FAQ

How do I know when my car battery needs replacing? Do inverters increase electricity bill? Which Exide battery is best for my two wheeler? Find the answer to your questions in this FAQ section.

A.

Keeping an eye on your inverter battery's health is important if you want consistent backup during power cuts. Here are a few simple steps to check if your battery is in good condition:

Do a visual inspection

Start by checking for any visible signs of trouble. If the battery looks swollen, is leaking, or has corrosion around the terminals, it could be nearing the end of its life. For tubular batteries, open the caps and check the electrolyte level inside each cell. The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's low, top it up with distilled water.

Measure the voltage

Use a digital mustimeter set to DC mode. A fully charged 12V battery should read between 12.5 and 13 volts in open circuit. If it shows less than 12V even after charging, it may be weakening and might need replacing soon.

Test the backup duration

Run your inverter during a short power cut and note how long it lasts while using basic appliances like fans and lights. If it used to run for 4 hours but now lasts only 2 at the same load, it's a sign that the battery isn't holding charge well anymore.

Routine care helps a lot. Wipe the terminals clean, check fluid levels regularly, and ensure the battery is kept in a well-ventilated space. If you're unsure about anything, it's a good idea to have a technician inspect it-especially if you're relying on it for regular use.

A.

The lifespan of an inverter battery depends on several factors-like the type of battery, how frequently it's used, how deeply it's discharged, and how well it's maintained.

For example, good-quality tubular inverter batteries typically last anywhere between 4 to 6 years with regular use and proper care. On average, if you're using the battery for about 8-10 hours of backup per week, you can expect a solid 4 to 5 years of reliable performance. Some higher-end tubular models can stretch even further, up to 6 years or more, especially if they're used in moderate conditions and well maintained.

Here are a few key factors that affect battery life:

  • Depth of Discharge (DoD): Frequently draining the battery too much can reduce its lifespan. Try to keep usage within 70-80% of full capacity.
  • Maintenance: Check electrolyte levels regularly (if your battery isn't sealed), top up with distilled water when needed, and clean the terminals to prevent corrosion.
  • Environment: High temperatures, poor ventilation, or dusty surroundings can stress the battery and shorten its life.
  • Charging Habits: Avoid letting the battery stay fully drained for long periods. Fully recharge it after long outages to keep it in good health.
  • Also, pairing your battery with a modern inverter that has features like controlled charging and overload protection can make a big difference in overall battery life.
  • In short, a well-maintained inverter battery, used under normal conditions, can serve you reliably for several years-just keep an eye on it and give it a little care now and then.
A.

The good news is that inverter batteries are usually charged automatically as long as your inverter is connected to the mains and there's electricity. You don't need to manually charge it unless there's an issue. Still, understanding how the charging process works - and what you can do to keep things running smoothly - helps in improving both performance and battery life.

How automatic charging works:

Most modern inverters automatically switch to charging mode once power returns. They are designed to regulate how much charge the battery receives, based on its current state. This helps avoid common issues like overcharging, which can shorten a battery's life.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Always keep your inverter plugged in to the power supply so it can start charging when electricity is available.
  • After a long power cut, try to avoid draining the battery further. Let it fully recharge before using heavy appliances again.
  • If you're using a tubular battery, check the electrolyte levels once a month. Top it up with battery grade water only - never use tap or RO water.

If your battery isn't charging properly:

  • Look out for signs like your inverter beeping frequently, poor backup time, or the battery not holding charge.
  • Use a multimeter to check the voltage. A fully charged 12V battery should read around 12.5 to 13 volts (Open circuit voltage).
  • Loose connections, old age, or internal damage could also be the reason.

If the problem persists, it's a good idea to get it checked by a qualified technician. Regular care and timely inspection go a long way in keeping your battery healthy and reliable.

A.

In order to select the correct inverter rating for your home follow the steps as mentioned below:

  • Identify the appliances you want to run during power outage (lights, fans, tv, etc.). Example- 6 tubes lights (40W each), 3 fans (75W each), 1 TV (120W), 1 fridge (500W)
  • Add up the wattage of all the selected appliances you want to run at the same time. Example- 6x40W + 3x75W + 120W + 500W = 1085W
  • Convert the load from watt(W) to volt-ampere(VA).
    • Formula- VA= Watts/Power factor
    • Consider standard power factor of 0.8
    • Example- VA= 1085/0.8 = 1356VA or 1.35kVA

Therefore, for the above example you need an inverter with minimum 1.35kVA. Choose the nearest available inverter size higher than your requirement.

In order to select the correct battery rating for your home please go to the battery selector link below:

https://www.exidecare.com/find-exide/batteries-for-inverter

Ensure that the battery and inverter is compatible. If the inverter is rated much higher than the battery capacity it may cause the battery to fail early. If the inverted is rated lower than the battery capacity then the battery may suffer low recharge and hence reduced back up time.

Typically 150Ah batteries are paired with 850-900VA inverters.

A.

If you've ever noticed something like "150Ah" written on an inverter battery and wondered what it mean-don't worry, it's actually quite simple. "Ah" stands for Ampere-Hour, and it basically measures how much electric charge a battery can store.

"Ah" is always declared against a capacity rating e.g. C5/C10/C20.

Inverter batteries usually have their capacities declared against a C20 rating. This means that for example if a battery is declared at 150Ah C20 it means that the battery will provide a back up of 20 hours if discharged at a current of 7.5Amps (150 = 7.5 x 20).

The declared capacities of a lead acid battery reduces with increase in discharge current. For example a battery declared 150Ah at C20 rating would be declared as 125Ah at C10 rating.

Why is Ah important?

  • Estimate how long your battery will last during a power cut
  • Understand which inverter model is suitable for the battery
  • Decide how many and what type of appliances you can run during a blackout

How to choose the right Ah?

Matching the battery's Ah rating with your inverter's specifications and your home's power load ensures reliable and safe performance.

Understanding this simple unit can really help you make better choices and avoid underpowered setups.

A.

If you already have a 150Ah/200Ah inverter battery, the next step is choosing an inverter that works well with it. Picking the right inverter is important-it not only ensures smooth performance during power cuts but also helps extend your battery's life.

For a 150Ah battery, the recommended inverter capacity usually falls between 700VA to 900VA, depending on how many and what types of appliances you want to run.

For a 200Ah battery, the recommended inverter capacity usually falls between 900VA to 1125VA, depending on how many and what types of appliances you want to run.

Here's a quick guideline:

  • If you're planning to use 2 ceiling fans, 3-4 LED lights, and a Wi-Fi router, an inverter around 700VA to 850VA should be sufficient.
  • If you want to include heavier appliances like a refrigerator or a mixer grinder, consider going up to 900VA to handle the additional load safely.

The important thing is to make sure your inverter is compatible with the battery's capacity and can charge it efficiently (the charging current is neither too low or too high). Also, go for an inverter that offers pure sine wave output, especially if you'll be using sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, or modems. Pure sine wave inverters deliver cleaner power and reduce the risk of damage to your devices.

Additionally, features like overload protection, auto-reset, battery health indicators, and thermal management can add to the safety and convenience of your setup.

If you're unsure about the exact VA rating you need, it's a good idea to talk to a local inverter technician or dealer. They can help assess your home's backup requirements and suggest the right match for your 150Ah & 200Ah battery.

A.

Replacing an inverter battery may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite manageable if you follow the right steps. Still, if you're unsure or want extra safety, it's always a good idea to have a trained technician handle it.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to replace your inverter battery safely:

Step-by-step process:

Turn off the inverter and unplug it from the mains. Safety first.

Disconnect the battery terminals. Always remove the negative (black) terminal first, followed by the positive (red).

Remove the old battery carefully. Keep it upright and move it aside to avoid any leakage. Batteries should be disposed of or recycled through authorized centers.

Place the new battery in a dry, ventilated spot - preferably the same place where the old one was installed.

Reconnect the terminals. This time, connect the positive (red) first, then the negative (black).

Plug the inverter back in and turn it on.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Always use a battery that matches your inverter's voltage and capacity.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands. Avoid touching the terminals directly.
  • Make sure all connections are tight and secure to prevent sparks or heating.
  • Check that the area is clean and moisture-free before starting.

If you're not confident handling electrical connections or lifting heavy batteries, it's best to get help from a professional. Many dealers and service providers offer home assistance for battery replacement, which ensures everything is installed correctly and safely.

A.

A 150Ah battery is a strong battery designed with thicker tubular plates to withstand prolonged power outage conditions. Its lifespan is thus determined by the battery's design and quality, which is why Exide batteries are favoured by millions of consumers. It is also affected by the battery's consumption and the appliance load on it. If your 150 Ah battery is fully charged, it should last for around 3 hours on a 400 watt bulb load. The backup will improve if the load or appliance wattage is lowered.

A.

A 150Ah battery is a robust battery made with thicker tubular plates to withstand tough condition of power outage. Its longevity therefore depends on the design and quality of the battery - which is why Exide batteries are preferred by millions of customers. It also depends on the usage of the battery and the appliance load on it. You can expect your 150 Ah battery to last for around 3 hours on 400 watts bulb load if it is fully charged. If the load or appliance wattage is reduced the backup will improve.

A.

Well, there are many good inverter battery brands in the market, but it’s wise that you go with India’s best inverter battery brand, Exide. Exide is the number one choice for millions of consumers because of the design and quality of its batteries. Its performance in millions of homes proves that it is the best.

If you want to pick up an inverter battery that's best for your home, at an affordable price, low maintenance cost, coupled with high performance, go for India's best inverter battery brand - Exide. Exide inverter batteries guarantee longer life and high-power output. These inverter batteries from Exide can withstand long and frequent power cuts while ensuring longevity of your home appliances.

Exide offers a wide range of inverter batteries that you can choose from depending on your power back-up requirement and appliances you want to run. Choose from Exide Home InvaTubular, Exide Home InvaMaster, Exide Home InvaMagic and Exide Home InvaZen range of inverter batteries.

A.

If the water level in your inverter battery is low, the float level indicator on the battery goes down indicating that an immediate refill is needed with battery grade distil water. If you allow the water level in the inverter battery to remain low then the top part of the positive and negative plates remain dry thereby reducing battery efficiency and damaging it. Hence, whenever the battery float level indicators come down, immediately refill it. Remember to refill only with battery grade distil water. You can try out Exide Distilo battery grade distil water for better performance. Remember-never add acid or contaminate with ordinary tap water.