©
2009 Magnum Energy Inc
Page 12
Installation
2.3 Wiring the Inverter - General Requirements
This section also describes the requirements and recommendations for wiring the MS Series
inverter/charger. Before wiring the MS Series inverter/charger, read all instructions.
All wiring should meet all local codes and standards and be performed by qualifi ed
personnel such as a licensed electrician.
The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC (Canadian
Electrical Code) for Canada provide the standards for safely wiring residential and commercial
installations. The NEC/CEC lists the requirement for wire sizes, overcurrent protection and
installation methods and requirements.
Inverter/charger systems involve power from multiple sources (inverter, generator, utility, batteries,
solar arrays, etc.) which make the wiring more hazardous and challenging.
The input and output AC and DC circuits are isolated from the inverter chassis. The inverter system
grounding is the responsibility of the installer in accordance with the NEC.
WARNING
: Ensure all sources of DC power (i.e., batteries, solar, wind or hydro) and
AC power (utility power or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened,
fuses removed) before proceeding - to prevent accidental shock.
2.3.1
Protecting Wire - Conduit Box
The AC and DC wires into and out of the inverter must be protected as required by code. This
can be done by using jacketed wires or by feeding the wires through conduit. Magnum provides
a DC conduit box (part number ME-CB) that can be purchased to allow conduit to be connected
to the inverter for both the AC and DC conductors.
Info:
If using the ME-CB conduit box and the AC wires are individual conductors (i.e.,
not jacketed), the strain reliefs can be removed and replaced with 3/4” grommets.
2.3.2 Wiring
Requirements
All conductors that are at risk to physical damage must be protected by conduit, tape, or
placed in a raceway.
Always check for existing electrical, plumbing or other areas of potential damage prior to
making cuts in structural surfaces or walls.
Do not mix AC and DC wiring in the same conduit or panel unless speci
fi
cally approved/
designed for both AC and DC wiring. Where DC wiring must cross AC or vice-versa, try to
make the wires at the crossing point 90° to one another.
Both AC and DC overcurrent protection must be provided as part of the installation.
The inverter requires a reliable negative and ground return path directly to the battery.
Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
2.3.3 Wire
Routing
Before connecting any wires, determine all wire routes to and from the inverter. Typical routing
scenarios are:
AC input wiring from the main AC panel to the inverter
AC input wiring from a generator (optional) to the inverter
DC input wiring from the batteries to the inverter
AC output wiring from the inverter to the AC sub-panel or to dedicated circuits
Battery Temperature Sensor cable from the inverter to the batteries
Remote Control cable (optional) to the inverter
Ground wiring to and from the inverter
2.3.4 Torque
Requirements
Torque all AC wiring connections to 16 in lbf (1.8 N-m). Torque DC cable connections from
10 to 12 ft lbf (13.6 to 16.3 N-m).
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