Are frequent power cuts interrupting your laundry tasks?
It is an irritating situation when your laundry task remains incomplete due to frequent power cuts.
The good thing is that you can complete the laundry work by installing an inverter.
Yes, that’s right!
A High Capacity Inverter can keep your Washing Machine, AC refrigerators, Iron, Fans, Microwave, Computers, Electric Lights, and Other Kitchen components. When choosing an inverter for a washing machine just ensure that the capacity of the inverter is 20% more than your washing machine’s maximum running wattage.
Having said that, an inverter capacity of anywhere between 800 watts – 1200 watts should be sufficient for an average-sized washer.
It may not be able to run for hours and hours but it can certainly help you to deal with sudden power fluctuations and will give you enough time to either complete the wash cycle OR decide on the next steps.
In today’s post we will cover:
- Why do you need an inverter?
- Can a washer run on inverter power? And How?
- Choosing suitable inverters for your washer.
- And More…
Let’s get started.
Why do you install an Inverter in the first place?
If you live in a region that has frequent power cuts or if you live in a mobile home, inverters become a necessity in such conditions.
Inverters are installed as a power backup not only to your washer but also to other appliances.
In the event of a power cut, these inverters supply power to your appliances with the help of attached batteries that has more than a decent capacity to run the washer for a few hours.
The inverters use the electrical power and convert it into an alternate power which is further used as a backup power supply in the event of power cuts.
Inverters store and supply power with the help of batteries with higher capacity.
Frequent power cuts that interrupt your daily laundry tasks could force you to handwash a lot of your fabrics and you may have to depend on laundromats on most occasions.
And you may not always want to be dependent on laundromats as it simply increases your daily expenses.
Therefore, Inverters are quite useful in dealing with frequent power cuts.
Having said that, if you live in a place where power cut is not frequent OR common, then getting an inverter for your washing machine or for any other appliance won’t make sense simply because of the cost-benefit factor.
Can Washing Machine Run on Inverter Power?
Yes, a washing machine can run on Inverters,, you just need to ensure that the capacity of the inverters and the batteries are at least 20% more than the washing machine’s maximum running wattage.
In order to choose a suitable inverter as a power backup for your washer, there are various factors involved such as the wattage and the number of appliances you would like to have the power backup, etc.
Let’s look into the important factors that you should consider before getting an Inverter for your washing machine.
Wattage
The inverter’s wattage capacity should always be above the power-consuming capacity of your washer.
For e.g. if your washer holds a maximum power capacity of 1000 watts then installing an inverter of around 1500 watts capacity would be perfectly adequate.
Washing Machine + Other Appliances
When choosing an Inverter for multiple appliances make sure that the wattage capacity is higher than the appliances.
For e.g. if you want to use 2 appliances then you may total their power consumption and accordingly select a higher capacity Inverter.
If your inverter is specially installed to supply power to your washer based on its power consumption, then make sure no other supplies are offered power from the inverter.
Lastly, avoid using the inverter if it has been installed to handle the basic power cuts. An average inverter may not be able to handle the washer or other kitchen appliances.
How does Inverter Technology work in the washing machines?
Modern-day washers now come with the technologies such as Inverter, Smart Inverter, and Digital inverters.
The inverter washers have become increasingly popular due to a lot of advanced mechanisms.
The main difference between an Inverter and a Non-Inverter washer is the energy-saving capability. The VFD motors in the Inverter Washing Machine optimize the performance by managing the spin speed according to the load, which further helps to save energy. Furthermore, Inverter washing machines are much quieter and smoother than the conventional washer.
Although it becomes challenging to get the parts for inverter washers, the upgraded internal components in the Inverter Washing Machine help to save a lot of energy in long run.
Inverter washers are capable of using renewable energy, which makes them eco-friendly.
Apart from energy-saving abilities, these modern washers tend to create less noise while in function.
This is due to advanced internal components and smarter technologies such as brushless motors helping in reducing the friction that further stabilizes your washer.
Note: You can run your washers on an inverter during power cuts, irrespective of being a conventional or an Inverter based Washer. Don’t get confused with Inverter-based washer and Inverter. A Standalone inverter provides backup power, whereas an Inverter-based washer does not provide any power instead it’s designed for efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Both Non-inverter washers, as well as Inverter washers, can run on an inverter during power cuts.
Always choose a suitable Inverter as per the power consumption of your specific appliances.
It’s best to consult an expert to understand the requirements before you select one for yourself.
Lastly, do not run all your heavy appliances on a normal inverter as it may ruin the electrical appliances.
Also Read: How to troubleshoot a portable washing machine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us look into common questions that are asked frequently
How is an inverter useful to run your washer?
Inverters are useful in situations when there is a power cut in the mid-cycle OR if you may want to do your important laundry and there is a temporary power cut. Another instance could be during heavy power fluctuations, simply break the circuit of the main power supply and this will automatically switch it to the inverter with a stable power supply.
Does the washer always run on inverters if installed?
If you have an inverter installed as a power backup then it will be functional only when there is a power cut. Once the power resumes the supply automatically switches back to the regular power.
Why does my inverter beep while using the washer?
While using your washer through an inverter-based power supply, there are possibilities of beeping sounds from the Inverter. A beeping sound is usually an indication of a problem with the inverter that needs immediate attention such as load-bearing capacity, low battery, or multiple appliances in use.
1.) Load-bearing capacity: If the inverter is not suitable to handle the load, then this may result in a beeping sound.
Solution: Turn off the washer and match the inverter’s power consumption capacity with the washer. You may be able to find this information in the user manuals for both. If the capacities are similar or if the inverter’s capacity is lower than the washer, then you may consider replacing the inverter with a higher capacity or simply disconnect the inverters supply.
2.) Battery: An Inverter supplies power with the help of attached batteries and there could be a possibility of the batteries running out. If in case your regular power supply has been cut off for a longer time then your appliance constantly uses the backup power supplied by the inverter resulting in draining out the batteries.
Solution: You may turn off the washer and wait until the regular power supply resumes so that you may continue with the wash cycle. This will also help to charge the battery.
3.) Multiple appliances: If your inverter is installed as a backup for laundry purposes, then there is a possibility of other appliances functioning at the same time using the inverter’s power supply.
Solution: Make sure there are no other appliances connected to it. If you notice other appliances sharing the load then simply turn them off until you are done with your laundry.
