16
Freedom SW Installation Guide
Planning Preparations
DC Components
Batteries
The Freedom SW system requires a 12- or 24-volt (depending on the
model), lead-acid deep-cycle battery or group of batteries to provide the DC
current that the inverter/charger converts to AC power. The battery may be
a flooded, gel, or AGM type.
See “Battery Information” on page 53 for information on:
•
Estimating the battery size that will meet your requirements.
•
Designing battery banks.
•
Restrictions on the size of appliances.
For information on cabling and hooking up batteries, see “Battery Cabling
and Hook-up Configurations” on page 57.
For detailed information about specific brands of batteries, you’ll need to
consult individual battery manufacturers for this information.
DC Cabling
Definition
DC cabling includes all of the cables and connectors between
the batteries, the DC disconnect and overcurrent protection device, and the
inverter/charger.
Type
All installations require multi-strand insulated cables. The DC
cables must be copper and must be rated 105 °C minimum.
Size and Length
See Table 3 for required DC cable length, cable size and
required fuse size for the Freedom SW. Wire size is usually marked on the
cables.
Table 3
Recommended Battery Cable Sizes
a
a. Based on National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
Conduit
b
b. Per NEC Table 310.16 for 75 C rated copper conductor.
Free Air
c
c. Per NEC Table 310.17 for 75 C rated copper conductor.
Model
Typical Amps
(A)
Cable Length
< 5 ft.
Cable Length
5 to 10 ft.
Cable Length
< 5 ft.
Cable Length
5 to 10 ft.
Freedom SW 2012
250
250 kcmil
250 kcmil
2/0 AWG
2/0 AWG
Freedom SW 3012
320
400 kcmil
400 kcmil
4/0 AWG
4/0 AWG
Freedom SW 2024
120
1 AWG
1 AWG
4 AWG
4 AWG
Freedom SW 3024
180
3/0 AWG
3/0 AWG
1 AWG
1 AWG
IMPORTANT:
Using a smaller gauge cable or a longer cable may cause the
inverter to shut down under heavy load.
FIRE HAZARD
Battery cables that are very small will melt and burn the first time the
inverter is asked to produce high power.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.
Freedom SW 3K2K InvChg Install Guide.book Page 16 Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:40 PM