Inverters are a great machine to ensure your household or business equipment run safely and efficiently. But with different types of inverters available in the market, it is a daunting task to find the perfect one for your usage. If you are looking to buy a 12v inverter for residential or commercial use but need help deciding what will work best for you, we are here to make it easy for you.
We have compiled a list of five important things you need to know about 12v inverters to make an informed decision. We’ll cover the types and safety tips of the products that will work best for you. So, let’s get started.
Using 12V Inverters
A 12V inverter is a device that transforms 12V battery power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This AC power is used to operate various electrical devices. 12V Inverters are commonly used in small cars, boats, and in homes and small businesses appliances as the power required for such devices is usually less than 1000 watts.
In case you need more than 1000 to 5000 watts power, you should opt for a higher voltage inverter.
12V inverters have numerous residential and commercial applications.
Household: TVs, sound systems, refrigerators, lighting systems, cooking equipment etc.
Office use: Laptops, desktops, printers, monitors etc.
Other: Vehicles, power tools etc.
5 Things You Need to Know About 12v Inverter
Below 5 things you need to know about 12v inverters before you buy one:
Know your power requirements
You’ll need to decide what type of power your appliances need. The power of your inverter should be 8-10% higher than your appliances’ original power supply. To know the DC draw of your inverter, you can divide the AC draw of your appliance by 12, and you will get a close estimate of the power of your appliances.
Calculation
Power of inverter is calculated in VA (volt-ampere) or KVA (Kilo volt-ampere)
Power (in VA) = AC voltage X AC current (Amp)
Power (in Watt) = AC voltage X AC current X PF (Power factor = 0.8 considered for home usage)
Suppose you want to run 5 fans (80 watt each), three tube lights, five CFL, three LED bulbs, and also two television, which use 40, 20, 7, and 120 Watts, respectively.
The total power requirement will be
5x80+6×40+3x20+1×120= 940 watt
So, power in KVA = KW power / PF (0.8 for home)
= 0.94 / 0.8
= 1.175 KVA
So, as per the available standard rating, you need to select 1.5 KVA inverter
The number of output
Before selecting the inverter, plan how many equipment you need to operate through it. Most inverters have two or three outputs. A single output inverter may be sufficient if you only need to power one device. You’ll need to buy an inverter with multiple outputs if you want to power multiple devices.
Size of the inverter
Measuring the size of 12V inverter is important because you need to fit the inverter and battery pack in the specific space available. Higher wattage inverters need larger space. Also, various brands offer different battery sizes and features. While deciding the inverter size, you must consider the maximum power used at a time, and your inverter should have 50% more battery cover.
Efficiency rating
When selecting a 12V inverter, understand the wattage of the appliances you plan to power. The wattage rating of the inverter should be higher than the wattage of the appliance or device you plan to power. You can check the inverter’s wattage in the product catalogue and user manual.
Moreover, for maximum effiency, it is essential to ensure that the battery rating should match the rating of the inverter
Warranty
Warranty is one of the vital things to know about any inverter. It reflects the brand’s and product’s reliability. Many manufacturers offer warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship for up to one year from purchase. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s return policy in case you need to return the unit for any reason.
Safety Tips:
- Inspect the battery water level frequently
- Avoid connecting the inverter to high-load appliances
- Use standard insulated wires for connections
- Ensure proper earthing
Final words:
12V inverters are a great choice for those who are looking to buy commercial and home products. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and reliable.
Buy 12V Inverters online at L&T-SuFin
With the right information and research, you can make an informed decision when investing in 12V inverters. L&T-SuFin provides a comprehensive range of 12V inverters for your needs. With its commitment to quality and customer service, it is the ideal place to find the most suitable inverter for your need.