6
Q. Can I use an extension cord with my inverter?
A.
Yes, no problem. If cables need to be run, it is best to keep
inverter as close as possible to batteries. Use extension cords
on the output side (Vac output) rather than extending the Vdc
cables. Tip: Contractors often need to mount the inverter in the
back of their trucks. In a case like this it would be best to mount
a secondary battery near the inverter and wire it to the primary
truck battery. Vac extension cords should not exceed 200 feet
or you will have signal loss.
Q. Can I Use a Power strips or surge protectors with my
inverter?
A.
No, the use of surge protectors (also called surge
suppressors) or power strips are not recommended for use with
THOR Manufacturing inverters. This causes confusion with the
inverters on board GFCI circuit causing the inverter to enter a
fault condition.
Before connecting any appliance to a modified sine wave inverter, check with the manufacturer for recommendations
on what type of sine wave should be used with your appliance or equipment.
Some sensitive electronics such as medical equipment, laser printers, key machines and others require the use of
a pure sine wave inverter.
THOR Manufacturing also offers Pure sine wave inverters.
APPLIANCE POWER CONSUMPTION
Most electrical tools, appliances and electronic equipment have labels that show the unit’s power consumption in
amps, watts or both. To avoid inverter shutdown and possible damage to the inverter or equipment, do not exceed
the inverter’s wattage rating. To obtain a rough estimate of the current (in amperes) the power source must deliver
where the power consumption of the tool or device is given in watts AC, simply divide the power consumption of
the load by 10. For example, if a load is rated at 200 watts AC, the power source must be able to deliver: 200 divided
by 10 = 20 amperes.
Your inverter will operate most AC loads within its power rating. Some induction motors used in refrigerators,
freezers, pumps and other motor-operated equipment, require very high surge currents to start them. Your inverter
may not be able to start some of these motors even though their rated current draw is within specifications for this
power inverter.
If a motor refuses to start, observe the battery voltage using a DC voltmeter while trying to start the motor. If the
battery voltmeter drops below 11 volts while the inverter is attempting to start the motor, this may be why the motor
won’t start. Make sure the battery connections are tight and the power source battery (or batteries) is (are) fully-
charged. If the connections are good and the power source is charged, but the voltage still drops below 11 volts,
you may need to use a larger power source battery (or battery combination).
Your inverter has built-in overload protection so that if you do exceed the inverter’s output capacity continuously,
the unit will automatically shut down. Once the excess load is removed, the inverter can be restarted and resume
normal operation.
Note:
To restart the inverter, turn it off, and then on again. The ON/OFF Switch is located on the inverter’s Front Panel (refer to
the “Control and Functions” section of this Instruction Manual).
The inverter powers resistive loads the easiest; however, larger resistive loads, such as electric stoves or heaters,
could draw more wattage than the inverter can deliver on a continuous basis.
CAUTIONS
Ensure that total continuous power consumption of all tools and appliances to be used simultaneously with your
inverter does not exceed the inverter’s continuous wattage rating. Also ensure that start-up wattage for inductive
loads does not exceed peak watts for more than a second.
