Summer is getting hotter, power cuts are back and so are the associated problems.
More importantly, with examinations being held, parents are more worried about the interruptions in power supply affecting the preparation of wards.
And that’s where the demand for inverters has started to soar in the city.
The market has something to meet different requirements and pocket sizes, especially the domestic users.
Depending on the power back up requirement i.e., the number of tubelights, fans and television sets to be operated, a host of both branded and non-branded inverters are on offer.
For instance, a non-branded 675 VA powered inverter, which can operate three tubelights, three fans and one television set, costs about Rs.7,000. Likewise, a 875 VA powered inverter, which provides power for operating four tubelights, four fans and one television set costs about Rs. 9,500. Generally, they provide back-up power supply up to four to five hours, claims Narsimha, a trader.
Price range for economy to middle branded inverters varies from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 16,000.
Most feel that high capacity Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can serve the purpose, but it is not the case. UPS are made exclusively to provide power back-up for computers and inverters are for other household appliances.
However, with many households now utilising a computer, the demand for a single product providing back-up to computers and other household appliances as well is increasing.
But right from selecting an inverter to maintaining it, there are many aspects that need to be considered. A battery of an inverter requires periodic maintenance and only distilled water has to be used for better life and longevity, says Sanjeev Saini, Director-Technical, Su-Kam Power Systems Limited.
Though there can be price difference between brands, service is one key factor. Most brands offer inverters at rates much lesser than the market price, but service, installation, wiring etc are not handled by them, he explains.
However, one has to be very cautious while selecting an inverter.
It should be energy efficient with low electricity consumption from the grid, ensure that the battery selected for inverter is branded and preferably comes from the same manufacturer. These apart, prefer an inverter with a battery selection slider, which gives the customer the benefit of choosing any battery type compatible with the inverter, he suggests.
