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Revision 3
VertaMax User Manual
Page 5 of 16
2.1 E
LECTROSTATIC
(ESD)
P
RECAUTIONS
All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of
electrostatic damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior
to handling the unit and avoid touching components on the circuit boards. The risk of electrostatic
damage is highest when relative humidity is below 40%.
2.2 M
OUNTING
Mounting is optional for the VertaMax; however, the environment must be dry and protected from
water.
1. The VertaMax can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted
vertically, the unit should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign
material cannot settle into the unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four inverter mounting slots and
into the mounting surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the inverter cannot slide in any direction.
WARNING:
Do not mount on flammable surface material.
2.3 G
ROUNDING
The VertaMax is designed to work with grounded electrical systems. In the inverter, ground is not
connected to the input terminals.
Use a copper wire to connect the grounding terminal on the VertaMax enclosure to earth ground
or chassis ground. The grounding terminal is located on the DC Input end of the inverter.
•
Vehicle installations: Connect to the chassis of the vehicle.
•
Boats installations: Connect to the boat’s grounding system
•
Fixed land based installations: Connect to earth ground
Do not connect the system negative conductor to this terminal. NEC requires the use of an
external ground fault protection device (GFPD). The system electrical negative should be bonded
through a GFPD to earth ground at one (and only one) location. The grounding point may be
located in the solar/wind circuit or the battery circuit.
2.4 C
ONNECTIONS
WARNING:
Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes, and should be
performed by a qualified electrician.
WARNING:
Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (such as a generator or utility
power) to the AC wiring at the same time.
WARNING:
Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit that has high-power consumption
loads. It will not operate electrical appliances that consume more than the units rated watts.
WARNING:
Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires
and melted insulation, which can lead to electrical fires.
WARNING:
Reverse polarity connections (positive to negative) will blow internal fuses in the
inverter and may permanently damage the Inverter.
IMPORTANT:
The NEC requires that the wires carrying the system current never exceed 80% of
the conductor’s current rating (sizing recommendations are located in Section 4).
IMPORTANT:
In addition to the protection provided by the Inverter’s internal fuses, NEC requires
a UL-listed fuse in the battery’s positive DC cable as close to the battery as possible (sizing
recommendations are located in Section 4).
1) The VertaMax has two DC terminals, one positive and one negative. Red is Positive [+] and
black is Negative [-] and has the same polarity as the battery. When connected, positive
must connect to positive (red to red), negative connect to negative (black to black).
