Essential Knowledge on Backup Power

Load-shedding is a challenge, but with the right knowledge, you can keep your home or business running smoothly. That’s why we’re launching a Power Backup Tips Series — simple, practical advice to help you make the most of your backup power solutions!

Power Basics

In this first edition, let’s break down some power basics:

• 🔌 Voltage (V) = The Push Think of voltage like water pressure in a hose. The higher the voltage, the stronger the push of electricity.

• ⚡ Amps (A) = The Flow Amps are like the amount of water flowing through the hose. More amps mean more electricity moving at once.

• 💡 Watts (W) = The Power Watts tell you how much total power is being used. It’s like how much water comes out of the hose every second. (Watts = Volts x Amps)

What is Watt-Hours?

• Watt-hours (Wh) = Energy Stored & Used Over Time

• If watts tell you how much power is used at a moment, watt-hours tell you how long something can run.

• Imagine you have a 100W lightbulb — if it runs for 1 hour, it uses 100Wh of energy. If it runs for 5 hours, that’s 500Wh. The more watt-hours your battery has, the longer your devices can stay powered!

• Example: A 500Wh battery can power a 100W light for 5 hours, or a 50W fan for 10 hours.

The Simple Guide to Power

• Water Pressure = Voltage

• Water Flow = Amps

• Pipe Size = Ohms (Resistance)

• Energy Produced = Watts

Backup Power Display

What you’ll typically might see on your Backup System display screen:

• Battery Voltage: Helps monitor battery charge levels.

• Current Load (Watts): Shows how much power your devices are using.

• Battery % Remaining: Helps estimate how much time you have left before recharging is needed.

• Power Input: Displays how much power is coming from Eskom or solar panels if applicable.

By understanding these readings, you can better manage your power usage and extend your backup system’s runtime!