Inverters and inverter
batteries are used in various applications to keep the power running when there
are power issues like an outage. When the inverter battery stops performing the
way it should, it drains the device’s power. It may also unnecessarily harm
your device. So, knowing that your
inverter battery is performing correctly is paramount. That way, you can
determine if there is a fault in it and take the necessary steps to correct
it.
Thus, periodically
checking the health of the battery is essential, and here is how to do it.
There are different types of inverter battery, but the method for
checking their health primarily consists of these eight steps.
1. Charge the Battery Fully
First, charge the
inverter battery fully to ensure that it doesn’t discharge during the check.
This forms the first step to checking the health of your inverter
battery. Use a charger to deliver
a full charging current for 24 hours. This will make sure any fluctuations due
to short circuit is resolved entirely.
2. Unplug the Battery
After the battery has
been fully charged, disconnect it from the inverter and check for
irregularities. Make sure the battery is free from any load connected to it. Also,
it’s crucial to ensure that both positive and negative loads are disconnected
to avoid accidental reverse polarities arising.
3. Check if the Terminals are Clean
Check if the battery
terminals are clean. Check for any dirt or grime on the battery terminals. If
you find any, clean them with a clean and dry cloth. Clean terminals are
important to make sure there is proper contact with the meter, which will lead
to proper reading. A secure connection is vital to avoid discrepancies in the
preliminary test.
There are different types
of inverter battery, but the terminals must be kept clean at all
times.
4. Check Acid Levels
A battery with good
health has an optimum acid level in it. For a sealed lead acid battery, you can
use a special meter to check the acid levels in different cells. This will help
you determine any leaks or damage to the electrolyte solution inside these
batteries. It also helps determine how much charge is left in the batteries for
future use.
5. Assess the Acid Color
Once you have checked
the acid levels, you now have to check the acid color. You can use special test
strips available in different colors showing different pH levels. The acid color and
density should also be visually checked. The denser and darker the color, the
higher the acid content. A battery with good health has a colorless acid.
6. Check Voltage and Specific Gravity
Inverter batteries are
charged using a charger. A loss in capacity can be determined by verifying the
voltage and specific gravity of the battery. Charge your 220Ah tubular battery fully and
use an electronic meter to check the voltage and see if the voltage
fluctuations are consistent. Too many changes in voltage can cause problems
with the battery. The fluctuations in the specific gravity should also show
consistent readings. It should not vary too much.
7. Check for Faulty Connections
Sometimes, the terminal
connections of a battery can become loose or disconnected and cause issues. To
check, apply a low load current to the battery. If your 12v 220Ah tubular
battery remains functional after this test, it is likely a
connection is loose.
It can happen that some
components have been exposed to water or direct sunlight, causing corrosion at
the terminals. Any component coming in contact with it also gets corroded, and
in such cases where the connections are weak, they will not be able to carry as
much current as they usually do.
The excessive heat
produced during charging and discharging may even damage the battery, leading
to subsequent failure.
8. Check the Surface for any Dust
Check the surface of the
battery for any cracks or damaged areas. Any impact or shock to the battery may
damage the internal components and make it useless.
Conclusion
It is important to make
sure that your inverter
battery functions optimally so that your inverter and appliances
continue to function properly. That’s why checking your battery is important.
Follow the above steps to check your battery health and ensure it’s running the
way it should.
