
SELECTING THE OPTIMUM POWER SOURCE
Use a Deep Cycle Battery for powering an inverter as this type of battery is designed
to deliver large currents for long durations. Do not use an automotive starter battery
because these batteries are designed with thinner plates to provide large current for a
very short duration to crank the engine. They are not designed to provide large
currents for long durations.
The capacity of a battery is expressed in Ampere Hours (AH) or in Reserve Capacity
(RC) in minutes. Multiply the Reserve Capacity in minutes by 0.3 to get Ampere Hour
capacity ( e.g. RC of 166 minutes = 166 x 0.3 AH or approx. 50 AH )
The approximate current drawn in Amperes by an inverter from a 12 V battery is
determined by dividing the output power drawn from the inverter by 10. For example if
the full 2500 Watts of output power is drawn from PSE-12250A inverter, the battery will
be required to deliver 250 Amperes ( 2500 Watts divided by 10 = 250 Amperes )
Example for determining battery capacity is given below:
Let us say that it is required to run a 2500-Watt load from PSE-12250A inverter for 2
hours.
Current required to be delivered by the battery = 2500 Watts divided by 10 = 250
Amps
AH required to be delivered by the battery = 250 Amps x 2 Hours = 500 AH
Hence, the AH capacity of the battery should be more than 500 AH ( or 500 divided
by 0.3 = 1666 RC )
Use 3 Type 8D 12 V batteries in parallel to get 600 AH capacity
Note:
The AH capacity can be increased by connecting 2 or more batteries in parallel. For
example, if 3 type 8D , 12 V batteries ( Each 8 D has a capacity of 200 AH ) are
connected in parallel, the net capacity will be 200 AH x 3 = 600 AH
When using high capacity inverter in an automobile, do not use the starter battery but
an auxiliary deep cycle battery as explained above. Also, if the starter battery is used
and it gets discharged while powering a load connected to the inverter, it may not be
able to start the automobile engine.
USING PROPER WIRE CABLE SIZES
For safe and proper operation of the inverter, connect the inverter ot the power source
with the thickest wire available and in the shortest length practical.
PSE-12100A (1000 Watt) and PSE-12150A (1500 Watt) Models.
When the inverter and the battery are set up within four feet of each other, use a
minimum of #4 gauge wire to make the connections. Within four to six feet, use a
minimum of #2 gauge wire. At distances of more than six feet, use #0 gauge wire.
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