DIY: Power Failure DC Voltage Backup

Dealing with a power failure can be annoying or even life-threatening. Power failures often occur when demand for electricity is greatest, during the dead of winter or peak of summer. Many critical appliances -- refrigerators, portable heaters and air conditioners -- that operate on 120-volt alternating current can be temporarily powered with a DC voltage backup system similar to those used to power appliances in recreational vehicles.

Deep cycle batteries
Power strip
Power inverter
Extension cord
Battery charger

Instructions

- 1
  Place a deep cycle RV or marine battery in a well-ventilated area in a garage, porch or basement. Select a battery that has a minimum power capacity of 650 amps. The greater the amperage rating of the battery, the longer the backup system will be able to supply power.
- 2
  Connect the positive lead from a 120-volt power inverter to the positive post of the deep cycle battery. Attach the negative lead from the inverter to the negative battery post. Depending on the design of the inverter, the leads may be equipped with alligator clips that snap onto the posts or leads may have terminals that slide over the battery posts and fasten in place with bolts and a wrench or wing-nuts.
- 3
  Turn on the switch on the inverter. Plug a heavy duty extension cord into the AC outlet on the inverter. Run the cord to a convenient location in the house. Plug a surge-protected power strip with an integrated circuit breaker into the extension cord. Plug the appliances into the extension cord.
- 4
  Recharge the deep cycle battery with a battery charger when the electricity comes back on.

Do I Wrap a Drainpipe in a Cloth Barrier?

How to Troubleshoot the Weld Porosity of a Flux Core

General Home Safety