5
Integrated Automatic Transfer Switch
Built into the PD1200 Series Inverter is an automatic transfer switch
that engages whenever power is detected at the AC input port. In
recreational vehicles this is often used to switch over to shore or gen-
erator power when it is available, reserving the battery power for
later use. The transfer switch transition times are fast enough that
transitioning from one source to another will not impede operation
for most electrical loads.
Reverse Battery Protection
Reverse battery protection has been added to the inverter to protect
the equipment in the event that the positive and negative terminals of
the battery are incorrectly connected to the inverter. Unlike some
other inverters on the market, there is not a time delay associated
with the reverse battery protection. In the event that the inverter is
reverse wired it will not turn on.
Over-Load Protection
In order to protect the inverter from over-load conditions the power
draw is continually measured and should it exceed the rated output
power the inverter will automatically shutdown and display the error
code corresponding to an over-load error. This is a required feature
in all UL safety certified inverters. For additional protection the
PD1200 Series inverter includes a 15A circuit breaker on the output
to limit power that is passed through from the AC Input.
Easy Installation
When designing the PD1200 Series Inverter special attention was
paid to making it easy to install. The AC connection points are color
co-ordinate push-in terminals. When hard-wiring your new inverter
the installer can pull out the knockouts by hand, insert the Romex
cable, then push each conductor into place. The DC connections are
made directly to lugs instead of using large, expensive ring terminals.
The only tool required is a 5/32” hex key.
Short Circuit Protection
In any power system, a sustained short circuit can cause hazardous
conditions potentially resulting in over-heating and fire. To avoid
these conditions the inverter has been designed with short circuit
protection. It will detect any large current spikes caused by a short
circuit and shutdown immediately to avoid damaging the inverter and
output wiring.
2X Peak Power Rating
When starting inductive loads like compressors (found in common
household refrigerators) there is a large surge in power draw during
the initial startup. To supply this initial start up power the PD1200
Series Inverter has been designed to supply a peak power that is 2X
its rated power.
Under/Over Voltage Protection
To protect both the inverter and the battery bank the PD1200 Series In-
verter has been designed with integral under voltage and over voltage
protection. These voltage limits are designed to operate with a Lead-
Acid battery bank without damaging the batteries. The inverter may also
be used with a 12V lithium ion battery pack (LiFePO4) with a properly
configured BMS. See Specifications on page 16
for voltage limits.
Fully Functional Remote Display (Optional)
When purchasing your inverter an optional addition is the remote
display. The PD1200 Series Inverter has an optional remote display
that is fully functional at up to 25 feet away. This includes turning on
and off the inverter and monitoring battery voltage and power con-
sumption.
Hardwired AC Output/GFCI (Optional)
The PD1200 Series Inverter is capable of being used with a hard-
wired output. In installations designed to use this hard-wired output
there isn’t a need to select the optional Ground Fault Circuit Inter-
rupter. However, in installations that require a standard receptacle the
GFCI can be built into the unit to allow your devices to be plugged
into a standard receptacle. In GFCI installations the hard-wired out-
put is still available for additional loads.
Over Temperature Protection
A required feature for all UL safety certified inverters, over tempera-
ture protection is designed into every PD1200 Series inverter. When
the internal temperature of the inverter gets too high due to poor ven-
tilation or high ambient temperature the inverter will shutdown. The
output will automatically turn back on when the internal temperature
returns to safe operating temperatures.
Thermally-Controlled Variable Speed Fan
Using technology that is found in all Progressive Dynamics Convert-
ers, the PD1200 Series Inverter employs a thermally-controlled vari-
able speed fan. This fan will only turn on when the inverter is operat-
ing at a warmer than normal temperatures. Furthermore, when it does
turn on, the speed of the fan is smoothly controlled to only run as fast
as necessary to keep the inverter within safe operating temperatures.
This is designed to minimize disruptive audible noise
Pure Sine Wave Output
The output of the PD1200 Series inverter is a 120 VAC, 60 Hz, pure
sine wave. Unlike a modified sine wave, a pure sine wave is ideally
suited to drive all types of loads including refrigerators, motors,
power tools, and common household electronics.
Automatic Restart After DC Disconnect
The PD1200 Series Inverter will detect when the battery input con-
nections have been removed. When the DC disconnect switch is re-
engaged the inverter will automatically restart. Similar to a DC dis-
connect switch, this automatic restart also kicks in when the user
replaces the batteries. To avoid an automatic restart, simply turn off
the inverter prior to disconnecting the batteries.
Key Features
Neutral Bonding
In an RV the neutral should be tied to ground at the source of the
power. To safely accomplish this the PD1200 Series inverter ties the
neutral to ground only if the inverter is supplying the power. When
the transfer switch is engaged to pass AC Input power, the ground
connection is passed from AC input to AC output with the assump-
tion that the neutral is properly grounded wherever the power is be-
ing generated (generator or campground electrical post).
