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VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1
deliver over a period of time, typically 20 hours. Therefore, a 100 amp-hour battery can
deliver 5 amps for 20 hours (5 x 20 = 100).
Actual operating time from a battery will depend upon the current draw from the battery. A battery
will deliver less total power (energy) as you draw higher amps. A 100 amp-hour battery can
deliver 5 amps for 20 hours (100 amp-hours) but it will only deliver 50 amps for 1 1/2 hours (50 x
1.5 = 75) or 75 amp-hours at the higher rate.
Also remember, battery life is decreased if the battery is discharged fully. Lead acid batteries
have the longest life, if they are kept fully charged.
4.4.4
Battery Capacity
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter with proper DC voltage and
an adequate amp-hour capacity to power your application. Even though VertaMax Inverters are
highly efficient at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the total amp-
hour capacity of connected batteries and the support of charging devices connected to the battery
(e.g. a vehicle alternator, solar panel, wind turbine, battery charger).
STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your Inverter. Wattage ratings are
usually listed in equipment manuals or on nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps,
multiply that number times AC utility voltage to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill requires
2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120 volts = 300 watts.)
Note: Your Inverter will operate at higher efficiencies when used at about 75% - 80% of the
inverter’s rating.
STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above) by the battery voltage (12) to determine the
DC amps required.
STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required
Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above) by the number of hours you estimate you will
operate your equipment exclusively from battery power before you have to recharge your
batteries. Compensate for inefficiency and wiring losses by multiplying this number by 1.2. This
will give you a rough estimate of how many amp-hours of battery power (from one or several
batteries) you should connect to your Inverter.
NOTE: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-hour
capacities are less when batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries
discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries
discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.
You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during Inverter
operation or else you will eventually run down your batteries.
5 TROUBLESHOOTING AND SUPPORT
WARNING:
Do not continue to operate the inverter when it is suspected to be faulty, cut off the
input and output immediately and perform immediate diagnostics as stated below.
The VertaMax is ruggedly constructed and requires minimal care. It is recommended to inspect
all the connections at least two times per year for insulation damage or corrosion and to
frequently ensure all connections are tight and secure.
5.1 M
AINTENANCE
&
C
ARE
•
Clean the heat sink and area around the inverter of any dirt or debris with a dry cloth.
•
Tighten the screws on the DC input terminals.
•
Be sure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.
•
Inspect any batteries for cracked or bulging cases and corroded terminals.
