5000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment
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can result in fire or explosion. Do not make the positive terminal connection
immediately after the batteries have been charging. Allow time for the battery
gasses to vent to outside air.
8. Attach the positive cable end to the positive (+) DC connector on the inverter. Make
sure the connection is tight and secure.
9. Replace the connector covers and secure with the small retaining screws.
10. Turn ON (1) the inverter. The display on the front panel should show 10.5 to 15
volts depending on the voltage of the power source. When the voltage reading
does not fall within this range, check the connections of the wires to the terminals
on the power source and the inverter to make sure they are secure. Also check the
voltage of the power source. Make certain that the high temperature or overload
LED indicators are not lit.
11. Turn OFF (0) the inverter. The overload and over temperature LEDs may briefly
“flash”. This is normal. The audible alarm may also sound a short “chirp”. This is
also normal.
12. When you have confirmed that the appliance to be operated is turned off, plug the
appliance into one of the four AC outlets on the front panel of the inverter.
13. Turn the inverter on.
14. Turn the appliance on.
Note: If an extension cord is used from the inverter to the appliance, limit the extension cord
length to 50 feet or less. Make sure that the cord is properly rated to carry the appliance
load.
CHARGING THE BATTERY BANK
It is not the purpose of this inverter user’s guide to provide detailed information regarding
battery charging systems. However, the user should try to augment any charging system with
either wind power or solar power. These can continue to operate during power outages and
they also reduce recharge time. If automatic AC powered battery chargers do not provide
enough charging current for a larger battery bank, is permissible to have two automatic
battery chargers connected to the battery bank.
REGULAR LOSS OF COMMERCIAL POWER
If the inverter system is used during commercial power outages that occur daily, configure
the charger system to replace energy during the time that commercial power is available.
Replacement of battery energy always requires more than was taken from the battery
(typically 130%). In the example used earlier in this document, the AC load ran for 10 hours.
If commercial power is available, there are approximately 14 hours left in the day to do the
recharging. The following is an example of what is necessary to recharge a battery bank
that has 16,500 AH of capacity (as in the example above) and has been discharged to 10.5
volts (discharged). The charger has to replace 2145 AH (1650 x 1.3 AH) in 14 hours. So the
charger must charge at a rate of 153 amps for 14 hours. As this charge current is distributed
among the batteries in the battery bank, the current received by an individual battery is
within its charge rating. Be sure that the battery is well vented as the area will likely have
accumulations of an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. Follow all recommendations
for use that are contained in the battery charger manual.
WARNING
THERE IS DANGER OF EXPLOSION. DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT CHARGER CABLES
DIRECTLY AFTER BATTERY DISCHARGE OR RECHARGE–MAKE SURE THAT THE BATTERY BANK
AREA IS WELL VENTED BEFORE ATTACHING OR REMOVING CABLES.
If the flooded lead acid batteries are used, as examples given in this document, be sure that
periodic checks of battery electrolyte levels are accomplished. Follow battery manufacturer’s
instructions in keeping the electrolytes at the proper level. Be sure to use pure distilled water
when replacing evaporated electrolyte liquid.
ABOARD A VESSEL OR VEHICLE.
Manufacturer supplied engine driven alternators can usually be replaced with ones that can
continuously deliver higher amperage. This should be done at the outset. Keep the batteries
charging when the vessel or vehicle engine is operating. In the case of a vessel, make sure
that shore power is used to recharge the batteries whenever possible.
OPERATING ISSUES
Television and Audio Equipment Suggestions.
Although all inverters are shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference, some
interference with your television picture may be unavoidable, especially with weak signals.
However, here are some suggestions that may improve reception.
• First, make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal
operating conditions (i.e. at home plugged into a standard 110/120V AC wall
outlet). Also, ensure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of good
quality.
• Change the positions of the inverter, antenna cables and television power cord.
• Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt power
source by running an extension cord from the inverter to the television set.
• Coil the television power cord or install a clamp-on ferrite choke (available from
electronic parts suppliers).
Note: Some inexpensive audio systems may have a slight “buzzing” sound when operated
with the inverter. This is caused by insufficient filtering in the audio system. The only solution
to this problem is to get a sound system with a higher quality power supply.
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