Inverter batteries can be a boon for people who live in areas that experience frequent power outages. It is possible to use an inverter battery as your primary power source during these periods.
However, the only way to ensure that you have enough electricity stored up is by keeping them properly charged and filled with distilled water.
Read this article for information on making distilled water and keeping your inverter batteries running smoothly.
What is Distilled Water?
Regular tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can build up over time, reducing the life of an inverter battery.
For this reason, distilled water is used to fill the electrolyte fluid cells in an inverter battery – it is pure water that does not contain any minerals or chemicals. Thus there is nothing to reduce the life of a battery.
How Much Distilled Water Does an Inverter Battery Need?
Inverter batteries used for home use have a total capacity of around 300-400 Ah. It can take as much as 4 gallons of distilled water to fill them up properly – that’s 16 liters.
To make sure you don’t have to constantly be adding distilled water, only fill the battery up to 80% of its total capacity.
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How to Make Distilled Water for Inverter Battery
There are a few different ways to make distilled water.
1. Reverse Osmosis Filter
Distilled water can be made using a reverse osmosis filter, which can be connected to the tap in your house.
This type of filter uses the pressure attached to the faucet to force regular tap water through a special membrane that removes minerals and chemicals.
The purified water collects in a container where you can extract it later.
2. Water Distiller
A water distiller is a more expensive but easier option for making distilled water. This appliance plugs into an outlet and heats regular tap water until it turns into steam.
The steam rises and is then cooled back down, turning into pure distilled water that collects in a container.
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3. Microwave Oven
If you have a microwave oven in your house, you can also use it to make distilled water. Fill up a glass or bowl with tap water, cover the top of the container with plastic wrap and poke some holes in it.
Microwave the covered container for 5 minutes on high power. This method leaves behind sediments at the bottom of the glass but will make distilled water that can be used to top up your inverter batteries.
Steps to Make Distilled Water Using a Reverse Osmosis Filter
- Connect the reverse osmosis filter to the faucet in your house.
- Turn on the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes until it is clear.
- Close the tap and wait for 5 minutes until the water in the reverse osmosis filter has had a chance to settle.
- Open the tap again and let the water run until it is clear.
- The distilled water will now be collected in the container attached to the reverse osmosis filter.
Steps to Make Distilled Water Using a Water Distiller
- Plug in the water distiller and let it heat up.
- Once the distiller is hot, fill it up with regular tap water.
- Let the water distill for several hours until the container is full of distilled water.
- Unplug the distiller and let it cool down before emptying the distilled water into a storage container.
Steps to Make Distilled Water Using a Microwave Oven
- Fill up a bowl or glass with tap water.
- Cover the top of the container tightly with plastic wrap and poke some holes in it.
- Microwave this covered container for 5 minutes on high power.
- Let the container cool down before carefully removing the plastic wrap.
- The distilled water will now be collected in the container.
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How to Put Distilled Water in Inverter Battery
Once you have distilled water, it’s easy to put it in your inverter battery. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Check the Level of Distilled Water in Your Battery
The first step is to check the level of distilled water in your battery. This can be done by looking at the level indicator on the battery or by using a measuring cup.
Step 2: Add Distilled Water to the Battery
If the level of distilled water is below the minimum level, add enough distilled water to bring it up to the minimum level. Be careful not to overfill the battery.
Step 3: Close the Battery Cover
Once you’ve added distilled water, make sure you close the battery cover.
If you use a voltage monitor to track how charged your inverter batteries are, remember that distilled water has a different electric potential from regular tap water.
If you add distilled water to an inverter battery that has been fully charged, the voltage reading on the monitor may drop slightly. This is normal and doesn’t mean anything wrong with your battery or distilled water.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Battery Water
What Can I Use Instead of Distilled Water in Battery?
Using purified water instead of distilled water in your inverter battery is possible. However, do not use tap water. Also, keep in mind that using purified water may not always be necessary – check your battery’s level indicator to see if it needs more distilled water.
Can I Use Tap Water in My Inverter Battery?
No, do not use tap water in your inverter battery. Only use distilled water or purified water. Tap water can corrode the battery and cause it to function poorly.
Is Boiled Water Distilled?
No, boiled water is not distilled. Boiling water does not remove any of the impurities in the water. It only kills any bacteria or organisms that may be in the water. To make distilled water, you need to use a reverse osmosis filter, water distiller, or microwave oven.
Can You Use Rainwater Instead of Distilled Water in a Battery?
No, rainwater shouldn’t never be used in an inverter battery. Rainwater is not distilled, and it can corrode the battery over time.
Is Distilled Water Useful in an Inverter Battery?
Distilled water is necessary to keep your inverter battery from corroding. Without distilled water, your inverter battery will rust and lose performance.
Now that you know how to make distilled water for inverter battery, you can rest assured that your batteries will stay charged and ready to use. Distilled water is also a great backup plan in case of emergency, so be sure to keep some on hand just in case.
