Section 4B:
Using the 220 volt system
The Model 3000 is the only one of our systems that features an on-demand 220 volt
system with a specially designed soft-start system to power common deep-well submersible
pumps up to 1 hp. Since the transformer bleeds off about 20 watts of power even when unused,
it is recommended to leave it powered down when not in use to conserve battery power.
There is a switch on the upper right of the control panel that when in the “on” position,
supplies power to the transformer; turn it on, (there should be a faint humming sound beneath
the control panel when the transformer is energized.),and plug in the power cord for the pump.
Be sure the 20 amp double circuit-breaker in the upper right-most corner is also in the “on”
position. Everything else is fully automatic.
Transformer power on/off switch 220 volt, 20 amp circuit-breaker
220 volt twist-lock receptacle
The 220 volt system includes our proprietary soft-start
module, pictured on the right. It's purpose is to reduce the
amount of current required to start the pump motor; this allows a
smaller load to be passed to the inverter, allowing any given
sized inverter to start and run a disproportionately large motor.
It accomplishes this by sensing when the pressure switch
turns the pump on, and activating a mechanism that starts the
load at a smaller voltage, and ramping up the voltage to
normal line-level over a period of several seconds.
When the pressure switch on the pump is satisfied and
switches off, the soft-starter switches off and resets for
the next cycle.
The soft-starter has 2 LEDs that are visible by
looking down on the left (hinge) side by the end of the
control panel. Under normal operation, the green LED comes on when the module senses the
pump has started, and a few seconds later, the yellow LED lights to indicate the soft-start cycle
is complete, and the voltage going to the pump is at normal line-level.
In the event of a failure of the module, it may be bypassed. Instructions are on page 37.
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