The fans and lights never cause problems. It’s the water motor kicking in while someone’s ironing and the microwave is on. Suddenly the inverter beeps and shows “overload.” Here’s what’s going on.
- Motors need a startup surge several times their running power.
- Heating appliances (iron, kettle, microwave) draw high steady power.
- Run heavy appliances one at a time, ideally at midday.
- Size the inverter for your worst realistic combination, not the average.
Two kinds of heavy loads
Motor loads such as water pumps, washing machines, fridges and old non-inverter ACs need a big burst of power to start. That surge can be three to five times the running power for a moment.
Heating loads such as irons, kettles, microwaves, toasters and hair dryers don’t surge, but they draw high power steadily, often 1,000 to 2,000W each.
Typical power figures
| Appliance | Running (approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HP water motor | ~750W | Startup surge much higher |
| Washing machine | 400 to 2,000W | Higher when heating water |
| Iron | 1,000 to 1,600W | Cycles on and off |
| Microwave | 1,000 to 1,500W | Short bursts |
| Electric kettle | 1,500 to 2,200W | A few minutes |
Check the rating plate on your own appliances, as models vary.
Why the inverter trips
If you add up a 1 HP motor starting (surge), an iron and a microwave, a 3kW inverter can briefly face well over its peak capacity. It protects itself by tripping.
Habits that solve most of it
- Run the water motor at midday when solar is strong, and not at the same moment as the iron or microwave.
- Do laundry and ironing in the late morning or early afternoon, not in the evening on battery.
- Use a timer on the motor so it fills the tank around noon automatically.
- If you’re replacing old appliances, inverter-type motors, ACs and fridges start much more gently.
When you actually need a bigger inverter
If trips continue even with sensible habits, the inverter is undersized for your home. Our load calculator includes surge for motors and suggests a size with margin. Most families with a motor and regular heavy use are comfortable from 4 to 6kW. See 4kW, 5kW or 6kW.
Inverter keeps tripping?
Tell us what was running when it happened. We’ll tell you if it’s habits or size.