©
2006 Magnum Energy Inc
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1.0 Introduction
How an Inverter/Charger Works
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it
into alternating current (AC), like you use at home. With MM Series
models that have the battery charger feature, it also takes alternating
current (when connected to utility or generator power) and transforms it
into direct current to recharge your batteries.
There are three modes of operation associated with this inverter:
Inverter Mode: Direct Current (DC) from the batteries is transformed
into Alternating Current (AC) for powering your household electrical
appliances.
Transfer Mode: Alternating Current (AC) is taken directly from utility
power (or other AC sources) and passes through the inverter directly to
your household appliances.
Charger Mode (not available on all models): The incoming AC from
utility power (or other AC sources) is converted to DC to recharge the
batteries connected to the inverter.
What Appliances will run from a Modified Sine Inverter
Today’s inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modified sine
(which is actually a modified square wave) and pure sine wave. Modified
sine wave inverters approximate a pure sine waveform and will run
most appliances and electronics without any problems. These inverters
are less expensive and, therefore, offer a viable alternative to more
expensive pure sine inverters.
The output of a modified sine wave inverter will run most electronic and
household items including but not limited to TV, VCR, Satellite dish
receiver, computers and printers. Some devices such as rechargeable
power supplies for phones, drills, and such devices may not run or be
damaged by modified sine wave inverters.
Appliances and Run Time
The MM Series inverter can power a wide range of household appliances
including small motors, clocks and other electrical devices. As with any
appliance using batteries for power, there is a certain length of time that
it can run - this is called “run time”. Actual run time depends on several
variables including the size and the type of appliance, the type of
batteries installed in your application, as well as the battery’s capacity
and age. Other factors such as the battery’s state of charge and
temperature can also affect the length of time your appliances can run.
Appliances such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers and lights can all be
successfully powered by your inverter. Depending on your inverter
capacity, larger electrical appliances such as coffee pots and hair dryers
can be used for short durations. However, loads that are used for longer
periods such as stoves or water heaters can quickly drain your batteries
and are not recommended for inverter applications.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they con-
sume. The rating is printed on the product’s nameplate label, usually
located on its chassis near the AC power cord. Even though it is difficult
to calculate exactly how long an inverter will run a particular appliance,
the best advice is trial and error. Your MM Series inverter has a built-in
safeguard that automatically protects your batteries from being over-
discharged.
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