Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between a tubular battery and a gel battery?

Both tubular and gel batteries are used for inverter and solar backup systems, but they suit different situations. Tubular batteries use a liquid electrolyte and require occasional water top-ups, but they handle deep discharge very well, tolerate Lebanon's frequent and lengthy power cuts better, and are more cost-effective for large systems. Gel batteries are sealed and completely maintenance-free, no water refilling required, making them a better fit for locations where regular upkeep is difficult, such as server rooms, commercial installations, or enclosed spaces. For most residential and commercial backup setups in Lebanon, tubular batteries offer the best combination of capacity, cycle life, and value. For installations requiring zero maintenance, gel batteries are the preferred choice.

The right inverter size depends on the total power consumption of the appliances you want to run at the same time. Add up the wattage of each device: for example, lights (50W each), a refrigerator (150W), a router (20W), fans (75W each) — and choose an inverter rated at least 20–25% above that total to handle startup surges from motors and compressors. For a typical Lebanese household running lights, a refrigerator, a TV, and a few fans during outages, a 2kVA to 3kVA inverter is usually sufficient. Larger homes or businesses with air conditioning or heavy equipment will require 5kVA and above. We are always here ready to advise and guide you through your decisions.

Yes, in most parts of Lebanon, a voltage stabilizer is strongly recommended, especially if you are running sensitive equipment. The Lebanese grid frequently delivers unstable voltage, and generator voltage can fluctuate significantly depending on load. These fluctuations — both high voltage spikes and low voltage drops — silently damage appliances over time, particularly air conditioners, refrigerators, motors, and electronic devices. A voltage stabilizer (also called an AVR) monitors the incoming voltage continuously and corrects it to a safe, steady level before it reaches your equipment. For businesses running industrial machinery, medical equipment, or commercial refrigeration, a stabilizer is essential. For homes, it is a low-cost investment that significantly extends the lifespan of your appliances.

Battery backup duration depends on two things: how much energy is stored in your battery bank, and how much power your appliances consume. As a practical guide for Lebanon: a single 200Ah tubular battery paired with a 1.5kVA inverter can power basic loads — lights, a router, a fan, and phone charging — for approximately 6 to 10 hours. Running a refrigerator alongside those loads will reduce that to 3 to 5 hours. To cover longer outages, you either need a larger battery bank (multiple batteries in parallel) or a solar charging system to replenish the batteries during the day. The most reliable way to size your system correctly is to list every appliance you want to run during a cut, note their wattage, and estimate how many hours per day each runs — your supplier can then calculate the exact battery capacity you need.

An offline UPS (also called a standby UPS) stays idle during normal operation and only switches on when power is lost. There is a brief transfer time of a few milliseconds when it switches over. This type is suitable for computers and basic office equipment where that brief gap is acceptable. An online UPS (also called a double-conversion UPS) continuously runs all power through its inverter — meaning your equipment is always running on clean, conditioned power with zero transfer time. This makes it the correct choice for servers, telecommunications equipment, medical devices, industrial control systems, and any application where even a millisecond interruption or voltage fluctuation is unacceptable. Online UPS systems also provide much better protection against voltage fluctuations from the Lebanese grid and generator. For most business and industrial applications in Lebanon, online UPS is the recommended standard.

Yes, Roukoz Electronics operates primarily as a wholesale supplier to electricians, solar installers, contractors, and businesses across Lebanon. We stock a wide range of power electronics including solar inverters, tubular and gel batteries, UPS systems, solar panels, voltage stabilizers, and chargers from reliable brands, available in trade quantities. Whether you are equipping a single commercial project or need a recurring supply partner for ongoing installations, our three branches in Dekwaneh, Sarba, and Zebdine are set up to serve trade customers efficiently. Wholesale clients benefit from dedicated pricing, product availability across branches, and access to our team's technical knowledge to help specify the right equipment for each project.