Hertz (Hz.)
The frequency, or number of times per second, that the flow of AC electricity reverses itself. Also referred
to as cycles (see alternating current).
High Battery Protection
A control circuit that disconnects charge current flowing to battery(s) when voltage reaches a
dangerously high threshold. Prevents damage created by excess gassing (or boiling) of electrolyte.
Idle Current
The amount of electrical power required to keep an inverter ready to produce electricity on demand.
Kilowatt (kW)
One thousand watts of electricity. Ten 100-watt light bulbs use one Kilowatt of electrical power.
Kilowatt hour (kWh)
One kW of electrical power used for one hour. The most common measurement of electrical consumption,
most grid connected electrical meters measure kW/h for billing purposes.
Line Loss
A voltage drop caused by resistance in wire during transmission of electrical power over distance.
Load
Any device that consumes electricity in order to operate. Appliances, tools, and lights are examples of
electrical loads.
Low Battery Protection
A control circuit that stops the flow of electricity from batteries to loads when battery voltage drops to
dangerously low levels.
Modified Sine Wave
An AC wave form (generated by many inverters) that is a pulse width modified square wave. It consists
of a number of very small on/off steps rather than a fully smooth wave.
Overload/Over current Protection
A control circuit designed to protect an inverter or similar device from loads exceeding its output
capacity. (A fuse, for example, is an over current protection device.) All SkyTronic inverters have internal
circuitry to protect themselves from overload/over current conditions.
Parallel Wiring
A group of electrical devices, such as batteries or PV modules, wired together to increase current, while
voltage remains constant.
E.g. Two 100 amp hour 12 Vdc batteries wired in parallel will form a 200 amp-hour 12 Vdc battery bank.
Series Wiring
A group of electrical devices, such as batteries, wired together to increase voltage, while current remains
constant.
E.g. Two 100 amp hour 12 Vdc batteries wired in series form a 100 amp hour 24 Vdc battery bank.
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