Inverters are a great way to convert the power from an electricity grid and turn it into usable power for your home. They work by taking in AC and converting it to DC, which is more stable.
This conversion process can be dangerous if not done correctly because of the high voltage involved, but there are some simple steps that you can take to protect your inverter.
How to Protect Inverter from Lightning
Inverters are very sensitive to lightning strikes. One strong enough can render it useless and even start a fire. To protect your inverter, you should first shelter it as best as possible.
If your inverter is on the top of a pole and nothing else around it for quite a distance, then it is susceptible to lightning strikes.
If you can move your inverter into a garage or away from the top of the pole and in between other large metal objects, it will be much safer.
Other notable methods of protection from lightning strikes include:
1. Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are designed to protect your appliances and electronics from voltage spikes.
They work by monitoring the voltage coming into your home and diverting any excess voltage away from your devices. This will help to keep your inverter safe from any potentially damaging surges.
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2. Use a Lightning Arrestor
A lightning arrestor is a device that is specifically designed to protect your inverter from any direct lightning strikes.
It works by redirecting the lightning away from your inverter and keeping it safe to some other grounding point.
3. Ground Your Inverter
If all else fails, you can always ground your inverter. This will help dissipate any extra voltage that may cause damage and protect your inverter from any potential fires.
There are a few different ways to ground your inverter, so be sure to consult the instructions that came with your device.
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How to Protect Inverter from Overload
Most inverters have a built-in overload protection system. This is designed to protect your inverter from being overloaded by high amounts of power, which can cause damage.
Here are some ways to protect your inverter from overload:
1. Use a Good Quality Surge Protector
As mentioned before, surge protectors are designed to protect your appliances and electronics from voltage spikes.
By using a good-quality surge protector, you can help to protect your inverter from being overloaded.
2. Monitor Your Power Usage
It is essential to keep an eye on how much power you are using at any given time. If you start to overload your inverter, it can cause damage and even start a fire.
Be sure to unplug any appliances or electronics not in use to keep your inverter safe.
Read: How to check inverter battery capacity
3. Use a Power Inverter with a Higher Wattage Rating
If you are going to be using high-power appliances, you should consider purchasing a power inverter with a higher wattage rating.
These devices are made to handle more electrical current to keep your inverter safe from an overload.
How to Protect Inverter from Rain and Moisture
Inverters are not typically affected by rain or moisture, but it is still a good idea to take precautions to protect your device. Here are a few tips:
1. Keep Your Inverter in a Dry Place
It is essential to keep your inverter in a dry place, especially if you use it in a desert climate or where there is not much rain. If your inverter gets wet, it could cause damage and a short circuit.
2. Cover Your Inverter When It is Not in Use
If you are not using your inverter, be sure to cover it up. This will help keep the moisture out and protect your device from any potential damage.
3. Use a Water-resistant Enclosure
If you live in an area with a lot of rain or moisture, it may be a good idea to purchase a water-resistant enclosure.
These are designed to keep your inverter safe from the rain, but they will also allow you to use your device in wet conditions without any potential damage.
4. Install a Rain Cover
Another option is to install a rain cover. This piece of plastic or fabric will go over your inverter and protect it from the rain. It is an easy and affordable way to keep your device safe from the elements.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
If you are having trouble keeping your inverter dry, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier. This will help to remove the moisture from the air and keep your inverter safe from any potential damage.
Read: What size inverter for 100ah battery?
How to Hide Inverter in Living Room
When you want your inverter out of sight, the first thing to consider is where the power outlet should go.
You should consider where you will be using your inverter the most. Remember that you will need a grounding wire and an extension cord with grounded outlets.
You can then drill holes and secure them to walls. If the wall is made of concrete, use concrete anchors to tap into the concrete and fasten screws to them.
Be sure you use enough screws so that the unit will not come loose when pressure is applied.
Next, move on to hiding your power cord in plain sight by using lamp cords or TV cables. However, they will stand out if they are plugged in too often.
If you are trying to hide your inverter in a living room, this may be the best choice for you as it will not get used too often.
If these options sound like they don’t work for you or there isn’t any place where power outlets can be installed easily, consider using an electronic cabinet.
This will help keep your inverter secure, but it will also blend into the background of your home and make sure that you are not sacrificing any floor space for this device.
Read: how to install a power inverter in a van
How to Cover Inverter in Balcony
If you want to cover your inverter in the balcony, you can use a weatherproof enclosure.
This will protect your inverter from rain and moisture, and it will also allow you to use your device in wet conditions without any potential damage.
It is vital to keep your inverter in a dry place, especially if you use it somewhere where there is not much rain. If your inverter gets wet, it could cause damage and a short circuit.
Another option is to install a rain cover. This piece of plastic or fabric will go over your device and protect it from the rain. It is an easy and affordable way to keep your device safe from the elements.
If you are having trouble keeping your inverter dry, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier. This will help remove the moisture from the air and keep your inverter safe from any potential damage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protecting your power Inverter
What Can Damage Inverter?
A lot of things can damage your inverter. If water gets into the device, it will likely cause the insulation to become wet and corroded. This will result in an electrical short, leading to a fire or house burning down. Moisture can also cause corrosion on the transformer, leading to an electrical short.
You should also be careful with liquids getting near any exposed circuitry components, especially if you have oil-based electronics. This will quickly dissolve plastic, so try to keep them away from anything that might have liquid contact.
Should I Cover Solar Inverter?
You should cover your inverter to prevent it from getting wet, but you may also need other methods. The device must stay dry because if water gets into the insulation, you will have a hard time cleaning off all of the corrosion and rust, resulting in severe damage down the line.
How Long Do Inverters Last?
This depends on the brand, make, and model of the inverter that you are using. However, most inverters have a lifespan of around five to ten years. If you take care of your device and keep it in a dry place, it is likely to last longer than if it was constantly exposed to moisture or other elements.
These options will help you protect inverter from any damage. If you have a large unit for the enclosure, consider using an electronic cabinet.
This will also blend into the background and ensure that you are not sacrificing any floor space for your inverter. If all else fails, remember always to use a rain cover to protect your device from the elements.