BACKUP POWER SYSTEMS

When bad weather or other conditions interrupt power service, homeowners can find themselves unable to heat or cool their homes or run necessary appliances and lights. While fireplaces can provide some heat and flashlights or lanterns can provide light, many appliances will remain unusable until power from the grid is
restored. This situation can be serious if critical applications such as medical devices, telephone, home office computers, sump pumps, or refrigeration are threatened. Emergency backup systems currently available on the market make it possible for homeowners to have continued access to electrical service during
power outages. These systems are typically based either on fossil-fuel-powered generators or on battery-based storage systems. While the goal of both approaches is the same - to produce backup power - they each have advantages and disadvantages. For emergency backup power during typical power outages,
battery-based systems represent a fairly simple and silent alternative.

The two basic components of battery-based storage systems are an inverter/charger and a set of DC batteries. The inverter/charger converts AC power from the grid to DC to charge the batteries. When power from the grid is
lost, the inverter converts the DC battery power to AC for use in the home.

The length of time that a battery-based storage system can provide emergency power to the home depends on its overall capacity and the type and number of appliances connected to the backup system. Battery-based systems are not designed to provide power over an extended length of time. For example,
product literature by a producer of backup power systems, indicates that a typically configured 2000-4000 watt system can provide typical priority household appliance loads for 2 to 12 hours. However, power conservation can extend operating time considerably longer. Additionally, fossil fuel-fired generators or
photovoltaic equipment can be integrated into some systems to replenish or supplement the batteries when power is not available from the grid, or to help the batteries support the home's load.

These systems are well suited to maintaining service to furnaces, entertainment and home office electronics, lighting, microwave ovens, and refrigerators.

To find the right batteries for your back up system call the Powerstride Battery location closest to you!