Manual And Automatic Source Inverters

The different types of source inverters available on One-Elec

In our online shop, you'll find Schneider and Legrand source inverters. There are several models:

• Manual source inverters: these require human intervention to switch the power supply to an emergency source if the main source fails. This type of inverter is often used in situations where power cuts are infrequent and rapid intervention is possible.
• Automatic source inverters: these automatically switch to an emergency source when the main source is interrupted. An internal relay mechanism manages this transition without human intervention, ensuring immediate continuity of the power supply. If you're not sure which one to choose, don't hesitate to contact our technician, who will be able to advise you according to your needs!

Inverter capacities and applications

• Residential use: residential inverters typically have a capacity of 2,000 to 10,000 watts. They can be used to switch between the electricity grid and back-up sources such as generators or solar panels.
• Small businesses and offices: source inverters can go up to 20,000 watts, ensuring a continuous supply in the event of a power cut.
• Industrial and commercial applications: in industrial contexts, source inverters have much higher capacities, ranging from 50,000 watts to several megawatts. They are essential for critical equipment such as data centres, manufacturing plants and hospitals.
• Large back-up systems : large back-up systems require source inverters with very high capacities, ranging from 100,000 watts to several megawatts. They are used in essential infrastructures and critical installations to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

How do source inverters work?

Interested in finding out how do source inverters work? Let us explain!

1. Power failure detection: the inverter constantly monitors the power supply from the main source. In the event of a power cut or failure, it immediately detects the problem.

2. Activation of the back-up source: the inverter switches automatically (or manually for manual models) to a back-up source, guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply.

3. Phase synchronisation: the inverter synchronises the phases and frequencies of the back-up source with those of the main source to avoid overvoltage or unbalance.

4. Feeding the electrical circuits: once synchronisation has been achieved, the inverter feeds the electrical circuits from the backup source until the main source is restored.

5. Continuous monitoring: the inverter continues to monitor the power supply and switches between sources as required. Some advanced models also monitor power quality (voltage, frequency, etc.) and protect against overvoltage, undervoltage and short circuits.