8 Steps to Check Inverter Battery Health
Inverter and inverter batteries are used in many appliances for securing continual power supply when there is a power issue. When they fail, the Tubular Inverter Battery will stop functioning and drain the device’s power. Many of these batteries are connected to electronic devices, and failing can be dangerous to both users and the appliance itself. So, knowing if your inverter battery is healthy and up and running is essential.
Common Signs Showing Inverter Battery Damage
Luckily, a tubular battery for an inverter shows some signs that things may be out of place. For your convenience, we have listed the most common symptoms that inverter batteries show when it is not functioning the way they should.
Loss in cooling performance (<50% efficiency)
Loss in energy production (<50% efficiency)
Rapid voltage drop when connected to power mains. Meaning voltage transition, say, between 110V — 120V or 220V — 240V, may be very sudden.
The electrolytic solution inside a battery is responsible for carrying the current to external applications. When the battery fails, it may start losing its capacity rapidly.
Battery damage can lead to loss of energy production for large devices like air conditioners, freezers, generators, etc.
How to Check Inverter Battery Health
Here are the steps that you need to take to check your inverter battery health.
- Charge the Battery Fully
Charging an inverter battery fully is the first step to check its health. You must charge the inverter battery completely so that it does not discharge during the check.
Also, use a charger to deliver a full charging current for 24 hours. It will ensure that any fluctuations in the battery due to short circuits are ironed out completely.
2. Unplug the Battery from the Inverter
Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect and unplug it from the inverter and check for irregularities. When checking, it is important to ensure that there is no load connected to the battery. Also, make sure you disconnect both the positive and negative leads to avoid accidental reverse polarities.
3. Clean the Terminals
Guarantee that the battery terminals remain clean, devoid of any dust or grime. This upkeep guarantees unimpeded contact with the meter, ensuring precise readings. A secure connection is imperative to avoid any preliminary testing discrepancies.
4. Acid Level Assessment
The acid levels within the battery cells play a pivotal role in ascertaining the overall health of an inverter battery. For sealed lead acid batteries, a specialized meter facilitates comprehensive testing to discern acid levels across distinct cells. Any inverter battery with advanced safety features will have a feature to check its acid level.
This evaluation detects potential leaks or damage within the electrolyte solution and provides insight into the battery’s remaining charge for future applications.
5. Acid Color Examination
Check the acid levels by observing the acid color inside the battery. This task is accomplished utilizing specialized acid test strips, each tailored to distinct pH levels.
The visual assessment of acid color and density within individual battery cells is crucial. Dense and darker colors signify heightened acid content, while colorlessness indicates optimal conditions.
6. Voltage and Specific Gravity Check
Unveil potential battery health damage through a meticulous evaluation of voltage and specific gravity. The inverter battery derives its charge from a charger. A complete charge is necessary to gauge voltage fluctuations against an electronic meter. Inconsistencies in voltage patterns hint at underlying battery issues. Also, check if the specific gravity of the battery is consistent. It should not vary too much during the test.
7. Inspect Faulty Connections
Safeguard against malfunctions stemming from loose connections at inverter battery terminals. Employ a low current load assessment to gauge functionality. Endurance following this evaluation indicates secure connections in an Inverter battery with a low self-discharge rate.
Instances of water exposure or direct sunlight might instigate terminal corrosion, compromising the conductive elements. Weakened connections hinder efficient current flow, potentially leading to overheating during charge and discharge cycles, culminating in failure.
8. Clean the Surface of All Dust
Scrutinize the external surface of the inverter battery to ensure no cracks and damaged areas. Protecting the battery against cracks or impact-induced impairment is vital because damages can adversely affect the internal architecture, rendering the battery useless.
Conclusion
It is important to ensure your battery is in great condition, which will make sure that the inverter you use continues to perform properly. However, a Tubular Inverter Battery may lose its health due to more than one reason. In such cases, you must perform the above checks on the battery and ensure that it continues to function optimally.
