FAQ

General

How long can I operate my inverter?

The runtime (i.e., amount of time that the inverter will power connected electronics) depends on the amount of battery power available and the load that it is supporting. In general, as you increase the load (e.g., plug in more equipment) your runtime will decrease.

What’s the difference between an inverter and Generator/PHCN?

An inverter simply converts DC (battery) power into AC power and then passes it along to connected equipment. A Generator/PHCN are mostly AC power source that supply AC power to AC loads; In the case of a power outage, the inverter will automatically switch to battery power to provide power to connected equipment, provided it is on ON-Mode.

How fast will my inverter respond to a power outage?

During an outage, the inverter will transfer from utility {PHCN} to battery power in about 10 milliseconds for an inverter/home UPS and 0 milliseconds for the online UPS.

Can I use a Stabilizer/AVR at the Output of my inverter?

Yes. A stabilizer/Automatic Voltage Regulator {AVR} can be used on the output of an Inverter provided the Stabilizer/AVR Capacity is less than the Inverter capacity.

How is an inverter different from an Online UPS?

Inverters are with change-over time {Time gap while switching from one power source to another} while the Online UPS do not have change-over time.

Features

What’s the difference between inductive and resistive load?

A resistive load does not require extra power upon startup, whereas an inductive load experiences an inrush current upon startup and requires more power during the first few seconds/cycles of startup.

What’s the difference between startup and continuous load?

Many appliances and electronics draw a lot more power on start-up than they do during continuous use. Because inverters must be able to handle these “peak surge” requirements, the start-up power requirement must be considered when recommending an inverter.

Why choose a pure sine wave inverter?

Sine wave power allows your equipment to run cooler, last longer and operate without the malfunctions and reduced performance caused by substandard power. Sine wave power also ensures maximum compatibility with sensitive electronics like computers, network devices and audio/video equipment. Many devices require sine wave power, including variable-speed power tools and computers with active PFC power supplies.

Applications

What appliances can an inverter run?

Smaller appliances can be used with an inverter, such as TVs, Sound systems, Bulbs, Fans etc. appliance to be connected to an Inverter is based on the Appliance power rating and the Inverter capacity

How are my batteries connected?
Inverter Batteries are usually connected in series to make-up a Battery Bank, as shown below; Example: Two 12-volt batteries wired in series with one another will create a total of 24 volts. If one battery fails, the others will stop providing power to the load.
 
Are specific inverters available for Medical/IT/Communication/Aviation Equipments?

Yes. Simba Service offers Online UPS that are 0Millisecond change-over time; with this feature they can conveniently support highly sensitive Medical / IT / Communication / Aviation Equipments.

Battery Maintenance tips

VRLA ( SMF ) battery maintenance tips

Battery must never be installed in a closed container. It requires proper ventilation for cooling
Let the inverter deep charge batteries fully with power button OFF daily
If the unit is to be idle for more than 24 hrs, ensure the batteries are fully charged and turn OFF front switch to avoid battery getting discharged
Do not allow battery to get deep discharged. It will reduce the life of the battery.
Use energy saving bulbs for all your lighting powered by the inverter
Appliances with heating elements such as MWO, Water heater, Iron box etc are not good for the health of battery. Avoid connecting them to inverter
Check the input and out voltage of the inverter regularly.

Wet Cell battery maintenance tips

Check water level in the battery periodically. If the level is reduced, top up with distilled water.
Clean battery terminals if there is sulphation. Apply petroleum jelly on the terminal
Never keep the battery under direct sunlight

Troubleshooting

Why do my batteries go dead when I use the inverter in inverter mode?

In inverter mode, with no input supply, the inverter no longer charges the batteries, but instead depletes their battery power to supply power to connected equipment.

Why is my Inverter ON yet not supplying output?
  • Check the position of rotary switch at the back panel.
  • Check if over temp shutdown protection is displayed on the LCD. If it is allow the unit to cool down.
  • Check if low battery protection is displayed on the LCD. If it is allow the battery to charge.
  • Check if overload/short circuit protection is displayed on the LCD. If it is reduce load and switch OFF/ON front panel switch.
  • Check wiring for short-circuit.
  • If problem persist, put the inverter on By-Pass then our service Engineer need to visit the site.
Why is Mains power coming into the Inverter yet Inverter shows MCB trip on its LCD Panel?
  • If inverter is on switch inverter off from the front Switch.
  • Switch off Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}
  • Switch on Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch on the inverter and switch it off again.
  • Finally, switch on the inverter from the front switch. If problem persist, put the inverter on By-Pass then our service Engineer need to visit the site.
Why my Inverter buzzer is keeps beeping with ‘InverterTemp: High’ message displayed on the LCD?
  • Check the fan at the back panel, if not working shutdown inverter and allow it to cool. If inverter is on switch inverter off from the front Switch.
  • Switch off Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch off Battery Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Turn the Red Rotary Switch in the clockwise direction with the white stripe on the Nob pointing to By-Pass or figure-2 as indicated on the Rotary Switch in the rear-panel of the inverter.
  • If problem persist, put the inverter on By-Pass then our service Engineer need to visit the site.
How do I put my inverter on By-Pass?
  • If inverter is on, switch inverter off from the front Switch.
  • Switch off Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch off Battery Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Turn the Rotary Switch in a clockwise direction with the white stripe on the Nob pointing to By-Pass or figure-2 as indicated on the Rotary Switch in the rear-panel of the inverter.
Display {LCD} is not indicating any parameter {Blank LCD}?
  • If inverter is on switch inverter off from the front Switch.
  • Switch off Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch off Battery Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch on Battery Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch on Main Circuit-Breaker from the rear-Panel of the inverter {behind the inverter}.
  • Switch on the inverter and switch it off again from the front switch
  • Finally, switch on the inverter from the front switch.
Inverter not working ( Dead).What are the probable causes

Check front switch. It might be OFF
Battery connection may be Open or Loose. Tighten the same
Check DC fuse at the back side of the Inverter which might have blown
If all above are Ok, call for service assistance
 

Why no Output from Inverter although the Inverter is ON

Output plug may be loose or open
Neutral wire of Inverter may be open or loose
Check by connecting a lamp to the O/P of the inverter. If lamp glows, Inverter is Ok. Problem is with the netral of I/P connection
Check Rotory switch at the back.
If over temperature shut down protection is displayed on the screen, allow inverter to cool down
If problem persists, put the Rotary switch on bypass and call for service engineer visit
 

Why my Inverter is showing 'Overload Protection'

Excessive load may be connected to the inverter.Reduce the load by switching of some of the elctrical loads
Overload protection MCB at the back of the inverter might be tripped
If all above are Ok, call for service assistance

Why my Inverter is giving 'No Load' indication

Reset ON/OFF switch

Why my Inverter is not charging battery eventhough the Generator is ON

Check position of the rotory switch at the back panel. If it is in OFF position, place it in Output position
Check position of the main circuit breaker. If it is in OFF position, place it in ON position
Check input parameters on the LCD display. Input voltage should be between 190 & 240v while the frequency should be between 48 & 53 Hz
If input parameters are out of the aforementioned range, Generator is faulty and it needs to be serviced.