This is one of the questions we frequently hear from our visitors.
Though we have explained this in various posts and comments, here we want to make it clear again for the sake of our new visitors.
One of our visitors has recently asked that
“Why people call Exide Home UPS as ‘Exide Inverter’, is it an inverter or UPS.
What is the difference between UPS and Inverter?
Which one should I buy, UPS or Inverter for home use?
What is Inverter?
Inverter is a device which converts DC power in to AC power. For example:- A single battery 12v inverter will convert 12 v battery power in to 120 or 220 volt AC power for utility.
A typical inverter doesn’t have inbuilt battery charger like UPS.
Normally this kind of device is not so popular in India; this device is popular in countries like US, UK and Australia.
Normally they use inverters with solar PV devices.
What is UPS?
UPS – Uninterrupted power supply
You may know this definition already, but here I want to describe something more about Home UPS device which we use in India.
Inverter + Battery charger = UPS
This is the simplest way to describe the UPS device we use for home in India.
Yes, UPS is nothing but inverter with inbuilt battery charger.
Typical inverter draws DC power from battery and converts it to AC power for utility,
UPS connected with lead acid battery gives instant power backup for utility during grid power failure, and it charges back the battery when grid power supply resumes.
So, it is evident that 99% power backup devices we use in India are really UPS devices.
Then why people are calling these gadgets as ‘Inverters’?
People of India get used to call all home UPS systems as ‘inverters’, nothing wrong with it. UPS has inverter + battery charger inbuilt with it, so people call it as ‘Inverter’.
Microtek inverter, Luminous inverter, Su-kam home Inverter, Exide Inverter – all these devices are officially named as UPS, not inverters.
It’s a colloquial thing, after all 🙂
aaahhh,,..thanks finally…:-)
Sir,
I am having 2 units of 100AH (Exide IT1000) batteries. Can I use the same for my Exide 1450VA Home UPS which I propose to buy shortly..
Dear K Kumar,
You can use those batteries with Exide 1450 VA Inverter, 100% compatible,
Use normal charging mode or enhanced charging mode.
High charge mode is not safe for old batteries.
Dear Shailen,
For Just 3 mins backup, a computer ups (LINE INTERATIVE UPS) is enough to handle the load.
But choose only branded UPS.
we recommend APC Back UPS BR600C-IN 600VA (360 watts) for better performance.
APC has many more models in this range.
It would cost around Rs.2100/-
further i just want to know..if the output frm above ups will be pure sinewave or stimulate sinewave..if its later wont it affect the performance of tv/ps3/ht..was also considering microtek ups of 625va (HGE625 AG-Heritage gold) or even 800va (MDP-800va) for future requirement..pls share ur opinion..
wrt above query i had one doubt..i believe the output from above ups will be in simulated sinewave form..hence wont this affect the performance of my tv/ht/ps..and how about microtek ups of 625va..(gold heritage)..pls help..