How To Choose An Inverter

Inverter for use at home has become a necessity than a luxury with frequent power cuts across India. People now want to run all home appliances including air conditioners, televisions and refrigerators for their convenience.

What Is Inverter ?

A power inverter converts DC power to standard home AC power. This lets you run AC electrical equipments during power outages conveniently.

Typical Uses

Inverters normally have one or more standard outlets to power laptops, small TVs, DVD players and other home appliances like light and fans.

Ground Fault Protection

If the inverter gets damp or wet Ground fault protection instantly turns off the inverter. The inverter turns itself back on if the problems are fixed. GFCI feature protects people from electrical shocks and fire.

Transfer Switch

Power inverters have a built-in transfer switch which switches from inverter power to utility power when electricity comes. The transfer switch allows external power to be transferred to appliances automatically.

Power Inverter or Generator ?

Generator typically is needed for higher power needs. An inverter is more economical power alternative to run items under 1000W and is ideal for small appliances like light, fan, laptop, TV other low load appliances. To operate a refrigerator, washing machine, AC and other high load appliances, a generator is a better option.

For power consumption above 2000W, a generator will be a better option.

Difference Betwwen Inverter and UPS

Both provide backup when there is a power outage. In case of UPS the switch is instantaneous whereas in case of inverters there is a lag in switch. Hence in case of critical applications like computers a UPS is needed. For household appliances like fan, light, cooler etc. the gap is fine and hence an inverter works well. An inverter is typically cheaper than a UPS.