A simple and effective way to calculate your home's electricity load to find the right inverter and battery.
Choosing the right inverter and battery is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during an outage. An undersized system won't meet your needs, while an oversized one can be a costly mistake. The first step in this process is to accurately calculate your home's total electricity load. This guide and our easy-to-use tool will walk you through the process step-by-step.
The total electrical load is the sum of the power ratings of all the appliances you wish to run on the inverter simultaneously. The power is typically measured in **Watts (W)**.
Disclaimer: These calculations are for estimation purposes only. Actual results may vary depending on appliance efficiency and usage patterns.
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Once you've added all your appliances, the calculator determines two key values: the **Inverter VA Requirement** and the **Battery Ah Requirement**.
The **VA (Volt-Ampere)** rating of an inverter represents its apparent power, or its capacity to handle a specific load. It is always higher than the actual power consumption in Watts due to the **Power Factor (PF)** of the appliances. A typical power factor for home appliances is **0.8**. The formula used is:
Inverter VA = Total Watts / 0.8
The **Ah (Ampere-Hour)** rating indicates the battery's capacity to deliver a certain current for a specified number of hours. This is crucial for determining how long your inverter can power your appliances. The formula is based on a standard 12V battery:
Battery Ah = (Total Watts × Backup Hours) / 12V
Inverter load calculation is the process of estimating the total power (in Watts) consumed by all appliances you plan to connect to your inverter. This helps you choose an inverter and battery with sufficient capacity to power your home during an outage.
The VA (Volt-Ampere) rating is calculated by dividing the total wattage of your load by the power factor (typically 0.8 for home appliances). The formula is: VA = Watts / 0.8.
The Ah (Ampere-Hour) rating of a battery is a measure of its capacity. It's calculated by multiplying the total wattage by the required backup hours and dividing by the battery's voltage (typically 12V). The formula is: Ah = (Watts × Hours) / 12V.
Standard home inverters are not typically designed to power heavy appliances like air conditioners. ACs require a much higher VA rating and dedicated wiring. It's best to check with a professional or the manufacturer before connecting such a high-wattage appliance.