Tripp Lite EMS User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Reliable Mobile EMS Power

Congratulations! You’ve purchased the most advanced, feature-rich Inverter/Charger designed as an uninterruptible power source for medical equipment in ambulance/EMS vehicles. While ambulance/EMS vehicles are on a call, Tripp Lite EMS Inverter/Chargers keep critical equipment constantly in service by providing automatic, uninterrupted DC-to-AC power, inverted from user-supplied batteries. After a call, when utility power is available, EMS Inverter/Chargers automatically pass through AC power to equipment while simultaneously recharging connected batteries. Built-in premium ISOBAR®surge suppression technology provides an additional level of equipment protection.

Better for Your Equipment Built to Meet or Exceed Tough EMS Standards

• UL458

Premium Protection Levels

• Built-In Isobar®Surge Protection

• Automatic Overload Protection

Ideal Output for All Loads (including computers)

• Frequency-Controlled Output

• Fast Load Switching

• Balanced Load Sharing**

Better for Your Batteries Faster Battery Recharge

• High-Amp, 3-Stage Battery Charger (adjustable)

Critical Battery Protection

• Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense)

• Battery Temperature Sensing

• High-Efficiency DC-to-AC Inversion

Better for You Quiet, Simple, Maintenance-Free Operation

• Multi-Function Lights & Switches

• Dead Battery Startup

• Ignition Interlock & In/Out Swap Protection

• Moisture-Resistant Construction*

Warranty/Warranty Registration 2

Safety 2

Feature Identification 3

Operation 4

Configuration 5-6

Battery Selection 7

Mounting 8

Battery Connection 9

AC Input/Output Connection 10

Service/Maintenance/Troubleshooting 11-12

PowerVerter

EMS Series

DC-to-AC Inverter/Chargers

Input Output

Invert: 12 VDC 120V, 60 Hz. AC Charge: 120V, 60 Hz. AC 12 VDC

1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA

Customer Support: (773) 869-1234

www.tripplite.com

* Inverter/Chargers are moisture-resistant, not waterproof. ** Available on all models EXCEPT 1250 models.

Contents

WARRANTY

REGISTRATION

to win a FREE Tripp Lite product—

www.tripplite.com/warranty

Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

This manual contains important instructions and warnings that should be followed during the installation, operation and storage of all Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers.

Location Warnings

• Install your Inverter/Charger (whether for a mobile or stationary application) in a location or compartment that minimizes exposure to heat, dust, direct sunlight and moisture.

• Although your Inverter/Charger is moisture resistant, it is NOT waterproof. Flooding the unit with water will cause it to short-circuit and could cause personal injury due to electric shock. Never immerse the unit, and avoid any area where standing water might accumulate. Mounting should be in the driest location available.

• Leave a minimum of 2" clearance at front and back of the Inverter/Charger for proper ventilation. The heavier the load of connected equipment, the more heat will be generated by the unit.

• Do not install the Inverter/Charger directly near magnetic storage media, as this may result in data corruption.

• Do not install near flammable materials, fuel or chemicals.

• Install EMS Inverter/Chargers in land vehicles only.

Battery Connection Warnings

• The Inverter/Charger will not operate (with or without utility power) until batteries are connected.

• Multiple battery systems must be comprised of batteries of identical voltage, age, amp-hour capacity and type.

• Because explosive hydrogen gas can accumulate near batteries if they are not kept well ventilated, your batteries should not be installed (whether for a mobile or stationary application) in a “dead air” compartment. Ideally, any compartment would have some ventilation to outside air.

• Sparks may result during final battery connection. Always observe proper polarity as batteries are connected.

• Do not allow objects to contact the two DC input terminals. Do not short or bridge these terminals together. Serious personal injury or property damage could result.

Equipment Connection Warnings

• In life support applications where a malfunction or failure of a Tripp Lite EMS Inverter/Charger could result in failure of, or significantly alter the performance of, a life support device or any medical device critical to a patient's health, such devices should be provided with at least one backup power source by the ambulance operator.

• Corded models: Do not modify the Inverter/Charger’s plug or receptacle in a way that eliminates its ground connection. Do not use power adapters that will eliminate the plug’s ground connection.

• Connect your Inverter/Charger only to a properly grounded AC power outlet or hardwired source. Do not plug the unit into itself; this will damage the device and void your warranty.

• You may experience uneven performance results if you connect a surge suppressor, line conditioner or UPS system to the output of the Inverter/Charger.

Operation Warnings

• Your Inverter/Charger does not require routine maintenance. Do not open the device for any reason. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

• Potentially lethal voltages exist within the Inverter/Charger as long as the battery supply and/or AC input are connected. During any service work, the battery supply and AC input connection (if any) should therefore be disconnected.

• Do not connect or disconnect batteries while the Inverter/Charger is operating from the battery supply. Dangerous arcing may result.

Tripp Lite warrants its Inver ter/Chargers to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 18 months from the date of retail purchase by end user.

Tripp Lite’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at its sole option) any such defective products. To obtain service under this warranty you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center. Products must be returned to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center with transportation charges prepaid and must be accompanied by a brief description of the problem encountered and proof of date and place of purchase. This warranty does not apply to equipment which has been damaged by accident, negligence or misapplication or has been altered or modified in any way, including opening of the unit’s casing for any reason. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser who must have properly registered the product within 10 days of purchase.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the retail purchaser.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, Tripp Lite is not liable for any costs, such as lost profits or revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equipment, loss of software, loss of data, costs of substitutes, claims by third parties, or otherwise.

Tripp Lite has a policy of continuous improvement. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Limited Warranty

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Visit www.tripplite.com/warranty to register the warranty of your new Tripp Lite product. You'll be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a FREE Tripp Lite product!*

* No purchase necessary.Void where prohibited. Some restrictions apply. See website for details.

Feature Identification

Configuration DIP Switches: optimize Inverter/Charger operation depending on your application. See pages 5-6 for setting instructions.

Operating Mode Switch: controls Inverter/Charger operation. The “AUTO/REMOTE” setting ensures your equipment receives constant, uninterrupted AC power. It also enables the Inverter/Charger to be remotely monitored and controlled with an optional remote module (included). The “CHARGE ONLY” setting allows your batteries to return to full charge faster by turning the inverter off which halts battery discharging. See page 4 for setting instructions.

Operation Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals show whether the Inverter/Charger is operating from AC line power or DC battery power. It also warns you if the connected equipment load is too high. See page 4 for instructions on reading indicator lights.

Battery Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals show approximate charge level of your battery. See page 4 for instructions on reading indicator lights.

DC Input Connection: EMS1012UL models feature a battery connector wired into the unit which allows quick battery connection/disconnection when used with an additional quick battery connector (included in the box) and user-supplied cables. EMS1250UL models come with a cable/connector assembly for use with the unit's DC input terminals. DC battery terminals for use with user-supplied cables are located on the rear of EMS1250UL models, and on the front only of EMS2012UL models.

Hospital-Grade Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) AC Receptacles (not on hardwire models): allow you to connect

equipment that would normally be plugged into a utility outlet. Higher retention force helps reduce the risk of accidental disconnection. They feature ground fault interrupter switches that trip if there is excessive current on the ground safety wire.

AC Input Cord with Hospital-Grade Plug (not on hardwire models): connects the Inverter/Charger to any source of utility-

or generator-supplied AC power. Superior quality blade construction helps reduce the risk of accidental disconnection. See page 10 for connection instructions.

Hardwire AC Input/Output Terminal Strip (not on corded models): securely connects the Inverter/Charger to vehicle

electrical system. See page 10 for connection instructions.

Resettable Circuit Breakers: protect your Inverter/Charger against damage due to overload. See page 4 for resetting instructions.

Remote Control Module Connector:

allows remote monitoring and control with an included module. See remote module owner’s manual for connection instructions.

Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial: conserves battery power by setting the low-load level at which the Inverter/Charger’s inverter automatically shuts off. See page 6 for setting instructions.

Main Ground Lug: properly grounds the Inverter/Charger to vehicle grounding system or to earth ground. See page 9 for connection instructions. (On EMS1250UL models, the ground lug is located on the front of the unit.)

Multi-Speed Cooling Fan: quiet, efficient fan prolongs equipment service life.

Hardwire AC Input/Output Cover Plate Battery Temperature Sensing Connector: prolongs battery life

by adjusting charge based on battery temperature. Use with cable (included on select models). See Configuration section for details.

Automatic Generator Start Connector: automatically cycles generator based on battery voltage. Use with user-supplied cable. See Configuration section for details.

Ignition Interlock Control Jack (EMS1250UL only) : used to connect the inverter/charger to the vehicle ignition switch. Disables AC power output when the vehicle ignition switch is placed in the “Engine Run” position. See p. 6 for connection instructions.

Identify the premium features on your specific model and quickly locate instructions on how to maximize their use.

Model: EMS1012UL Front View

Model: EMS1012UL Rear View

Model: EMS2012UL Front View

EMS Remote Control Module (included)

Model: EMS2012UL Rear View

Side Mounted, Not Shown

1 4

Side Mounted, Not Shown

Model: EMS1250UL Front View

Model: EMS1250UL Rear View

1 4

CUS

LISTED

POWER INVERTER

1DA8

INPUT

BREAKER

OUTPUT

BREAKER

“FOR USE WITH COPPER WIRE ONLY”

HOT IN

NEUTRAL IN

GROUND IN

GROUND OUT

HOT OUT

NEUTRAL OUT

Switch Modes

After configuring, mounting and connecting your Inverter/Charger, you are able to operate it by switching between the following operating modes as appropriate to your situation:

AUTO/REMOTE: Switch to this mode when you need constant, uninterrupted AC power for connected equipment. The Inverter/Charger will continue to supply AC power to connected equipment and to charge your connected batteries while utility- or generator-supplied AC power is present. Since the inverter is ON (but in Standby) in this mode, it will automatically switch to your battery system to supply AC power to connected equipment in the absence of a utility/generator source or in over/under voltage situations. “AUTO/REMOTE” also enables an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, included) to function when connected to the unit.

CHARGE ONLY: Switch to this mode when you are not using connected equipment in order to conserve battery power by disabling the inverter. The Inverter/Charger will continue to supply AC power to connected equipment and charge connected batteries while utility- or generator-supplied AC power is present. However, since the inverter is OFF in this mode, it WILL NOT supply AC power to connected equipment in the absence of a utility/generator source or in over/under voltage situations.

OFF: Switch to this mode to shut down the Inverter/Charger completely, preventing the inverter from drawing power from the batteries, and preventing utility AC from passing through to connected equipment or charging the batteries. Use this switch to automatically reset the unit if it shuts down due to overload or overheating. First remove the excessive load or allow the unit to sufficiently cool (applicable to your situation). Switch to “OFF”, then back to “AUTO/REMOTE” or “CHARGE ONLY” as desired. If unit fails to reset, remove more load or allow unit to cool further and retry. Use the remote control module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, included) to reset unit due to overload only.

Indicator Lights

Your Inverter/Charger (as well as the Tripp Lite Remote Control Module, included) is equipped with a simple, intuitive, user-friendly set of indicator lights. These easily-remembered “traffic light” signals will allow you, shortly after first use, to tell at a glance the charge condition of your batteries, as well as ascertain operating details and fault conditions.

LINE Green Indicator: If the operating mode switch is set to “AUTO/REMOTE”, this light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY when your connected equipment is receiving continuous AC power supplied from a utility/generator source.

If the operating mode switch is set to “CHARGE ONLY”, this light will FLASH to alert you that the unit’s inverter is OFF and will NOT supply AC power in the absence of a utility/generator source or in over/under voltage situations.

INV (Inverting) Yellow Indicator: This light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY whenever connected equipment is receiving battery-supplied, inverted AC power (in the absence of a utility/generator source or in over/under voltage situations). This light will be off when AC power is supplying the load. This light will FLASH to alert you if the load is less than the Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) setting.

LOAD Red Indicator: This red light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY whenever the inverter is functioning and the power demanded by connected appliances and equipment exceeds 100% of load capacity. The light will FLASH to alert you when the inverter shuts down due to a severe overload or overheating. If this happens, turn the operating mode switch “OFF”; remove the overload and let the unit cool. You may then turn the operating mode switch to either “AUTO/REMOTE” or “CHARGE ONLY” after it has adequately cooled. This light will be off when AC power is supplying the load.

BATTERY Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate in several sequences to show the approximate charge level of your connected battery bank and alert you to two fault conditions:

Approximate Battery Charge Level*

Indicator Illuminated Battery Capacity

(Charging/Discharging)

Green 91%–Full Green & Yellow 81%–90% Yellow 61%–80% Yellow & Red 41%–60% Red 21%–40% All three lights off 1%–20% Flashing red 0% (Inverter

shutdown)

* Charge levels listed are approximate. Actual conditions vary

depending on battery condition and load.

Fault Condition

Indicator Illuminated Fault Condition

All three lights Excessive discharge flash slowly* (Inverter shutdown)

All three lights Overcharge (Charger flash quickly** shutdown)

* Approximately ½ second on, ½ second off. See Troubleshooting section. ** Approximately ¼ second on, ¼ second off. May also indicate a battery charger fault exists. See Troubleshooting section.

Resetting Your Inverter/Charger to Restore AC Power

Your Inverter/Charger may cease supplying AC power or DC charging power in order to protect itself from overload or to protect your electrical system. To restore normal functioning:

Overload Reset: Switch operating mode switch to “OFF” and remove some of the connected electrical load (ie: turn off some of the AC devices drawing power which may have caused the overload of the unit). Wait one minute, then switch operating mode switch back to either “AUTO/REMOTE” or “CHARGE ONLY.”

Output Circuit Breaker Reset: Alternatively, check output circuit breaker(s) on the unit's front panel. If tripped, remove some of the electrical load, then wait one minute to allow components to cool before resetting the circuit breaker. See Troubleshooting for other possible

reasons AC output may be absent.

Operation

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