The use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use, and
maintenance of the RD Series Inverter/Charger is 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
be 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 RD Series Inverter/Charger may only be used in life-support devices or systems with the express
written approval of Magnum Energy. Failure of the RD Series Inverter/Charger can reasonably
be expected to cause the failure of that life-support device or system, or to affect the safety or
effectiveness of that device or system. If the RD Series Inverter/Charger fails, it is reasonable to
assume that the health of the user or other persons may be endangered.
Magnum Energy, Inc.
2211 West Casino Rd.
Everett, WA 98204
Phone: 425-353-8833
Fax: 425-353-8390
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:
RD2212P1
RD1824E1
RD2824F1
RD3924G1
Magnum Energy® is a registered trademark of Magnum Energy, Inc.
This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed during the installation
•
and operation of this product.
All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local, state and federal electrical codes.
•
Read all instructions and safety information contained in this manual before installing or using
•
this product.
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.
Always verify proper wiring prior to starting the inverter.
•
There are no user-serviceable parts contained in this product.
•
This unit is provided with integral protection against overloads.
•
The input and output AC and DC circuits are isolated from the inverter chassis. The inverter
•
system grounding is the responsibility of the installer in accordance with the NEC/CEC and
local codes.
Both AC and DC overcurrent protection must be provided as part of the installation.
•
Use Class 1 wiring methods for fi eld-wiring connections to terminals of a Class 2 circuit.
•
Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
•
Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions
•
included in the listing or labeling.
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 supplements important
points of the main text.
Page ii
Remedy: This symbol provides possible solutions for related issues.
Congratulations on your purchase of the RD Series inverter/charger from Magnum Energy. The RD Series is a
modifi ed sine wave inverter designed especially for renewable energy use. Powerful, yet simple to operate, this
inverter/charger will provide you with the years of trouble-free performance you have come to expect from
Magnum Energy, all backed by our limited 2 year warranty.
Installation is easy. Simply connect the inverter’s output to your distribution circuits or electrical
panel, connect your utility power cable (AC) to the inverter’s easy-to-reach terminal block, connect
the batteries, and then switch it on for power.
Use the optional accessories listed below to control and monitor many other Magnum devices.
The RD Series inverter/charger includes the following:
•
1800, 2200, 2800, or 3900 watt models in a small footprint – less weight and area needed
for installation (shelf, bulkhead, or upside-down mounting)
•
Modifi ed Sine Wave output
•
Automatic Power Factor Corrected (PFC) multi-stage battery charging
•
RS485 standard communication protocol
•
Remote and Network ports (easy connection for optional accessories)
•
ON/OFF inverter-mounted switch with LED indicator
•
30 Amp per leg/input (can connect two inputs together to allow 60 Amp pass-thru)
2
•
Large AC access and terminal block [wire size: 10 to 6 AWG (5.3 to 13.3 mm
DC terminal covers with 360 degree connection
•
Field-serviceable for qualifi ed personnel – tested repair kits available
•
ETL listed to UL STD 1741, 1st edition for safety
•
Automatic battery temperature compensation (using battery temperature sensor) – for
•
optimum charging even during extreme temperature changes
Overcurrent, over-temperature, and high/low battery voltage protection
•
) CU]
The following accessories are also available for use with the RD Series inverter/charger:
ME-RC50 (Basic Remote Control) - easy to read LCD display panel that enables standard
•
inverter and accessories set up, control, and troubleshooting.
ME-ARC50 (Advanced Remote Control) - easy to read LCD display panel that enables advance
•
inverter and accessories set up, control, and troubleshooting.
The RD Series inverter/charger is designed to allow easy access to wiring, circuit breakers, and
controls. Its die cast baseplate with one-piece aluminum cover ensures maximum durability with
minimum weight, as well as cooler more effi cient operation.
The front of the RD Series is equipped with the following features (see Figures 1-1 and 1-2):
Power ON/OFF Switch - a momentary pushbutton switch that alternately turns the inverter
1
On or Off.
Status LED Indicator - this green LED illuminates to provide information on the inverter
2
or charger operation.
Stack/Accessories Connection Port (red label) - a RJ11 port that accepts the optional
3
Remote Switch Adapters (RSAs) which enable remote on/off switch operation.
Info: The stacking feature is NOT available with the RD Series.
Network Connection Port (green label) - a RJ11 port that accepts optional network
4
capable accessories (e.g., Auto Gen Start or Battery Monitor).
Remote Connection Port (blue label) - a RJ11 port that allows the optional remote
5
controls (ME-RC50 or ME-ARC50) to be connected.
BTS Connection Port (yellow label) - RJ11 port that accepts the remote Battery
6
Temperature Sensor (BTS) accessory.
DC Equipment Ground Terminal - this connection is used to tie the exposed chassis of
7
the inverter to the DC grounding system. This terminal accepts CU/AL conductors from
#14 to #2 AWG (2.1 to 33.6 mm2).
AC Input/Output Connections - two 3/4” knockouts provided with cable-clamp strain
8
reliefs to allow and hold the AC input and output fi eld wiring.
Intake Air Vents - ventilation openings to pull in air to help keep the inverter cool for
9
peak performance.
Positive DC Terminal - provides 360 degree connection point for the positive (+) cable
10
from the battery bank; provided with a Kep or Flange nut on a 5/16-18 bolt (5/8” usable
length) to hold the battery cable to the DC terminal.
Negative DC Terminal - provides 360 degree connection point for the negative (-) cable
11
from the battery bank; provided with a Kep or Flange nut on a 5/16-18 bolt (5/8” usable
length) to hold the battery cable to the DC terminal.
12Mounting Flange - used to secure the inverter to a shelf or wall.
The left side of the RD Series is equipped with the following features (see Figure 1-3):
Exhaust Air Vent - ventilation openings that allow heated air to be removed by the
13
internal cooling fan.
Model/Serial Number Label - includes model/serial number information, date of
14
manufacture, and inverter and charger specifi cations. See the RD Specifi cations in
Appendix A for more information and the different models that are available.
AC Access Cover - provides access to the internal AC wiring terminal block. This terminal
15
block is used to hardwire all inverter AC input and output wiring connections. Remove the
two screws to access the AC wiring terminal block.
Input Circuit Breaker - this circuit breaker protects the unit’s internal charger wiring
16
and pass-thru relay while in Standby Mode. This circuit breaker will pop out when it
opens. Press in to reset. This input circuit breaker is not branch-circuit rated, therefore,
branch-circuit rated breakers must be installed in the inverter’s input wiring.
CAUTION: The inverter’s internal AC transfer relay is rated for 30 amps per leg. The
pass-thru current must be no greater than 30 amps per leg or damage to the relays
may occur.
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it into alternating current (AC).
It also takes alternating current (when connected to a generator or to utility power) and transforms
it into direct current to charge your batteries. These two modes of operation associated with this
inverter/charger are referred to in this document as:
Inverter Mode:
•
When the inverter is properly connected to batteries and turned on, the direct current
(DC) from the batteries is transformed into a modifi ed sine wave alternating current (AC).
This AC is similar to the voltage provided by a utility for your home, and is used to power
the AC electrical appliances (i.e., AC loads) connected to the inverter’s output.
Standby Mode:
•
When an external source of AC power (e.g., utility power or generator) is connected and
qualifi ed on the inverter’s AC input, it operates in the Standby Mode. In the Standby Mode,
the unit operates as a Battery Charger to convert the incoming AC power into DC power to
recharge the batteries; and at the same time, automatically closes an internal AC Transfer
Relay to pass the incoming AC power directly to the inverter’s output to continue powering
the connected electrical appliances.
1.3 What Appliances will run from a Modifi ed Sine Wave Inverter
Today’s inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modifi ed sine wave (which is actually a
modifi ed square wave) and pure sine wave. Modifi ed sine wave inverters approximate a pure sine
waveform and will run most appliances and electronics without any problems. These inverters are
less expensive, and therefore, offer a viable alternative to more expensive pure sine inverters.
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 items may not run, and could even
be at risk for damage from modifi ed sine wave inverters.
1.4 Appliances and Run Time
The RD Series inverter/charger can power a wide range of household appliances including small
motors, hair dryers, 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 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, electrical appliances that use larger loads
such as coffee pots and hair dryers can be used for short durations. However, loads that are
used for longer periods (stoves, water heaters, etc.) can quickly drain your batteries and are not
recommended for inverter applications.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they consume (see Table 1-1). 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 RD Series inverter has a built-in safeguard that automatically
protects your batteries from over-discharge.
Info: For optimum performance, a minimum battery bank of 200 AH is recommended
for moderate loads (<1000W) and greater than 400 AH for heavy loads (≥1000W).
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.
CAUTION: Review the “Important Product Safety Information” on page ii, and the
“Important Battery Safety Instructions” on page iii before any installation.
CAUTION: The inverter is heavy. Use proper lifting techniques during installation to
prevent personal injury.
The simplifi ed system diagram shown in Figure 2-1 should be reviewed to assist you in planning
and designing your installation. This drawing is not intended to override or restrict any national
or local electrical codes. This drawing should not be the determining factor as to whether the
installation is compliant, that is the responsibility of the electrician and the onsite inspector.
2.1 Pre-Installation
Before installing the inverter, read the entire installation section to determine how you are going
to install your RD inverter/charger. The more thorough you plan in the beginning, the better your
inverter needs will be met.
2.1.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the RD Series inverter/charger from its shipping container and inspect all contents.
Verify the following items are included:
The RD Inverter/Charger
•
Red and black DC terminal covers with Phillips screws
•
AC access cover with two Phillips screws
•
Two 5/16” Kep or Flange nuts (installed on the DC terminals)
•
Battery Temperature Sensor
•
Warning label
•
RD 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.
2.1.2 Required Tools and Materials
Hardware/Materials
Conduit, strain-reliefs, and appropriate fi ttings•1/4” mounting bolts and lock washers•
Only install the inverter 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. The
internal circuit boards are conformal coated. All of this is done to help fi ght the harmful effects
of corrosive environments. However, the inverter’s life is uncertain if used in the above types of
environments, and inverter failure under these conditions is not covered under warranty.
Info: If the inverter is installed in an area where moisture may occur, we
recommend putting silicone dielectric grease compound into the electrical ports
(see Figure 1-1, Items 3-6). Before installing the cables, or if leaving any ports open,
squirt a liberal amount into each port. Silicone dielectric makes an effective moisture
and corrosive barrier to help protect and prevent corrosion to the RJ11 connections.
Cool - The inverter should be protected from direct sun exposure or equipment that produces
extreme heat. The ambient temperature around the inverter must not exceed 77°F (25°C) to
meet power specifi cations.
Ventilation - In order for the inverter to provide full output power and avoid over-temperature
fault conditions; do not cover or block the inverter’s ventilation openings, or install this inverter in
an area with limited airfl ow. The inverter uses two fans to provide forced-air cooling. These fans
pull in air through the intake vents (see Figure 1-2, Item 9) and blow out air through the exhaust
vents (see Figure 1-3, Item 13). Allow at the minimum an airspace clearance of 6” (15.2 cm) at
the intake and exhaust vents, and 3” (7.6 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 vents) of the inverter, and an exhaust opening on the back side (exhaust vents) of the
inverter. This allows cool air from the outside to fl ow into the inverter, and heated air to exit the
inverter and the enclosure. When mounted in an enclosed compartment, airfl ow must be ≥ 100
cfm in order to maintain no more than a 68°F (20°C) rise in compartment temperature.
CAUTION: Do not mount this inverter in a zero clearance compartment, nor cover or
obstruct the ventilation openings – overheating may result.
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 (61 cm) away from the inverter.
Do not install this inverter in any area that contains extremely fl ammable liquids like gasoline or
propane, or in locations that require ignition-protected devices.
Close to the battery bank - As with any inverter, it should be located as close to the batteries as
possible. Long DC wires tend to loose effi ciency and reduce the overall performance of an inverter.
However, the unit should NOT be installed in the same compartment as the batteries, or mounted
where it will be exposed to gases produced by the batteries. These gases are corrosive and will
damage the inverter; also, if these gases are not ventilated and allowed to collect, they could ignite
and cause an explosion.
Info: The battery bank should be installed in a clean, dry, ventilated environment where
they are protected from high and low temperatures. The batteries must be mounted
upright (if using liquid batteries) and securely fastened. The location must be fully
accessible and protected from exposure to heat producing devices, and away from any
fuel tanks.
Accessible - Do not block access to the inverter’s remote control and accessory ports, as well
as the inverter’s controls and status indicator. Also allow enough room to access the AC and DC
wiring terminals and connections, as they will need to be checked and tightened periodically. See
Figure 2-3 for the RD Series’ inverter/charger dimensions.
Away from sensitive electronic equipment - High-powered inverters can generate levels of RFI
(Radio Frequency Interference). Locate any electronic equipment susceptible to radio frequency
and electromagnetic interference as far away from the inverter as possible.
2.2 Mounting the Inverter
The inverter base can reach a temperature up to 90°C (194°F) and it is recommended that it should
be mounted on a non-combustible surface*. This surface and the mounting hardware must also be
capable of supporting at least twice the weight of the inverter. To meet regulatory requirements,
the RD Series must be mounted in one of the following positions, as shown in Figure 2-2:
above or under a horizontal surface (shelf or table)
•
or, on a vertical surface (wall) with the DC terminals to the right
•
or, on a vertical surface (wall) with DC terminals toward the bottom, MP-HOOD (inverter hood)
•
installed on the top, and either the ME-CB (Conduit Box) or MMP Series (single inverter) enclosure
installed on the inverter’s bottom.
Info: The ME-CB and the MMP Series enclosure prevent material from falling out the
bottom in the event of an internal fi re, and also allow suffi cient ventilation to prevent the
inverter from overheating under normal operating conditions. The MP-HOOD inverter
hood helps prevent items from falling inside, causing damage to the inverter.
Info: Magnum provides a backplate with a suitable surface for mounting the
inverter. These backplates also provide the ability to mount the MMP Series enclosure
(PN: BP-MMP).
After determining the mounting position, refer to the physical dimensions as shown in Figure 2-3,
or use the base of the inverter as a template to mark your mounting screw locations.
* Non-combustible surface - A surface made of material that will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or
release fl ammable vapors when subjected to fi re or heat as per the ASTM E136 standard. For the most part,
these are materials that are largely comprised of inorganic matter such as stone, steel, iron, brick, tile,
concrete, slate, and glass. Avoid common building materials such as gypsum board, painted surfaces, wall
coverings, and any type of wood.
This section describes the requirements and recommendations for wiring the RD Series inverter/
charger. Before wiring the inverter/charger, read all instructions.
All wiring should meet all local codes and industry standards, and be performed by
qualifi ed personnel such as a licensed electrician.
The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC (Canadian
Electrical Code) for Canada provide safe wiring standards. The NEC/CEC list requirements for wire
sizes, overcurrent protection, and installation methods/standards.
Inverter/charger systems involve power from multiple sources (e.g., inverter, generator, utility
power, batteries, etc.) which makes the wiring more hazardous and challenging.
The input and output AC and DC circuits are isolated from the inverter chassis. The inverter system
grounding is the responsibility of the installer in accordance with the NEC/CEC and local codes.
WARNING: Ensure the sources of DC power (i.e., batteries) and AC power (utility
power or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened, fuses removed)
before proceeding – to prevent accidental shock.
2.3.1 Protecting Wire - Conduit Box
The AC and DC wires into and out of the inverter must be protected as required by code. This can
be done by using jacketed wires or by feeding wires through a conduit. Magnum offers for purchase
a DC conduit box (ME-CB), or a single inverter enclosure (MMP Series) that includes the AC and
DC inverter breakers that allow both the AC and DC conduits to be connected to the inverter.
Info: If using the ME-CB conduit box or the MMP enclosure, and the AC wires are
individual conductors (i.e., not jacketed), the strain reliefs can be removed and replaced
with 3/4” grommets.
2.3.2 Wiring Requirements
All conductors that are at risk for physical damage must be protected by tape, or placed
•
in a raceway.
Always check for existing electrical, plumbing, or other areas of potential damage prior to
•
making cuts in structural surfaces or walls.
Do not mix AC and DC wiring in the same panel unless specifi cally approved/designed for
•
both AC and DC wiring. Where DC wiring must cross AC or vice-versa, try to make the
wires 90° to one another at the crossing point.
Both AC and DC overcurrent protection must be provided as part of the installation.
•
The inverter requires a reliable negative and ground return path directly to the battery.
•
Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
•
2.3.3 Wire Routing
Before connecting any wires, determine all wire routes to and from the inverter. Conductors passing
through walls or other structural members must be protected to minimize insulation damage, such
as chafi ng. During installation, always avoid placing conductors near sources of chafi ng caused by
vibration or constant rubbing. Typical routing scenarios include:
AC input wiring from utility power source to the inverter
•
AC input wiring from a generator (optional) to the inverter
•
DC input wiring from the batteries to the inverter
•
AC output wiring from the inverter to the AC main panel or to dedicated circuits
•
Battery Temperature Sensor cable from the inverter to the batteries