Power inverters are used in both commercial and residential applications. For example, they convert the DC power stored in batteries to AC power which can be supplied to an electrical load. Power inverters can also convert AC to DC power in the charger and AC to AC power in motor drive. If the power is not converted adequately, it will result in problems for the user of the device.
There are several reasons why a power inverter may fail, here are the most common ones:
High voltage surges.
High Voltage Surges or HV Spikes are perhaps the most common culprits of power inverter failure. Power surges occur when the voltage supplied to your home exceeds the limit that is required by an electronic device, like an inverter. When this happens, electronics can be damaged due to heat buildup or they may not work at all.
HV Surges are becoming more and more common as we rely more on technology and devices that run on electricity. It is an issue, especially in areas where severe weather changes are experienced regularly, like super typhoons and tropical storms.
Even though power inverters have tons of advantages, HV surges should be taken into consideration before buying one to avoid unnecessary expenses or damages that can be avoided. To mitigate such risk, it is always good to look for an inverter with galvanic isolation. Then the users and electronics will be protected during the high voltage surges.
Brownouts (Low Voltage Surges).
Just like HV Surges, Brownout or Low Voltage Surges is another common cause of power inverters failures. Just like the name suggests, this happens when there is not enough voltage going to a device, so its performance becomes unstable and unreliable. Devices with high power requirements like heaters, stoves, and ovens are prone to this.
When devices like these cannot perform properly, it can lead to problems that may cause power inverter failure. When the threshold is met or surpassed, the device will be burned out instantly. If you want to avoid disappointments and expensive repairs, always check for voltage requirements before buying a power inverter.
Inverter overload.
Inverters are generally designed to handle a certain amount of power, and electricity must not exceed the maximum limit indicated on the device. When this happens, it can cause overheating, which may lead to an explosion or immediate power failure. Not only does this ruin the devices in question, but it can also destroy the inverter.
To avoid this kind of malfunction, always check if your power inverter can handle the devices that are connected to it. Bear in mind that voltage requirements should be taken into consideration before buying one to make sure they are capable of handling larger appliances or devices you might want to use in the future. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these kinds of matters. Alternatively, you can look for inverters equipped with smart features that can prevent such overcurrent and short-circuit conditions.
Voltage inversion.
This is the opposite of voltage surges where there is not enough power going to a device, resulting in malfunction and potential damage, just like brownouts. Devices with low power requirements are most likely to experience this.
When voltage inversion happens, electronics can suddenly shut off, which may lead to power inverter failure. To avoid potential damages, always check if your electronic devices are compatible with the inverter you want to use by checking the voltage requirements on its manual book. Always bear in mind that too much or too little of it can cause problems, so be wary of this when using a power inverter.
Mechanical and electrical failures.
Power inverters may also fail due to mechanical and electrical problems, but these are fairly uncommon cases. They mostly happen because of unstable power supplies, which is why it is advised that you only buy products from trusted brands that use safe materials in their appliances.
When power inverters fail due to electrical and mechanical problems, it may be covered by the warranty depending on the brand. If you want to get a warranty for, say, AC inverters, always keep the receipt and manual book safe so that they can easily be accessed when necessary.
If you experience any of these issues, it is important to stop using the device immediately and contact experts to avoid causing damage and fire hazards. Experts can also do a diagnosis on the inverter to know what exactly is wrong to give you options for possible solutions.
If you want to get inverters, say, AC inverters, always remember these important tips so you will be able to enjoy its benefits without experiencing frustrations and disappointments.
