Choosing the Right Inverter and Battery for Two Fans, Two Bulbs, and One TV

When it comes to ensuring that your essential household appliances, such as fans, bulbs, and a television, continue to function during power outages, selecting the right inverter and battery is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process of determining the necessary power consumption, inverter capacity, battery selection, and additional considerations to make an informed decision.

Total Power Consumption

To choose the appropriate inverter and battery, you first need to calculate the total power consumption of your devices. The power consumption of individual components can vary, but here’s a general breakdown:

Fans: Approximately 60 watts each. For two fans, the total power consumption is:

2 times 60 watts 120 watts

Bulbs: Approximately 10 watts each for LED bulbs. For two bulbs, the total power consumption is:

2 times 10 watts 20 watts

TV: Approximately 100 watts. The exact wattage can vary depending on the type of TV.

Now, let’s add these together to find the total power consumption:

Total power 120 watts 20 watts 100 watts 240 watts

Inverter Selection

Known as the heart of your backup power system, the inverter is responsible for converting the DC power stored in the battery into AC power that your AC devices can use. Here’s how to select the right inverter:

Inverter Capacity: It is advisable to have an inverter that can handle at least 20-30% more than your total load to account for surge power when devices start up. This ensures reliable operation during power outages. Based on the total power consumption of 240 watts, the recommended inverter capacity is:

240 watts times 1.3 (for a 30% safety margin) approximately 312 watts

A 500-watt inverter would be a safe and reliable choice, providing ample capacity for your needs. You can opt for a modified sine wave or pure sine wave inverter depending on your budget and requirements. Pure sine wave inverters are better for sensitive electronics like TVs and other high-tech devices.

Battery Selection

Batteries are the stored power source for your inverter. The correct battery capacity is determined by the duration you want your devices to run during a power outage. Here’s how to calculate the required battery capacity:

Battery Capacity: The formula to calculate battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah) is:

Battery Capacity (Ah) (Total Power (W) times Duration (h)) / Battery Voltage (V)

Assuming you want to run the devices for 2 hours and using a 12V battery, the calculation is as follows:

Battery Capacity (Ah) (240 watts times 2) / 12V 40 Ah

For reliability and longevity, it is recommended to use a 12V deep cycle battery with at least 40 Ah capacity. Lead-acid batteries are commonly used, but lithium batteries offer a longer lifespan and better efficiency. Ensure your battery is a deep cycle type, designed to handle frequent discharges and recharges.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few more points to consider when choosing an inverter and battery for your household appliances:

Type of Inverter: For sensitive electronics like TVs, a pure sine wave inverter is preferable.

Battery Type: Commonly used are lead-acid batteries, but for extended lifespan and better efficiency, lithium batteries are a superior choice.

Installation: Proper installation and adherence to safety measures are crucial. Ensure the inverter and battery are placed in a secure, ventilated area, and follow all manufacturer guidelines.

By choosing an appropriate inverter and battery based on these calculations and considerations, you can ensure your household appliances operate seamlessly during power outages.