Do what I did, in the menu settings navigate to where it shows APL and switch to UPS. Not sure which inverter you have, but if it's an Axpert then they should be pretty similar.
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Inverter/battery recommendation
- Thread starter Olorin
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wingnut771
Honorary Master
It blows my mind that they even make transfer time an option.
Like you I was very confused about how much capacity I needed to suit my requirements. I asked plenty of experts and some people recommended I buy a device that can tell me how much power my devices are using in real-time, but ultimately it wasn't needed.
My 3KVA inverter has the following on it all the time - 55" Samsung LED TV, a Marantz AVR, SVS subwoofer, fridge, laptop + 2 lights (not LED either) - I can use all of the above devices and STILL boil my kettle - my kettle is about 2KW, and I'm using 2.3KW.
I opted not to separate circuits except for my oven/stove, my kettle, microwave and washing machine still operate via the inverter. I've used my washing machine today - I think it used about 400 watts. Used the 15min quick wash option. I've used my microwave, it used about 1.4KW - to heat food for 2 minutes.
When my battery is full I have 5 solid bars on my inverter. After a 2.5 hours load shedding stint my inverter showed 4 solid bars with only 1 bar flashing - and I boiled my kettle twice in that time while watching my Netflix shows on my AV system at enjoyable levels.
Based on my real world experience using a 3KVA set up, I would say it would be MORE than sufficient for your needs. It's all about energy management. Say for example, you want to use your electric kettle and use the toaster simultaneously. You can exceed 4KW right there. So just use one at a time. Problem solved.
My folks have a 5KVA system - they can run their microwave and kettle simultaneously without any issue, plus fridge/freezer + spare freezer + 2 x 55" LED TV's + 4 LED lights. But .... if they decided to run the toaster whilst running everything else at the same time then ... the inverter would be crying for mercy.
Don't get me started on the hair dryer.
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Honestly I don't know why there is that option either nor why it's set to default like that. But a lot of people probably will not know about it - I was lucky I just came across a member on Power Forum who suggested I try it and it worked.
wingnut771
Honorary Master
RTFM
wingnut771
Honorary Master
What inverter are you sporting?
Its the Kodak VMIII 3KVA
newby_investor
Executive Member
Pardon my ignorance but what does ADL stand for? What would the use case be?
Azbubu
Honorary Master
You mean APL?
Koosvanwyk
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If I remember correctly there is a difference between the accepted voltage range between APL (or inverter mode) and UPS mode, with UPS having a narrower range. By example, in UPS mode the inverter will switch over from AC / grid input to DC input if the AC / grid input falls below 210V. In APL mode this changeover will only happen at 180V ( both the 210V and 180V used here are just random numbers to illustrate the difference).
If you have an unstable AC/grid supply, running in UPS mode can cause switchovers to DC even if grid is still available which in turn can lead to unexpected dead batteries.
Love Me Tender
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Does anyone know if I am reading these inverter specs correctly?
*When electricity is off (inverter mode) and running on battery the inverter will accept up to 120A from the battery?
*When electricity is on (ac charger mode) and charging the battery the inverter will charge the battery up to 30A?
*When electricity is off (inverter mode) and running on battery the inverter will accept up to 120A from the battery?
*When electricity is on (ac charger mode) and charging the battery the inverter will charge the battery up to 30A?
Inverter Mode:
Rated Power: 1500VA
DC Input: 12VDC, 120A
AC Output: 230VAC, 50/60Hz, 5.2A
AC Charger Mode:
AC Input: 230VAC, 50/60Hz, 6.5A
DC Output: 13.75V, 30A
AC Output: 230VAC, 50/60Hz, 5.2A
ld13
Honorary Master
One can use a lower power kettle to boil the water more slowly:
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Went for this one, double the capacity at 900ml, and only draws 1300W, also fit in with the kitchen colour, so better wife approval factor on all fronts: https://www.tafelberg.co.za/small-a...liances/kettles/mellerware-0_9l-black-kettle/
Now looking to get a travel hair dryer.
newby_investor
Executive Member
Damn autocorrect. Yes please.
Azbubu
Honorary Master
It was explained a couple of posts later but basically APL (appliance) mode has a wider input voltage range than UPS mode. UPS mode switches over quicker though.
newby_investor
Executive Member
Right, that makes sense. Tx.
Finally THIS is exactly what I needed. Cos I would run the same as you, actually less cos no Subwoofer you bloody annoyer of neighbours ;-)
I understand that it would run the TV, wifi router, ONT, Laptop or Home PC and lights.
Beyond the above, I needed to know what KVA would ALSO run:
The Microwave
The Kettle
Those are the most important to me during loadshedding to make coffee and to warm up food quickly, just need 2 mins.
So basically you're saying with a 3KVA setup, Lithium Battery and Inverter, I can expect to run the above INCLUDING the Fridge and short cycle washing machine
This is perfect for me then! Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail, that's what i've been needing, what can be run and on what capacity battery.
Can I ask how much this setup cost with the labour included?
I am getting SUCH conflicting prices from R35k to R42k to R60k
Some saying I need a 3KVA, others insisting I need a 5KVA
Also quoting brands to justify their prices
Speedster
Honorary Master
Just not all at the same time
My kettle uses about 2KW which I think is what the average kettle probably uses. Online there are examples of kettles using 3KW! That's crazy.
My microwave is a POS, but it uses about 1.4KW. With energy management you can use both - just not at the same time which really shouldn't be a problem.
Regarding pricing. So I paid R9.5K for the inverter and R20K for the battery. I just wanted a battery with a great warranty (10 years) and one that I don't have to nanny about with - mine offers 3000 cycles at 100% DOD and 6000 cycles at 50% DOD. You could get away with a less expensive battery at the same capacity, it just might not be as "bullet-proof".
Install was just under R11K - this includes everything (fuses, and switch boxes, and other bits and bobs) in order to ensure the system is compliant with regulations, but bear in mind I did not purchase the equipment through my installer, so it's possible you could get a better deal if you source everything through one agent.
So all in all, it was a hair over R40K for everything including install which is a lot of money (to me). But I tell you what, having peace of mind and convenience is priceless.
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Most companies that I contacted recommended a 5KVA inverter with 5KW battery and the prices soared north of R55K without install. With install, easily over R60K. Some recommended Sunsynk inverters which are fantastic but the idea of paying R25-30K for an inverter was not feasible.
Also without exception, ALL of these companies told me that I would NOT be able to run my kettle on a 3KVA system. Some of the companies I contacted only install 5KVA systems and above, some only recommend Sunsynk inverters (very, very pricey), so it was difficult to navigate all of this.
When my installer was doing the work he basically gave me a choice - put all appliances on the inverter (save for the oven/stove and geezer, or separate circuits for the kettle, microwave and washing machine. We tested the kettle and no issues whatsoever. Tested the microwave, no issue. Plenty of overhead available for that. Washing machine, no problem (if it's a quick wash).
Prior to the install I was worried I wouldn't be able to use any of these high wattage appliances, but my concerns were put to rest so long as I use them one at a time.
For what you need I reckon 3KVA will be more than sufficient and remember, you aren't using an AV receiver and a subwoofer like I am which will give you additional headroom as far as capacity is concerned.
I originally wanted to buy 2 x Hubble S-100A batteries which would have saved me a few thousand rand over the Hubble AM-4 battery but again, I figured I'd rather spend the additional and get extra peace of mind and a more bullet-proof battery.
I'm still planning on buying a gas hob because cooking on gas is going to change my life apparently.
It's funny, my installer told me in the first week you'll be scurrying around checking to see how much power is being used on the inverter. After that, you forget about it and live life as if nothing changed - he was right. I don't bother checking load shedding schedules anymore. Not sure which inverter you plan on buying, with my Kodak inverter it initially made a VERY loud and distracting beeping noise when transitioning between Eskom power and battery power so I had it disabled. Peace and quiet.
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