What Happens if Inverter Battery Water is Low?

A few months back, I was so irritated with the frequent power outages in my locality that I had to buy an inverter. Before buying the inverter, I asked the shop owner what happens if inverter battery water is low? He said that an inverter battery may sustain damage or possibly catch fire if its water supply runs out. The battery may lose power and its performance will be impacted. 

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Inverter Battery Water Level Low Reasons

The following are possible explanations that he shared: 

1. Chemical Reactions: A shortage of water causes the battery's acid to drop, which can impede the chemical reactions that generate energy. 

2. The Electrodes: Because the battery plates are exposed to the air, corrosion may result. 

3. Oxidation: The battery will lose power if the active ingredient oxidises in the absence of water. 

I was informed that refilling the inverter battery's water tank is essential for preserving the battery's longevity and power efficiency. In my inverter, there is an indicator light, by which I can determine the water level:

1. Green: This means that the entire battery is charged.

2. Red: It is necessary to top off the low water level. 

Finally, he said that distilled or de-ionized water can be added to the battery plates to replenish the water. Also, I must check the water level once again after charging the battery and add more if necessary. Approximately 1/8" of water should be below the fill well.

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Which Water is used in Inverter Battery?

Water is needed in an inverter battery to serve as an electrolyte medium, facilitating the chemical reactions that generate electrical energy. Additionally, maintaining the proper water level ensures adequate cooling of the battery and prevents overheating during the charging and discharging processes. I make sure to clear all my doubts regarding all these materials. When we bought an inverter, I asked the shopkeeper what happens if inverter battery water is low and learned a great deal of information. I suggest you know about it as well.

What to do when inverter shows low battery?

If an inverter shows low battery then you should-

Start by inspecting the battery itself. Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and securely connected. Examine the battery for any signs of damage or leakage. If the battery appears to be in good condition, proceed to the next step.

Use a multimeter or a battery tester to measure the voltage of the battery. A fully charged 12V battery should ideally have a voltage reading of around 12.6-12.8 volts. If the voltage is significantly lower than this, it indicates a discharged or weak battery that needs recharging.

If the battery charge is low, recharge it using an appropriate battery charger. Connect the charger to the battery following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the battery to charge fully until the recommended voltage is reached. This process may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the battery's capacity and the charger's specifications.

After charging the battery, monitor its performance by checking the voltage periodically. Ensure that the battery voltage remains stable and within the recommended range. If the battery voltage drops quickly after charging or continues to show signs of weakness, it may be necessary to replace the battery.

If you are uncertain about the condition of your battery or if the low battery issue persists despite recharging, it is advisable to seek assistance from a qualified professional. They can diagnose the problem and provide further guidance or recommend battery replacement if necessary.

What to do if inverter battery is low?

If you learn that your inverter battery is low, then

Turn off or unplug non-essential devices to minimise the load on the battery and extend its runtime.

Plug the inverter into a reliable power source, such as the electrical grid or a generator, to start recharging the battery.

Keep an eye on the battery's charging status using the inverter's indicators or a separate battery monitor to ensure it reaches a full charge.

Place the inverter and battery in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperatures to enhance the charging efficiency.

Implement a regular maintenance routine for your inverter battery, including periodic checks for water levels, cleaning of terminals, and an overall battery health assessment, to avoid future low battery situations.

Since that day I have understood what happens if inverter battery water is low clearly and I hope you too understand what steps need to be taken in that case.

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