Inverters - Battery Back Up

The Inverter is permanently connected to utility power so that while mains/Eskom is present the Inverter recharges the batteries and keeps the batteries fully charged until a power failure (load shedding) occurs. Lithium Ion Batteries can discharge to 95 percent and recharge more rapid than gel and lead acid batteries. Gel Batteries cannot discharge to 95% and neither can lead acid batteries.

In case of a power failure the backup system automatically switches over, via an extra fast transfer switch to the inverter, which will continue to provide power to the equipment within 30 msec. This is not as fast as a UPS system, which is instantaneous.

This is extremely fast and standard equipment like TVs, DSTV decoders, microwaves, fans, etc. are unaffected. The sinewave systems can also backup computers but it is possible that a very small percentage of computers could reset during the switchover time. Also wifi routers can reset.

Our systems offered here are a sinewave inverter; with a built-in battery charger, automatic changeover switch and a large battery bank. There is a small fan on the inverter. We do not recommend or install modulated sine wave inverters, which are cheaper and have limitations. All installations have a DC Fuses installed which protect the batteries a separate sub distribution board and an installed change over switch.

When utility power returns, the whole procedure is reversed and the unit will switch back to utility power and will automatically start re-charging the batteries. The Inverters we install are Hybrid which means solar power can be integrated at a later stage.

Optimise your power usage.
Only keep the basic/necessary devices running. For instance your geyser does not need to be on backup as it consumes a lot of power and you will only lose 2°C in water temperature during the 2-2.5 hours load shedding by keeping off the backup system.
By installing LED lights (remember incandescent and halogen downlights won’t do) all your lights can be added on backup power.
We recommend quality LED lamps such as Philips, Synergy. Also remember if you are upgrading to led lamps then you must upgrade your dimmers and make sure the led lamps are dimmerable and have the correct colour.

Your equipment remains connected to the system even when power is restored. The whole process is fully automatic.
The advantage of this that you don’t have to install a noisy generator. Generators need constant refilling and maintenance and are not ideal for residential areas or for small businesses where noise and pollution from the exhaust are a problem.