Paul Layman

I hope this counts as a sub-question of the main question here. Alongside our 5kv inverter-battery set-up is a mini-DB with a switch that bypasses the inverter -- i.e., it switches to direct Eskom. When we do this (not during load shedding, of course), we don't have to worry about overloading the system by running the toaster, microwave, kettle etc simultaneously. (And the switch happens quite seamlessly, so desktop computers and TVs keep running.) But I'm not sure whether this is good or bad for the inverter and battery. Or does it make no difference? It seems to me (as a total layman) that if there's not going to be any load shedding for a longish period (say a day or more), bypassing the inverter and battery should give them a "rest" (even though they're not actually switched off), maybe reducing wear and tear or extending battery life. Or does switching back and forth put a strain on the battery and inverter -- or on anything else?