Why My Inverter Stopped Working During Load Shedding in Ranchi—and How I Fixed It
Why My Inverter Stopped Working During Load Shedding in Ranchi—and How I Fixed It
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Ranchi life has its own rhythm. The lush vegetation, the somewhat erratic weather, and of course, the recurring load shedding. The majority of us are accustomed to power outages, and for many homes, an inverter acts as the unseen guardian that takes over when the lights go out. Until the day the inverter failed to respond during one of Ranchi's unexpected evening outages, I was among those who had never given it much thought. What transpired was a perplexing, upsetting, and unexpectedly instructive experience that made me realize how reliant on these basic backup systems we are.
Related: Also check battery shop near me to know more
The Unexpected Power Cut That Changed My Evening
The power went out at about 6:30 p.m. Power outages are common where I live, close to Bariatu, particularly during stormy weather or abrupt drops in grid load. The ceiling fan was running, my phone was charging close by, and I was in the middle of getting ready for an online meeting. I waited for the familiar click of the inverter to activate as the lights flickered and then went out entirely. However, that sound never materialized. There was silence in the house. There was absolutely no indication of backup power, no fan, and no light.
I initially believed it to be a delay. It took me a minute or two to realize that something was amiss. Suddenly, the inverter had shut down entirely. Throughout the day, it had not displayed any problems. There were no lights on the panel when I checked it. The system was dead. The frustration quickly set in: how could the one gadget meant to keep me safe during blackouts be malfunctioning at the most crucial moment?
Trying to Solve the Mystery Myself
I attempted to check the main fuse, unplug the system, and restart it. Nothing worked. On the outside, the inverter appeared to be in good condition, but no power was flowing. When I opened the battery compartment, I saw that the terminals were dusty and that there was a slight burnt smell. It was difficult to determine if the battery or the inverter was the problem. There wasn't much more I could do on my own without help because I don't think of myself as an electrical appliance expert.
I hastily looked for assistance online in the dark with a dead phone battery. I found a number of local options when I typed "battery shop near me" into Google. I concentrated on stores that provided home service and were near my Ranchi neighborhood. Some results were particularly noteworthy, particularly those with reviews mentioning problems with the inverter battery. Fortunately, someone answered the phone when I called one of the stores close to Circular Road.
The Technician Arrives with Some Clarity
The technician I talked to came across as composed and assured. He agreed to come within an hour after I gave him the rundown. As promised, he showed up with a testing meter, a toolkit, and an extra battery for diagnostics. There was some relief in his presence. He checked the battery right away, used his voltmeter to test it, and reported that the discharge had gone beyond what could be recovered. According to him, this is fairly typical in Ranchi, where inverters are frequently used constantly without maintenance, particularly in residences that experience frequent power outages.
He said the battery was old and probably hadn't been charged correctly for some time. It had eventually drained entirely, and the fluid levels inside may have dried up. Additionally, he saw that the terminals were a little corroded, which could have been preventing the right power flow. Although the inverter unit appeared to be in good condition, a dead battery prevented it from functioning. The natural wear and tear that batteries experience, particularly in a city like Ranchi where the power supply fluctuates, combined with inadequate maintenance, caused this.
The Temporary Fix and the Final Decision
To see if the inverter was still working, he offered to temporarily connect a spare battery. The lights returned as soon as he connected it. Knowing that the inverter system hadn't completely failed was a huge relief. The battery was the only issue. I asked him if he could recharge or fix my old battery. Although it was technically feasible to attempt recharging it, he clarified that, considering its condition, there was no assurance it would last even a week.
I changed the battery after a brief discussion. He provided a few models that would work for me, such as ones that could manage fans, tube lights, a router, and other necessities. The inverter was operational again in half an hour after the old battery was swapped out for a new one. He gave me some maintenance advice, cleaned the terminals, and demonstrated how to check the charge indicators. Thanks to that quick search for a battery shop near me, the entire service—from diagnosis to installation—took place right at my door.
What This Experience Taught Me
In retrospect, I saw how simple it is to ignore necessary appliances until they break down. The inverter battery was installed more than three years ago, and I haven't performed any maintenance on it since. I had no idea that I needed to keep an eye on the charge cycle, clean the terminals, or check the fluid levels. According to the technician, a lot of clients in places like Ashok Nagar and Kanke experience similar problems, particularly during the hot summer months when batteries are used extensively.
I've now programmed a reminder to have the inverter battery inspected every six months. During outages, I also take care to avoid overloading the system by only using it for necessities. Most importantly, I have the helpful technician's and his shop's contact information saved in case I or anyone else needs a reliable service quickly.
Conclusion: Being Prepared in a City Like Ranchi
Although power outages are common in Ranchi, issues like this can be prevented with a little awareness and planning. My inverter didn't abruptly stop working; I simply missed the warning signs. Knowing when your battery is getting close to the end of its life, getting regular maintenance, and being able to get in touch with a trustworthy local battery service can make all the difference. Make sure your inverter is prepared for the next time there is a power outage in your region, whether it be Argora, Lalpur, or Morabadi. Don't freak out if it isn't. Simply search for a reputable battery store in your area; assistance may be closer than you think.
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