Common inverter problems and how to fix them
Before you call a technician and pay a visit charge, check these simple DIY fixes. 60% of inverter 'failures' are actually minor maintenance issues.
1. Inverter is not charging the battery
This is the most common complaint. First, check if the main fuse at the back of the inverter is blown. If the fuse is fine, check the wall socket. Often, the high current of charging can burn the internal pins of the wall socket.
Another common cause is loose battery terminals. Ensure the wires connecting the inverter to the battery are tight and free of white powdery corrosion (lead sulfate).
2. Constant Beeping or Alarms
Modern inverters use beeps to communicate. A slow beep usually means 'Battery Low.' A rapid, continuous beep usually indicates 'Overload.'
If your NGuard inverter is beeping 'Overload,' turn off high-wattage appliances like geysers, pumps, or irons. Reset the inverter using the main power button. If the beep persists with no load, there may be a fault in the internal circuit board.
3. Significantly Low Backup Duration
If your battery used to give 4 hours of backup and now gives only 30 minutes, it's likely 'sulfated.' This happens when the battery isn't fully charged for a long period or the water levels have dropped below the plates.
The Fix: Check the water levels immediately. If the plates are visible, top them up with distilled water and put the inverter on 'High Charge' mode (if available) for 24 hours. If this doesn't help, the battery has likely reached its end-of-life.
4. Foul Acidic or Burning Smell
A strong rotten-egg smell indicates that the battery is overheating and gassing. This is dangerous as the gas is flammable. Turn off the mains immediately and ventilate the room.
This usually happens if the inverter's charging sensor has failed or if one of the six cells in your lead-acid battery has shorted. This requires immediate professional attention.