Steps to Top-Up Water in Inverter Battery – Dos and Don’ts
Why does your inverter battery need water?
Inverters power your devices by converting the DC current into AC current and there is a chain of chemical reactions behind this process. Since the electrolyte solution (acid + distilled water) is involved in this process, they do not achieve the maximum capacity consistently. Over time, the water evaporates and the acid becomes concentrated as the acid-water balance is not optimal. Therefore it is essential to keep the water level topped off in the inverter always so that the acid remains diluted enough and does not lose its efficiency over time. It is important to note that if the water levels drop too low:- The backup capacity weakens
- The battery life reduces
- Battery plates get permanently damaged
- There is risk of overheating
- The safety issue also increases
What is battery water?
Battery water refers to the distilled water used in lead-acid and tubular inverter batteries. It mixes with battery acid to form the electrolyte that enables the chemical reaction required to store and supply power. Since water evaporates over time due to charging and heat, battery water needs to be refilled periodically to maintain the correct electrolyte level and ensure optimal battery performance.How to check inverter battery water level?
Checking the inverter battery water level is simple and takes only a few minutes. First, switch off the inverter and allow the battery to cool. Open the battery top cover and look for the water level indicators on each cell. If the level is near the MIN or red mark, the battery needs a top-up. If it is between the MIN and MAX (green mark), the level is safe. Always check the level in good lighting and never open the cells while the inverter is on or charging.What happens if the inverter battery water is low?
When the inverter battery water level drops below the recommended limit, the battery cannot function efficiently. Low water levels cause the acid to become highly concentrated, leading to reduced backup time, faster battery aging, overheating and permanent damage to the battery plates. Ignoring low water levels can also increase safety risks and result in costly battery replacement much earlier than expected.Why use distilled water for inverter batteries?
Distilled water is the purest form of water and it is so pure that even the regular water ions are not there in it. This nature of distilled water makes it useful for many purposes including replenishing the inverter and car batteries, medicine applications etc. If the regular water is used in inverter batteries then water ions will form a layer and clog the electrodes. They will also hinder the current producing chemical reactions along with the other dust particles and organic compounds that are present in regular water. These ions are not present in regular water and therefore the electrodes remain free from any problems. This is the reason why it is always advised to use only best distilled water for inverter battery. Also Read: Things You Need for Your Grid-Tied Solar Plus Battery Back-Up SystemSteps to top-up water in inverter battery:
Before you begin, make sure that the inverter is turned-off, safety is the topmost priority.Check if the battery needs top-up
- Open the battery cover carefully and check the level of distilled water with the help of water level indications. The lower level has a red mark while the upper level has a green mark.
- If the level is indicated by a red mark then it is time to top-up.
Remove the vent plugs of water topping
- Twist it in an anticlockwise direction to open and wipe off the dust around the area using a dry and clean cloth.
- Use a funnel to place in the hole and pour distilled water slowly into the chamber.
- Repeat this for each chamber till it reaches the Max level (or Green mark and not beyond that).
- Prevent overfill else it might lead to acid spills and leakage.
Close the vents
- Once water topping is done, close the vent plugs carefully by twisting it in clockwise direction.
- Repeat the process for all the chambers.
- Wipe any acid residue/ water with the help of a clean cloth on the battery surface.
Important Do’s and Don’ts of inverter battery water top-up:
Do’s
- Make use of distilled water only for topping up the inverter battery
- Make sure to check the distilled water level in battery on monthly basis
- While filling distilled water in the battery, make sure that you are wearing gloves
- Set a reminder at regular intervals to get timely notifications about the water levels in battery
Don’ts
- Do not use anything other than the distilled water in battery
- Never top-up when the inverter is either charging or is on
- Avoid overfilling or under-filling the water than the marked level
- Do not use dirty tools and also do not touch inside the cells
- Don’t use area that is not ventilated properly for topping-up
How often to fill distilled water in inverter battery?
This thing depends on some of the important factors like:- Power cuts in your area
- Type of battery that you are using
- Weather ( it is more frequent in the summer season)
What is the importance of topping-up water in an inverter battery?
An inverter is the device that takes care of the comfort and safety of your family every time there is a power outage. Whether it is your child preparing for an exam, your parents resting peacefully or you are simply enjoying dinner time with your family, an uninterrupted power supply is very important during these important moments to keep them going. If you ignore topping-up water in the inverter battery, it might affect:- The backup duration
- Lifespan of your battery
- Your budget
- Peace of mind of your loved ones
Inverter battery water top-up quick checklist:
| Do This | Don’t do this |
| Turn off the inverter | Top-up while the inverter is on or charging |
| Use distilled water only | Use mineral or tap water |
| Fill up to the MAX level only | Overfill beyond MAX level |
| Maintain cleanliness and wear gloves | Use dirty hands/tools |
| Check every 2-3 months | Wait until the backup of battery drops |
Conclusion: Show some care to the one who takes care of the comfort of your family
Inverter serves to be an important appliance of your home especially if you live in an area that is prone to power cuts. Your inverter battery works behind the scenes silently and offers uninterrupted power during outages. So it deserves the slight attention – just like the other appliances of home. A simple water top-up with distilled water makes the difference between total blackout and light on during emergencies. So next time when you notice the MIN level (or level reaching RED mark), don’t ignore it but act on it.
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