Watts)
• Su-Kam Falcon+ Pure Sine Wave Inverter 1600VA/24V (1120 Watts)

Where to Buy Inverter in Nigeria

It’s advisable to purchase inverters from authorized distributors like SIMS Digital Centres to ensure authenticity and proper installation.

Inverter Battery Buying Guide

How to Calculate Inverter Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is denoted in Ah (Ampere Hour), representing the current a battery can supply over time. Example: 100Ah battery can provide 1 Ampere for 100 hours.

Calculate the required battery size using this formula: Battery size = (Total load in watts x Backup hours) / Voltage.

Example: For a load of 600W over 2 hours, the battery size needed is (600 x 2) / 12 = 100Ah.

Types of Inverter Batteries

Flat Plate Battery

First generation lead-acid batteries, cost-effective but high maintenance and short lifespan.

Tubular Battery

Advanced lead-acid type, long life span (up to 5 years), medium maintenance, costlier than flat plate batteries.

Maintenance-Free Battery

No regular maintenance required, safe, but short lifespan and expensive.

See the comparison table below:

Avoid Unauthorized Local Battery Makers

Local brands often compromise on quality, safety, and reliability. Choose reputable brands even if they are costlier.

Check for Inverter Compatibility

Ensure that the battery and inverter are compatible. Opt for known brand combos to avoid incompatibility issues.

Opt for Batteries with Long Warranty

Batteries with longer warranties, even if more expensive, offer better peace of mind and coverage for potential issues.

Best Inverter Battery Brands and After Sales Support

Top brands, like Su-Kam, offer reliable after-sales support, including services like distilled water top-ups and replacements.

Inverter Battery Prices

Price varies based on type, brand, capacity, and warranty. Generally, longer warranties and higher capacities command higher prices.

• Inquire if discounts are available for exchanging old batteries.
• Check if additional costs like transportation and installation fees are included.

Where to Buy Inverter Battery in Nigeria

Due to safety considerations, it’s best to purchase batteries from reliable vendors like SIMS Digital Centre in Nigeria.

Recommended Inverter Battery to Buy

Some recommended tubular batteries for Nigeria include:

• Su-Kam Tall Tubular Batteries 200AH/12V
• Su-Kam Tall Tubular Batteries 220AH/12V

How to Prolong Inverter Battery Life

• Regularly top up distilled water.
• Apply grease to socket connections to prevent corrosion.
• Completely discharge and recharge the battery monthly.
• Avoid connecting high-load devices unnecessarily.

Final Words

By adhering to this comprehensive inverter buying guide, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge required to purchase a suitable power backup solution for your home. For further details, visit Home Inverter Price or contact us for professional assistance.