In modern life, no electricity is evil. So, inverters solved this big problem, and they are commonly used in homes, RVs, camping, and backup power systems, among others. However, many users have questions: When I'm not using power, do I have to leave the inverter on all the time? Does the inverter drain the battery? When should I turn off the inverter? In this article, we will answer your questions.
Getting to know your inverter
An inverter converts DC power from the battery to AC power for use by household appliances. Even when no appliances are running, the inverter still uses a small amount of power for automatic detection or to check the battery's health.
When do I turn on the inverter?
The inverter can be left on all the time in most everyday situations. The inverter is needed to keep the refrigerator running while traveling in an RV. The inverter also provides instant backup power to keep vital equipment in your home (refrigerator, air conditioner, medical equipment) running when the home power grid goes down. Turning off the inverter forces you to start it manually.
Meanwhile, in solar systems, inverters use float charging (consuming less than 1% of battery capacity) to maintain optimal charge levels, prevent self-discharge, and extend battery life.
When do I turn off the inverter?
There are several situations where it is beneficial to turn off the inverter:
Going away for an extended period
If you are away from home for 2-3 months, turning off the inverter will prevent the battery from self-discharging. If the motorhome is parked for an extended period, you must also turn off the inverter to conserve power. However, make sure that the batteries are fully charged (lead-acid batteries are recommended to be kept more than 50% charged).
Maintenance or repair
Regular maintenance of the inverter is very important, remember to always turn off the inverter during maintenance or when cleaning the solar panels for your safety.
Overheating problems
If you find that the inverter temperature exceeds its normal temperature range, you should turn it off immediately to prevent damage to the modules.
Low battery voltage
If the battery voltage drops below normal (<11V, in a 12V system), the inverter should be turned off immediately to prevent damage to the battery.
How to safely shut down the inverter
To safely shut down the inverter, follow these steps:
1️⃣Turn on the bypass mode and use the bypass switch to transfer grid power directly to the device.
2️⃣If your inverter does not have a bypass mode, skip the first step. Locate the switch button on the control panel and turn off the inverter directly.
3️⃣Disconnect the AC/DC power.
4️⃣Turn off the AC disconnect switch (grid to inverter).
5️⃣Turn off the DC disconnect (solar panel or battery).
6️⃣Before leaving home or parking the motorhome for an extended period, make sure the battery is fully charged to prevent loss of power due to prolonged parking.
Maximize efficiency with TOPBULL inverters
Upgrade to our smart inverter designed for energy-saving needs. It will give you the following benefits:
- TOPBULL inverters consume very little power in standby mode, close to 0, reducing wasted energy.
- Use our high-efficiency lithium batteries for longer standby times and faster charging.
- Track energy usage and battery health with our APP to ensure optimal performance.
| Inverter Type | Average standby power consumption | Annual Power Consumption |
| Conventional Sine Wave Inverter | 10-15W | 80-130kWh |
| TOPBULL | ≤5W | ≤40kWh |
- Easily handles heavy loads such as refrigerators, power tools, and air conditioners
- Perfect for reliable, efficient, and clean power conversion
- Clean power output, gentle on sensitive equipment
Save 27% instantly on your order, plus get an extra $10 off and 5% off your first order!
Does the inverter drain the battery?
The inverter consumes a small amount of power in standby mode, but not enough to drain the battery quickly. Replacing the TOPBULL inverter will consume less power.
However, if the inverter has potential problems or is an older model, it may consume more power than expected. Regular maintenance and upgrading to newer, more efficient models can mitigate potential power consumption.
How do I keep my inverter battery healthy?
- Avoid deep discharge: Repeatedly discharging the battery to 20% will damage its health and shorten its life. Remember to keep the battery at a certain level when you are away from the inverter for long periods.
- Avoid overcharging: Overcharging, undercharging, or using the wrong charger can damage the battery.
- Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of the battery is essential for its reliability and longevity.
