7
Appliances such as microwave ovens will normally draw more than their rated current and could possibly overload
the inverter when operated simultaneously with other appliances. For example: A 600 watt microwave oven draws
approximately 940 watts.
Rechargeable Devices
CAUTIONS
• Some rechargeable devices are designed to be charged by plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These
devices may damage the inverter or the charging circuit.
• When using a rechargeable device with your inverter, monitor its temperature for the initial ten minutes of use to
determine if it produces excessive heat. If excessive heat is produced, the device should not be used with your
inverter.
• This problem does not occur with most battery-operated appliances and tools. Most of these appliances use a
separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle.
• Your inverter is capable of running most chargers and transformers.
POWER SOURCE AND PROTECTIVE FEATURES
Power Source Requirements
Your inverter will operate from input voltages between 11 and 16 volts DC. If the voltage drops below 11 volts, an
audible low battery warning alarm will sound. If the input voltage drops below 10 volts DC, the inverter will shut
down. This feature protects the battery from being completely discharged.
The inverter will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 16 volts. This protects the inverter against excessive
input voltage. Although the inverter has built-in protection against over voltage, it may still be damaged if the input
voltage exceeds 17 volts.
Your inverter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical and electronic equipment in the manner
described in the “Installation” section of this Instruction Manual. Do not connect the inverter to household or RV AC
distribution wiring. Do not connect the inverter to any AC load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to
ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) power source.
The 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. The 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 battery (or batteries) is (are) fully-
charged. If the connections are good and the battery is charged, but the voltage still drops below 11 volts, you may
need to use a larger battery (or battery combination).
Inductive loads, such as TVs and stereos, require more current to operate than resistive loads of the same wattage
rating. Induction motors, as well as some TVs, may require two to six times their rated wattage to start up. Because
these inverters have a peak watt power rating, many such appliances and tools may be safely operated. The
equipment that needs the highest starting wattage are pumps and compressors that start under load. This
equipment can be safely tested. If an overload is detected, the inverter will simply shut down until the overload
situation is corrected.
CAUTIONS
• Exceeding recommended voltage limits will void manufacturer’s warranty.
• NEVER try to use your inverter with any 12 volt DC power source that uses a positive ground. (Most vehicles and
boats use negative ground systems.)
• The Power Inverter must be connected only to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not
operate from a 6 volt battery and will sustain permanent damage if connected to a 24 volt battery.
• Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause permanent damage to the inverter.