Tips when connecting a battery to an inverter

Inverters, Lithium Batteries | 0 comments

Ensure voltages match.
The inverter voltage rating needs to match the battery voltage. For example, a 12v inverter can only be connected to a single 12v battery or a 12v battery bank.

Ensure correct polarity.
The red battery cable should be connected to the + input of the inverter and the red + terminal of the battery. Similarly, the black battery cable should be connected to the – input of the inverter and the black – terminal of the battery.

Mixing these around will cause a short circuit, damaging the inverter, potentially the battery and even melting terminals or wires in the process.

Very Important: Ensure the battery cable is tightly connected on both sides (inverter and battery).
A loose connection actually makes small micro sparks under load as the electricity travels through the cable and these sparks heat up the metal.

 

This can be sufficient to melt the plastic around the terminal or damage the cable insulation, which in turn can cause a short circuit and further damage or even fire.

Use a screwdriver or spanner, and ensure it is tight. You should not be able to move or rotate a tight cable by pulling a battery cable left and right.