At Powerguard, we frequently receive inquiries about emergency lighting. In this article, we will explain what a lighting inverter is, how it should be maintained, and the standards organizations must follow.
What is a Lighting Inverter?
A lighting inverter is a device that converts DC battery power to AC voltage, providing backup power for lighting during emergency situations. Some inverters also offer constant, filtered power and are known as uninterruptible power supplies.
Read more: Why Your Solar Lights Are Flashing And How To Fix It
Emergency lighting inverters have various applications beyond emergency lighting solutions. They are used in fire alarm systems, exit lighting, and other critical, life-saving safety equipment.
Lighting inverters differ in transfer time, voltage regulation, and power conditioning. For example, some inverters have a short delay to respond to power anomalies, while others offer seamless power transfer. Seamless power is essential for lighting control and alarm circuits.
Transfer time measures how quickly the system recognizes and delivers emergency power. Zero transfer time means there is no power lag, which is particularly crucial for high-pressure sodium lighting. Voltage regulation ensures that power drops and brownouts do not affect the overall lighting system, maintaining consistent lighting levels during normal operation. Power conditioning prevents surges and transients from reaching electronic ballasts, prolonging the lifespan of light fixtures and protected assets.
Read more: How To Reset LED Strip Lights?
Types of Lighting Inverters
There are two installation solutions for lighting inverters: central lighting and dispersed lighting.
Central lighting inverters provide a centralized solution for emergency lighting and power backup, minimizing maintenance requirements and improving emergency lighting performance. Although they require a higher initial investment, they use a single battery system that requires occasional testing and discharge maintenance.
Dispersed lighting inverters cost less initially but require more time and manpower to maintain each individual light. Each light's functionality must be tested individually.
Read more: How do you install LED strips without damaging walls?
Lighting Inverter Components
Here are the main components of a lighting inverter:
UPS Module
The UPS module includes an inverter that converts DC to AC power. It also contains an AC distribution module with a circuit breaker, boost tap transformer, and control and monitoring subsystems. Although power conditioning may be offered, these components are not designed for total power conditioning like a true, online UPS system.
Battery Module
The battery module stores the backup energy needed to supply the inverter during instances of low power supply.
Battery Charger
The charger converts AC voltage to DC current, ensuring the batteries receive a full charge to maintain maximum power.
Inverter
The inverter converts DC voltage from the battery to stable AC voltage suitable for powering most lighting loads. This conversion is achieved through sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) and a dedicated AC filter consisting of a transformer and capacitors.
Output Power Transformer
A dry-type power transformer delivers the inverter's AC output. Transformers are essential in electrical distribution equipment and must consider capacity, voltage rating, insulation system, core, coils, and winding insulation system. Copper wiring is typically used in systems that include an isolation transformer.
Display & Controls
The display and controls provide operation monitoring, control, alarms, and diagnostics. The front-mounted control panel features a display and keypad for user interface.
Battery Assembly
Battery assemblies can vary significantly, but most lighting inverters use front-access, sealed, lead-acid valve-regulated battery cells connected with buss bars and cables.
If you have any questions about the topics covered or are interested in our solutions, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a lighting inverter?
A: A lighting inverter converts DC battery power to AC voltage, providing backup power for lighting during emergencies.
Q: Can lighting inverters be used for other applications?
A: Yes, lighting inverters can be used in fire alarm systems, exit lighting, and other critical safety-related equipment.
Q: What are the different types of lighting inverters?
A: There are two types: central lighting inverters and dispersed lighting inverters.
Q: How do central lighting inverters differ from dispersed lighting inverters?
A: Central lighting inverters provide a centralized solution with lower maintenance requirements, while dispersed lighting inverters require more time and manpower to maintain each individual light.
Q: What are the main components of a lighting inverter?
A: The main components include the UPS module, battery module, battery charger, inverter, output power transformer, display and controls, and battery assembly.