Help me buy an inverter

[msankadi]

Hi

I am looking to invest in an inverter solution for my home theater and other electronics setup...Till now I was using two quite big APC ups (2 x 2200VA) but now the battery has died for one of them and I would just like to get an inverter solution now...

Requesting help on how to decide and buy the inverter...Please ignore my ignorance and let me know if I have ommitted any key information

My requirements:
- Power Requirement - 2000 to 2500W Devices: Epson TW9400 Projector, RTX 4080 GPU PC, TV 65 inch, Yamaha avr, 5.1 speaker system,other smaller items like alexas etc. Dont really need a home power backup as the Society Backup Generator kicks in in after a minute or so...and supports full power backup
- Power duration - Just for maximum 5 minutes as the Generator kicks in after that...Will like to have a power backup for 15-30 minutes just to keep some buffer and future proofing
- Budget: Not very tight budget but hoping within 50k

Questions:
1. What specs do I need to look at and how do I ascertain what all parts are needed?
2. Roughly how much will be the cost?
3. How to choose the shop to buy from and what are the common methods they can cheat me?

 

[NAB]

There is no much difference between the UPS and Inverter. Now a days most inverters can be used in either mode.

The situation you described, there is no point of having an inverter.

So, either use UPS or keep nothing.

 

[bhaveshS]

There is no much difference between the UPS and Inverter. Now a days most inverters can be used in either mode.

The situation you described, there is no point of having an inverter.

So, either use UPS or keep nothing.

Yes for long duration go for inverter for short go for ups

 

[msankadi]

Thanks both. However the ups battery seems to run off very soon and inverter battery I have seen lasts for years... Have tried APC ups different types but same situation

 

[Desu Sarath]

Hi

I am looking to invest in an inverter solution for my home theater and other electronics setup...Till now I was using two quite big APC ups (2 x 2200VA) but now the battery has died for one of them and I would just like to get an inverter solution now...

Requesting help on how to decide and buy the inverter...Please ignore my ignorance and let me know if I have ommitted any key information

My requirements:
- Power Requirement - 2000 to 2500W Devices: Epson TW9400 Projector, RTX 4080 GPU PC, TV 65 inch, Yamaha avr, 5.1 speaker system,other smaller items like alexas etc. Dont really need a home power backup as the Society Backup Generator kicks in in after a minute or so...and supports full power backup
- Power duration - Just for maximum 5 minutes as the Generator kicks in after that...Will like to have a power backup for 15-30 minutes just to keep some buffer and future proofing
- Budget: Not very tight budget but hoping within 50k

Questions:
1. What specs do I need to look at and how do I ascertain what all parts are needed?
2. Roughly how much will be the cost?
3. How to choose the shop to buy from and what are the common methods they can cheat me?

You don't get UPS that supports this situation. You need to go for Invertor

 

[Desu Sarath]

You can buy Invertor and battery.

you do get batteries in Amp hours.

Use this Formula: mAh = Wh ÷ V / 1000 to find the mAH needed and buy that battery.

 

[Shankara A]

Option 1: replace UPS battery with the new one, ( if UPS is working fine and it is very economical )

Option 2: if your power requirements is 2500 watts and then choose 48 Volt battery system ( if it is lead acid then four 12 volt batteries) any brand 5kva inverter can handle real load of 3000 to 3500 watts.

Now battery size depends on your backup requirements, for 30 minutes backup of 2500 watts 75 AH capacity of lead acid battery is enough.

 

[RAMESH BABU N]

SMF batteries are used by APC. Sealed Maintenance Free. No fumes. No heat. Life is about 2-3 yrs.

If your APC unit supports, go in for STBs - Stationary Tubular batteries. They are bulkier, heavier than SMFBs - but slightly cheaper. Longer life n better support for loads. Can have backups from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Downside is - needs acid/ distilled water top ups every quarter - if weather is dry n hot - or halfyearly or annually. Life is about 4-5 yrs. Needs ventilated area.

I suggest replace APC SMFBs with STBs.

 

[msankadi]

Thank you everyone for the detailed options.... I have many more questions now, can you please help?

SMF batteries are used by APC. Sealed Maintenance Free. No fumes. No heat. Life is about 2-3 yrs.

If your APC unit supports, go in for STBs - Stationary Tubular batteries. They are bulkier, heavier than SMFBs - but slightly cheaper. Longer life n better support for loads. Can have backups from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Downside is - needs acid/ distilled water top ups every quarter - if weather is dry n hot - or halfyearly or annually. Life is about 4-5 yrs. Needs ventilated area.

I suggest replace APC SMFBs with STBs.

My UPS model is this: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08R8CSCWP?tag=ppvzone-21
I had gotten the batteries changed from APC during warranty too but that didnt help. Below is a pic of batteries he had replaced them with. Do you think I can get this changed locally with better Amron or other batteries - What would be the cost will they know how? Dont think it willl support those big SMFBs batteries. :

Option 1: replace UPS battery with the new one, ( if UPS is working fine and it is very economical )

Option 2: if your power requirements is 2500 watts and then choose 48 Volt battery system ( if it is lead acid then four 12 volt batteries) any brand 5kva inverter can handle real load of 3000 to 3500 watts.

Now battery size depends on your backup requirements, for 30 minutes backup of 2500 watts 75 AH capacity of lead acid battery is enough.

What would be the rough cost for this setup assuming the 75AH capacity+ UPS? Will each battery need to be 75AH?
Do you think I can get this changed locally with better Amron or other batteries - What would be the cost will they know how - UPS is working fine and in fact UPS is still in warranty (Not the battery)

 

[RAMESH BABU N]

Best thing to do is go to the nearest battery shoppe - any brand will do - and ask their guy to come home once. He will see the UPS, its ratings (of its capacity to handle high capacity SMFBs/STBs). Any brand is more or less similarly priced. Amaron is relatively better with extra warranty.

 

[Shankara A]

Thank you everyone for the detailed options.... I have many more questions now, can you please help?


My UPS model is this: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08R8CSCWP?tag=ppvzone-21
I had gotten the batteries changed from APC during warranty too but that didnt help. Below is a pic of batteries he had replaced them with. Do you think I can get this changed locally with better Amron or other batteries - What would be the cost will they know how? Dont think it willl support those big SMFBs batteries. :

View attachment 55629



What would be the rough cost for this setup assuming the 75AH capacity+ UPS? Will each battery need to be 75AH?
Do you think I can get this changed locally with better Amron or other batteries - What would be the cost will they know how - UPS is working fine and in fact UPS is still in warranty (Not the battery)

While checking the datasheet of APC BVX 2200VA I found its power output is 1200 watts, which means your current set-up can deliver a maximum of 1200 watts + 1200 watts = 2400 watts. This up uses two 9Ah 12-volt batteries, so you require four batteries for your two UPS system

Now option 1: contact the local inverter shop and get your ups checked by them, If ups are good and the batteries are in bad condition, replace them with the same or a little higher capacity, Each 7Ah battery may cost between 1.5k to 2k, Choose any reputed brand like amaron or exide

option 1a: ask the guy at the local inverter shop if it is possible to connect inverter batteries or higher-capacity batteries to your current UPSs for a longer backup duration. If the guy is confident and has the necessary technical know-how, he only needs to carry out this inverter battery option. 75 Ah battery may cost around 7K

A longer backup period is provided by option 1a, but it is more expensive and cannot accommodate larger batteries inside the UPS. Keep in mind that these batteries have a limited lifespan This is a significant expense for only a 30-minute backup. This is why Option 1 seems very cost-effective, and your home already has a power backup option.

 

[msankadi]

While checking the datasheet of APC BVX 2200VA I found its power output is 1200 watts, which means your current set-up can deliver a maximum of 1200 watts + 1200 watts = 2400 watts. This up uses two 9Ah 12-volt batteries, so you require four batteries for your two UPS system

Now option 1: contact the local inverter shop and get your ups checked by them, If ups are good and the batteries are in bad condition, replace them with the same or a little higher capacity, Each 7Ah battery may cost between 1.5k to 2k, Choose any reputed brand like amaron or exide

option 1a: ask the guy at the local inverter shop if it is possible to connect inverter batteries or higher-capacity batteries to your current UPSs for a longer backup duration. If the guy is confident and has the necessary technical know-how, he only needs to carry out this inverter battery option. 75 Ah battery may cost around 7K

A longer backup period is provided by option 1a, but it is more expensive and cannot accommodate larger batteries inside the UPS. Keep in mind that these batteries have a limited lifespan This is a significant expense for only a 30-minute backup. This is why Option 1 seems very cost-effective, and your home already has a power backup option.

Thank you

Option 1 does sound so cheap!! And 1 of the ups is still working fine...so I just need a set of 2 batteries (assuming he can connect and replace it) ...and the cost will be very less..Do you know if the inverter guy will be able to change the batteries?..Any reason why you are recommending I replace them with 7ah batteries instead of 9ah?

Is this the type of battery I need? https://apc.estorewale.com/product/amaron-quanta-smf-battery-9ah-12v-12avl009/

Option 1a the only benefit I can see is possibly longetivity...As I need only 3-4 minutes max backup....batteries that give 30 minutes backup today might give a 5 minute backup even after 5 years

 

[RAMESH BABU N]

Thank you

Option 1 does sound so cheap!! And 1 of the ups is still working fine...so I just need a set of 2 batteries (assuming he can connect and replace it) ...and the cost will be very less..Do you know if the inverter guy will be able to change the batteries?..Any reason why you are recommending I replace them with 7ah batteries instead of 9ah?

Is this the type of battery I need? https://apc.estorewale.com/product/amaron-quanta-smf-battery-9ah-12v-12avl009/

Option 1a the only benefit I can see is possibly longetivity...As I need only 3-4 minutes max backup....batteries that give 30 minutes backup today might give a 5 minute backup even after 5 years

Remember - automotive batteries life is 3 yrs ideally. Lucky if you can more.
UPS/Inverter - SMF/STBs life is 3 yrs usually. Need to replace - as backup time gets reduced drastically.
DO NOT EXPECT 5 YEAR LIFE FROM EITHER.

 

[Shankara A]

Thank you

Option 1 does sound so cheap!! And 1 of the ups is still working fine...so I just need a set of 2 batteries (assuming he can connect and replace it) ...and the cost will be very less..Do you know if the inverter guy will be able to change the batteries?..Any reason why you are recommending I replace them with 7ah batteries instead of 9ah?

Is this the type of battery I need? https://apc.estorewale.com/product/amaron-quanta-smf-battery-9ah-12v-12avl009/

Option 1a the only benefit I can see is possibly longetivity...As I need only 3-4 minutes max backup....batteries that give 30 minutes backup today might give a 5 minute backup even after 5 years

Yes your UPS needs same battery you are mentioned in the link, sorry that 7Ah was typing mistake. Please read it as 9Ah.

 

[msankadi]

Remember - automotive batteries life is 3 yrs ideally. Lucky if you can more.
UPS/Inverter - SMF/STBs life is 3 yrs usually. Need to replace - as backup time gets reduced drastically.
DO NOT EXPECT 5 YEAR LIFE FROM EITHER.

The battery that I selected for example shows 48 months warranty...does this mean if it dies or deteriorates significantly before that I can exchange it?

Anyways even if the battery gives me 2.5 years of life....then also 3k-4k per ups for that much time is perfectly fine with me...+ saves me the headache of a bulky huge inverter setup and big investment too

 

[msankadi]

Yes your UPS needs same battery you are mentioned in the link, sorry that 7Ah was typing mistake. Please read it as 9Ah.

One more question...while looking at the videos on youtube...it seems changing the battery is pretty easy and straightforward even for me (who is a novice without any experience)

Is it actually that easy or is it just deceptive and not really easy? Are there any significant risks involved in replacing it (and precautions I can take for the same)?

Examples:

 

[Shankara A]

One more question...while looking at the videos on youtube...it seems changing the battery is pretty easy and straightforward even for me (who is a novice without any experience)

Is it actually that easy or is it just deceptive and not really easy? Are there any significant risks involved in replacing it (and precautions I can take for the same)?

Examples:

It is very easy if you have prior experience of working with electrical equipment , know what you are doing, having right tools, and confidence,

Now risks are, Forgetting disconnecting AC input, Forgetting turn off UPS switch, result : electrical shock,
wrong connection of battery terminal , lose connection of battery terminal result: PCB burning, another risk is breaking some plastic part etc.



It is better to visit the local inverter/battery shop, buy and get it done by them, they may charge little extra money, for battery replacement.

 

[RAMESH BABU N]

Most of the battery shoppe guys fit UPS internal batteries free of cost. Take the unit to them n select the battery. Let them do the work. Why take a chance ? Unless you are experienced hand like me.

 

[msankadi]

Most of the battery shoppe guys fit UPS internal batteries free of cost. Take the unit to them n select the battery. Let them do the work. Why take a chance ? Unless you are experienced hand like me.

Yes i am the exact opposite of you then... Inexperienced and fumbly...

I will go to the battery shop guy... Let me find out some guy like that... Aaj tak kabhi aisi shop dekhi nahi maybe kyuki kaam nahi pada

 

[abhiver]

Hi

I am looking to invest in an inverter solution for my home theater and other electronics setup...Till now I was using two quite big APC ups (2 x 2200VA) but now the battery has died for one of them and I would just like to get an inverter solution now...

Requesting help on how to decide and buy the inverter...Please ignore my ignorance and let me know if I have ommitted any key information

My requirements:
- Power Requirement - 2000 to 2500W Devices: Epson TW9400 Projector, RTX 4080 GPU PC, TV 65 inch, Yamaha avr, 5.1 speaker system,other smaller items like alexas etc. Dont really need a home power backup as the Society Backup Generator kicks in in after a minute or so...and supports full power backup
- Power duration - Just for maximum 5 minutes as the Generator kicks in after that...Will like to have a power backup for 15-30 minutes just to keep some buffer and future proofing
- Budget: Not very tight budget but hoping within 50k

Questions:
1. What specs do I need to look at and how do I ascertain what all parts are needed?
2. Roughly how much will be the cost?
3. How to choose the shop to buy from and what are the common methods they can cheat me?

Yes i am the exact opposite of you then... Inexperienced and fumbly...

I will go to the battery shop guy... Let me find out some guy like that... Aaj tak kabhi aisi shop dekhi nahi maybe kyuki kaam nahi pada

Inverter is suitable for your need,

And you can change the UPS battery by yourself, it is super easy,. All you need is screwdriver to open it and then they have this red and black plug attached to the port of the battery... Pull the plug and then take the battery out and repalce it with new one.

Just for safety purpose, swith off the power and wear a glove and shoes