The use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation,
operation, use, and maintenance of the MM Series Inverter are beyond
the control of Magnum Energy, Inc. Therefore, this company assumes
no responsibility and expressly disclaims any liability for loss, damage,
or expense whether direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental
that may arise out of or in anyway connected with such installation,
operation, use, or maintenance.
Due to continuous improvements and product updates, the images
shown in this manual may not exactly match the unit purchased.
Restrictions on Use
The MM Series Inverter shall not be used in connection with life
support systems, life saving or other medical equipment or devices.
Use of this particular equipment is at your own risk.
Contact Information
Magnum Energy, Inc.
2211 West Casino Rd.
Everett, WA 98204
Phone: (425) 353-8833/Fax: (425) 353-8390
Web: www.magnumenergy.com
Record the unit’s model and serial number in case you need to provide this
information in the future. It is much easier to record this information now,
instead of trying to gather it after the unit has been installed.
Model:Serial Number:
MM612L1
MM1212M1
Conventions Used in this Manual
Safety symbols
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fi re, or other safety hazard, the
following safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to
indicate dangerous and important safety instructions.
WARNING: This symbol indicates that failure to take a
specifi ed action could result in physical harm to the user.
CAUTION: This symbol indicates that failure to take a
specifi ed action could result in damage to the equipment.
Info: This symbol indicates information that emphasizes or
Terminology
AC source or External AC power - refers to Alternating Current (AC)
provided by the utility electric power grid or from a generator. In some
applications this is referred to as shore power.
AE application - typically refers to using the inverter in an system that
uses Alternative Energy (e.g., solar, wind, or hydro). This term is also
used to refer to inverters used in a home, offi ce, or a cabin installation.
Mobile application - refers to inverters used in a Recreation Vehicle
(RV), boat, or a truck installation.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed during the installation and operation of this product. Read all
instructions and safety information contained in this manual before
installing or using this product.
• All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local, state,
and federal electrical codes.
• This product is designed for indoor/compartment installation. It must
not be exposed to rain, snow, moisture, or liquids of any type.
• Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of electrical shock or
accidental short circuits.
• Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when
installing or performing maintenance on the inverter.
• Always disconnect the batteries or energy source prior to installing
or performing maintenance on the inverter. Live power may be present at more than one point since an inverter utilizes both batteries
and AC. Turning off the inverter may not reduce this risk. As long as
AC power is connected, it will pass thru the inverter regardless of the
ON/OFF power switch setting.
• Always verify proper wiring prior to starting the inverter.
• Do not operate the inverter if it has been damaged.
• Do not dismantle the inverter; there are no user-serviceable parts
contained in this product. Attempting to service the unit yourself
could cause electrical shock. Internal capacitors remain charged after
all power is disconnected.
• No AC or DC disconnects are provided as an integral part of this
inverter. Both AC and DC disconnects must be provided as part of
the system installation.
• No overcurrent protection for the battery supply is provided as an
integral part of this inverter. Overcurrent protection of the battery
cables must be provided as part of the system installation.
• No overcurrent protection for the AC output wiring is provided as an
integral part of this inverter. Overcurrent protection of the AC output
wiring must be provided as part of the system installation.
• Wear eye protection such as safety glasses when working with
batteries.
• Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when
installing or performing maintenance on the inverter.
• Never work alone. Always have someone near you when working
around batteries.
• Use proper lifting techniques when working with batteries.
• Never use old or untested batteries. Check each battery’s label for
age, type, and date code to ensure all batteries are identical.
• Batteries are sensitive to changes in temperature. Always install
batteries in a stable environment.
• Install batteries in a well ventilated area. Batteries can produce
explosive gasses. For compartment or enclosure installations, always
vent batteries to the outside.
• Provide at least one inch of air space between batteries to provide
optimum cooling.
• Never smoke when in the vicinity of batteries.
• To prevent a spark at the battery and reduce the chance of explosion, always connect the cables to the batteries fi rst. Then connect
the cables to the inverter.
• Use insulated tools at all times.
• Always verify proper polarity and voltage before connecting the
batteries to the inverter.
• To reduce the chance of fi re or explosion, do not short-circuit the
batteries.
• In the event of accidental exposure to battery acid, wash thoroughly
with soap and water. In the event of exposure to the eyes, fl ood
them for at least 15 minutes with running water and seek immediate
medical attention.
Congratulations on your purchase of an MM Series inverter from Magnum Energy, Inc. This product is designed to be powerful, yet simple
to use, and provide you with years of trouble-free use.
Please read this chapter to familiarize yourself with the features and
benefi ts of your particular MM Series model.
Figure 1, MM Series Inverter
MM Series Models
MM612 - a 600 watt inverter with 7 amp AC transfer relay. The AC
input and output are provided with pigtail wires to allow hardwiring
to an AC distribution panel. Features neutral-to-ground switching for
mobile applications.
MM1212 - a 1200 watt inverter/charger with 12 amp AC transfer
relay and 70 amp, 4-stage PFC charger. The AC input and output
are provided with pigtail wires to allow hardwiring to a main AC
distribution panel and an inverter sub-panel. Features neutral-toground switching for mobile applications. Includes a 15’ battery
temperature sensor.
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 a generator or to shore power) and transforms it into direct current to recharge your batteries.
There are three modes of operation associated with this inverter:
Inverter Mode: DC from the batteries is transformed into AC for
powering your boat or RV accessories.
Transfer Mode: AC is taken directly from shore power (or other AC
sources) and passes through the inverter directly to your RV or boat
accessories.
Charger Mode (not available on all models): The incoming AC from
shore power (or other AC sources) is converted to DC to recharge the
batteries connected to the inverter.
What Appliances will run from a Modifi ed Sine Inverter
Today’s inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modifi ed sine
(which is actually a modifi ed square wave) and pure sine wave. Modi-fi ed sine wave inverters approximate a pure sine waveform.
The output of a modifi ed 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 other like devices may not run
or be damaged by modifi ed 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 consume. The rating is printed on the product’s nameplate label, usually
located on its chassis near the AC power cord. Even though it is diffi cult 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.
The MM Series inverter converts 12 Volts Direct Current (VDC) power
from your battery to 120 Volts Alternating Current (VAC) power.
models with the multi-stage battery charger feature, the incoming AC
power is optimized using Power Factor Correction (PFC) technology to
keep the inverter’s battery bank fully charged. This inverter is designed to allow easy installation and use and with its die-cast aluminum baseplate, which ensures maximum durability and cooler more
effi cient operation.
The inverter is equipped with the following features:
• 600 or 1200 watts continuous (depending on model) at 25° Celsius.
• Numerous protection features to provide a safe and peace-of-mind
operation.
• AC transfer switch circuitry; allowing incoming AC power to continue
to pass-thru to power loads even if the inverter is off.
• Dead battery charging (battery charger models) for charging
batteries that are extremely low.
• Automatic 4-stage battery charger with power factor correction and
temperature compensation – for optimum battery charging (models
with battery charger and using the temperature sensor).
• Modern and aesthetically pleasing design with large AC wiring
compartment (provides easy access to AC wiring for simple and
quick connections) and 360° DC connection terminals with colorcoded insulating covers.
• True RMS output voltage regulation to ensure the inverter will deliver
the correct amount of power – within the DC input voltage range and
the continuous output power level.
• Quick connection accessory and remote ports – easily accepts
several optional remote controls and the Battery Temp. Sensor.
1. Inverter Status Indicator - this green light emitting diode (LED)
illuminates to provide information on the inverter’s operation.
2. Power switch - momentary push button switch that turns the
inverter On or Off.
3. Negative DC terminal (black) - the inverter’s connection to the
negative terminal on the 12 VDC battery bank.
4. Positive DC terminal (red) - the inverter’s connection to the
positive terminal on the 12 VDC battery bank.
5. Input circuit breaker - this circuit breaker protects the unit’s
internal wiring and pass-thru relay.
6. Output circuit breaker - this circuit breaker provides another
layer of overload protection. This is not a branch-circuit rated breaker.
Separate AC output breakers are required on the output.
7. Mounting fl anges (x4) - used to secure the inverter to shelf/wall.
8. AC Wiring Compartment - provides access for all AC input and
output connections on the inverter.
Front Side
9
10
11
12
Figure 3, Front and Back Side Features
9. Warning and information label - provides pertinent information
for safely using the inverter.
10. REMOTE port connection - a RJ11 connector that allows an
optional remote control to be connected.
11. ACCESSORY PORT connection - a RJ11 connector (only
available for models with the battery charger) to allow the Battery
Temperature Sensor (BTS) or MM accessories (e.g., MM-DCLD) to be
connected. The BTS provides information that enables the multi-stage
PFC battery charger to “fi ne tune” the battery charge voltages.
12. Intake vent - ventilation openings to pull in air to help keep the
inverter cool for peak performance.
13. Exhaust vent - ventilation openings that allow heated air to be
removed by the internal cooling fan.
14. Model/Serial Number label - includes model/serial number and
provides specifi cations and information on the inverter and charger.
See the Specifi cations on page 28 for more information and the dif-
15. AC output connection - AC knockout (output) for hardwiring.
16. AC input connection - AC knockout (input) for hardwiring.
17. DC Ground terminal - this connection is used to tie the exposed
chassis of the inverter to the DC grounding system. This terminal accepts CU/AL conductors from #14 AWG to #6 AWG.
Battery Temperature Sensor (Battery Charger Models Only)
A plug-in external Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) is provided
for units with the battery charger feature. When installed, the BTS
automatically adjusts the battery chargers BULK, ABSORB, and
FLOAT voltage set-points based on temperature for better charging
performance and longer battery life. If the temperature sensor is NOT
installed and the batteries are subjected to large temperature changes,
the battery life may be shortened.
Before installing the inverter, read the entire Installation section. The
more thorough you plan in the beginning, the better your inverter
needs will be met.
WARNING:Installations should be performed by qualifi ed
personnel, such as a licensed or certifi ed electrician. It
is the installer’s responsibility to determine which safety
codes apply and to ensure that all applicable installation
requirements are followed. Applicable installation codes
vary depending on the specifi c location and application of
the installation.
Info: Review the “Important Product Safety Information”
on page ii and the “Important Battery Safety Instructions”
on page iii before any installation.
The basic system diagram shown in Figure 6
assist you in planning and designing your installation.
should be reviewed to
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the MM Series inverter from its shipping container
and inspect all contents. Verify the following items are included:
− The MM Inverter
− Red and black DC terminal covers
− AC access cover with two screws
− Two 1/2” hex-head kep nuts (installed on the DC terminals)
− Battery Temperature Sensor (battery charger models only)
− MM Series Owner’s Manual
If items appear to be missing or damaged, contact your authorized
Magnum Energy dealer or Magnum Energy.
If at all possible, keep your shipping box. It will help protect your inverter from damage if it ever needs to be returned for service.
Save your proof-of-purchase as a record of your ownership; it will also
be needed if the unit should require in-warranty service.
Record the unit’s model and serial number in the front of this manual
in case you need to provide this information in the future. It is much
easier to record this information now, instead of trying to gather it
after the unit has been installed.
• Do not mount the inverter near any fl ammable or com-
bustible fl uid or components.
• Provide adequate clearance/ventilation to the inverter.
• Mount only on a “non-combustible” surface.
• Maximum ambient temperature around the inverter must
not exceed 77° F (25° C) to meet power specifi cations.
The inverter should only be installed in a location that meets the
following requirements:
Clean and Dry - The inverter should not be installed in an area that
allows dust, fumes, insects, or rodents to enter or block the inverter’s
ventilation openings. This area also must be free from any risk of
condensation, water, or any other liquid that can enter or fall on the
inverter. The inverter uses stainless steel fasteners, plated copper
busbars, and a power-coated aluminum base. Also, the internal circuit
boards are conformal coated. The above measures are undertaken
to help fi ght the harmful effects of corrosive environments. However,
the life of the inverter is uncertain if used in any of these types of
environments, and inverter failure under these conditions is not
covered under warranty.
Cool - The inverter should be protected from direct exposure to the
sun or any equipment that produces extreme heat. The ambient air
temperature should be between 32° F (0° C) and 104° F (40° C);
realize that the inverter’s output specifi cations are rated at 77° F (25°
C), so the cooler the better within this range.
Ventilated - In order for the inverter to provide full output power and
avoid over-temperature fault conditions; do not cover or block the
inverters ventilation openings, or install this inverter in an area with
limited airfl ow. Allow as much clearance around the inverter’s intake
and exhaust ventilation openings as possible, see Items 12 and 13 in
Figure 3. At the minimum, allow an airspace clearance of 6” (15 cm) at
the front and back, and 3” (7.5 cm) everywhere else to provide adequate ventilation.
If installed in an enclosure, a fresh air intake opening must be provided directly to the front side (intake vent) and an exhaust opening
on the back side (exhaust vent) of the inverter. This will allow cool air
from the outside to fl ow into the inverter, and heated air to exit away
from the inverter and the enclosure. When mounted in an enclosed
compartment, airfl ow must be at least 59 cfm in order to maintain no
more than a 68° F (20° C) rise in compartment temperature. Minimum
clearances can be reduced if airfl ow is increased, but in no case should
clearance around the inverter be less than 2” (5 cm) on all sides.
Safe - Keep any fl ammable/combustible material (e.g., paper, cloth,
plastic, etc.) that may be ignited by heat, sparks, or fl ames at a
minimum distance of 2 feet (60 cm) away from the inverter.