Tripp Lite RV User Manual

WARRANTY

REGISTRATION

a chance to win a FREE Tripp Lite

product! www.tripplite.com/warranty

PowerVerter

Owner’s Manual

RV Series (v. 3.5)

DC-to-AC Inverter/Chargers

Input Output

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

Quiet Mobile Power

Congratulations! You've purchased the most advanced, feature-rich Inverter/Charger designed for recreational applications. Tripp Lite RV Inverter/Chargers are the quiet alternative to generators-with no fumes, fuel or noise to deal with! You get AC electricity anywhere and anytime you need it: away from shore power, rolling down the highway, dry camping in majestic back country or overnighting at a non-electric site. Your Tripp Lite Inverter/Charger provides your appliances, equipment and electronics with utility- or generator-supplied AC electricity (filtered through premium ISOBAR®surge protection) whenever available. In addition, it automatically powers your craft's 12V system and recharges your connected battery bank-doing what traditional converter/chargers do. Whenever power blackouts, brownouts or high voltages occur, your Inverter/Charger immediately and automatically switches over to inverting battery output to power connected AC equipment.

Better for Your Equipment Premium Protection Levels

• Built-In ISOBAR®Surge Protection

• Automatic Overload Protection

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

Customer Support: (773) 869-1234

www.tripplite.com

Ideal Output for All Loads

• Frequency-Controlled Output

• Automatic 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

• Automatic Generator Starting*

• Moisture-Resistant Construction

†

Contents

Warranty/Warranty Registration 2 Safety 3

Mounting 10

Battery Connection 11 Feature Identification 4 Operation 5-6 Configuration 6-8 Battery Selection 9

* Available on all models except 750 models. †Inverter/Chargers are moisture-resistant, not waterproof.

AC Input/Output Connection 12

Service/Maintenance 13

Troubleshooting 13

Français 14

is a registered trademark of Tripp Lite.

Limited Warranty

Tripp Lite warrants its Inverter/Chargers to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a 30 month period 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 retail 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 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.

Regulatory Compliance Identification Numbers

For the purpose of regulatory compliance certifications and identification, your Tripp Lite product has been assigned a unique series num-

ber. The series number can be found on the product nameplate label, along with all required approval markings and information. When

requesting compliance information for this product, always refer to the series number. The series number should not be confused with the

marking name or model number of the product.

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

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.

Note on Labeling Two symbols are used on the RV labels.

V~: AC Voltage V : DC Voltage

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.

Note: For Marine installations, please replace this page with the page titled "For Marine Applications Only" found in the Owner's Manual Addendum.

Location Warnings

• 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. To avoid automatic Inverter/Charger shutdown due to overtemperature, any compartment that contains the Inverter/Charger must be properly ventilated with adequate outside air flow. 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.

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

Do not use a Tripp Lite RV Inverter/Charger in life support or healthcare applications where a malfunction or failure of a Tripp Lite RV Inverter/Charger could cause failure of, or significantly alter the performance of, a life support device or medical equipment.

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

• Tripp Lite recommends wiring the AC output to a GFCI protector (ground fault circuit interrupter).

• The main grounding lug should be connected to the vehicle chassis with an 8 AWG wire (minimum).

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 in either inverting or charging mode. Operating Mode Switch should be in the OFF position. Dangerous arcing may result.

Caution: Some models have a failsafe AC pass-through feature where the AC output will be live (if AC input is available) even though the operating mode switch is set to DC OFF.

Feature Identification

HOT IN

NEUTRAL IN

GROUND IN

GROUND OUT

HOT OUT

“FOR USE WITH COPPER WIRE ONLY”

NEUTRAL OUT

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

Configuration DIP Switches: optimize Inverter/Charger

operation depending on your application. See Configuration section 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 (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included with select models). The “CHARGE ONLY” setting allows your batteries to return to full charge faster by turning the inverter off which halts battery discharging. See Operation section for setting instructions.*

“LINE”, “INVERT”, “LOAD” LEDs: 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 Operation section for instructions on reading the indicator lights.

"BATT VOLTAGE" LEDs: these three lights will turn ON in

several sequences to show approximate battery level. See Operation section for instructions on reading the indicator lights.

DC Power Terminals: connect to your battery terminals. See

Battery Connection section for instructions.

Hardwire AC Input/Output Terminals: securely connect the

Inverter/Charger to vehicle or facility electrical system input and recommended GFCI protected output. See AC Input/Output Connection section for instructions.

Resettable Circuit Breaker: protect your Inverter/Charger against

damage due to charger failure. See Operation section for resetting instructions.

Remote Control Module Connector: allows remote monitoring

and control with an optional module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included with select models). 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 Configuration section for setting instructions.

Main Ground Lug: properly grounds the Inverter/Charger to

vehicle grounding system or to earth ground. See Configuration section for instructions.

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

service life.

Hardwire AC Input/Output Cover Plate Battery Temperature Sensing Connector (not on 750 models):

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 (not on 750 models):

automatically cycles generator based on battery voltage. Use with user-supplied cable. See Configuration section for details.

DC OFF - De-energizes unit and connects AC

Front View (Single Input/Output Hardwire Models)

Front View (Dual Input/Output Hardwire Models)

* OFF - De-energizes unit and AC output on most models.

to AC INon select models.

OUT

Rear View (Single Input/Output Hardwire Models)

24 3

Side Mounted, Not Shown

Operation

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 appliances and equipment. The Inverter/Charger will continue to supply AC power to connected equipment and to charge your connected batteries while utilityor 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, sold separately or included with select models) to function when connected to the unit.

CHARGE ONLY: Switch to this mode when you are not using connected appliances and 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 (most models): 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 an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included with select models) to reset unit due to overload and overtemperature.

DC OFF (select models): De-energizes unit and connects AC

OUT

to AC IN.

Indicator Lights

Your Inverter/Charger (as well as an optional Tripp Lite Remote Control Module, sold separately or included with select models) 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 a wide variety of operating details.

“LINE Green LED”: 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 BLINK 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 LED: 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 BLINK to alert you if the load is less than the Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) setting.

“LOAD” Red LED: 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 BLINK 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.

“BATT VOLTAGE” LEDs: If the operating mode switch is in the "AUTO/REMOTE" or "Charge Only" position, the LEDs indicate the approximate charge level and voltage of your connected battery bank and alert you to several fault conditions. See Chart for charge and voltage levels.

LED Function with Switch in “AUT

O/REMOTE” or

“CHARGE ONLY” Position

Approximate Battery Charge Level*

LEDs Battery Capacity Illuminated (Charging/Discharging)

Green 91%–Full

Green & Yellow 81%–90%

Yellow 61%–80%

Yellow & Red 41%–60%

4 5

Red 21%–40%

All three lights off 1%–20%

Flashing red 0% (Inverter

2 3

shutdown)**

* Charge levels listed are approximate. Actual conditions vary depending on battery condition and load. ** Inverter shutdown protects battery against damage due to excessive discharge.

Fault Condition

LEDs Fault Illuminated 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. Inverter shutdown protects battery against damage due to excessive discharge.** Approximately ¼ second on, ¼ second off. Charger shutdown protects battery against damage due to overcharge. May also indicate a battery charger fault exists. See Troubleshooting section.

INPUT C/B 10A

OUTPUT C/B 12A

B4 B3 B2 B1

A4 A3 A2 A1

Operation

(continued)

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” or “DC 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.”

Configuration

Set Configuration DIP Switches

Using a small tool, set the Configuration DIP Switches (located on the front panel, see diagram) to optimize Inverter/Charger operation depending on your application. Refer to the appropriate section to review the instructions for your specific model.

Group B Dip Switches

Group A Dip Switches

Group A DIP Switches

Using a small tool, configure your Inverter/Charger by setting the four Group A DIP Switches (located on the front panel of your unit; see diagram) as follows:

Select Battery Type—REQUIRED

(All models)

CAUTION: The Battery Type DIP Switch setting must match the type of batteries you connect, or your batteries may be degraded or damaged over an extended period of time. See “Battery Selection,” p. 9 for more information.

A1A2A3A4

Battery Type Switch Position

Gel Cell (Sealed) Battery Up Wet Cell (Vented) Battery Down (factory setting)

Select High AC Input Voltage Point

A1A2A3A4

for Switching to Battery—OPTIONAL*

(OEM models only)

Voltage Switch Position

145V Up 135V Down (factory setting)

Charger Inhibit

A1A2A3A4

(Most models )

Function Switch Position

Charger Inhibited Up Charger Enabled Down (factory setting)

* Most of your connected appliances and equipment will perform adequately when your Inverter/Charger’s High AC Input Voltage Point (DIP Switch #2 of Group A) is set to 135V and its Low AC Voltage Input Point (DIP Switches #3 and #4 of Group A) are set to 95V. However, if the unit frequently switches to battery power due to momentary high/low line voltage swings that would have little effect on equipment operation, you may wish to adjust these settings. By increasing the High AC Voltage Point and/or decreasing the Low AC Voltage Point, you will reduce the number of times your unit switches to battery due to voltage swings.

Configuration

B1B2B3B4

All Models

(continued)

Select Low AC Input Voltage

A1A2A3A4

Point for Switching to Battery— OPTIONAL*

Switch

Voltage Position

105V #A4 Up & #A3 Up 95V #A4 Up & #A3 Down 85V #A4 Down & #A3 Up 75V #A4 Down & #A3 Down

(factory setting)

* Most of your connected appliances and equipment will perform adequately when your Inverter/Charger’s High AC Input Voltage Point (DIPSwitch #2 of Group A) is set to 135V and its Low AC Voltage Input Point (DIP Switches #3 and #4 of Group A are set to 95V. However, if the unit frequently switches to battery power due to momentary high/low line voltage swings that would have little effect on equipment operation, you may wish to adjust these settings. By increasing the High AC Voltage Point and/or decreasing the Low AC Voltage Point, you will reduce the number of times your unit switches to battery due to voltage swings.

Group B DIP Switches

Select AC Sharing—OPTIONAL

Your Inverter/Charger features a high-output battery charger that can draw a significant amount of AC power from your utility source or generator when charging at its maximum rate. If your unit is supplying its full AC power rating to its connected heavy electrical loads at the same time as this high charging occurs, the AC input circuit breaker could trip, resulting in the complete shut off of pass-through utility power.

To reduce the chance of tripping this breaker, all RV Inverter/Chargers may be set to automatically limit the charger output. This keeps the sum of the unit’s AC load and charge power within the circuit breaker rating. This charger-limiting function has four settings, allowing you to reduce the charger’s draw lower and lower, as needed, if the AC input circuit breaker keeps tripping under the normal AC loads of devices you have connected downline from the unit. The figures show how to set your DIP Switches for charger-limiting.

All Models All Models, except RV2012UL & RV3012OEM

Select Battery Charger-Limiting Points—OPTIONAL

“Least Limiting” (#B2 Down & #B1 Up):

Charger-limiting begins when the

“Most Limiting” (#B2 & #B1 Up): Charger-limiting takes effect the moment any 120V AC load is applied; charger output falls gradually from full output at no 120V load passing through to no output at full load.

“Less Limiting” (#B2 Up & #B1 Down):

Inverter/Charger’s load reaches 66% of the Inverter/Charger’s load rating. Charger output falls gradually from full output at 66% of the Inverter/Charger’s load rating to about 40% of full output at full load.

“No Limiting” (#B2 & #B1 Down): No charger-limiting occurs at any load size.

Charger-limiting begins when the Inverter/Charger’s load reaches 33% of the Inverter/Charger’s load rating. Charger output falls gradually from full output at 33% of the Inverter/Charger’s load rating to about 40% of full output at full load.

Most models are factory preset to "Most Limiting". RV2012OEM is preset to "Less Limiting". RV2012UL and RV3012OEM models can only be set to "Most Limiting" or "Less Limiting" (B2 switch is non-functional).

Configuration

(continued)

Select Equalize Battery Charge—OPTIONAL

Setting Procedure

• Move to “Equalize” (DOWN) position for three seconds. This DIP Switch is momentarily engaged to begin the process of equalizing the charge state of your battery’s cells by timelimited overcharge of all cells. This can extend the useful life of certain types of batteries; consult with your battery’s manufacturer to determine if your batteries could benefit from this process. The charge equalization process is automatic; once started, it can only be stopped by removing the input power.

Set Battery Charging Amps—OPTIONAL

Check specifications for your unit’s high- and low-charging amp options. By setting on high charging, your batteries will charge at maximum

B1B2B3B4

Reset

• Move to “Reset” (UP) position and leave it there. This is the

factory default setting.

CAUTION: Do not leave DIP switch #B3 in the down position after beginning process. Battery

Equaliz

charge equalization should only be performed in strict accordance with the battery manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.

Battery Charge Switch Position

Reset Up (factory setting) Equalize Down—momentarily

Battery Charger Switch Position

Low Charge Amps Up

B1B2B3B4

High Charge Amps Down (factory setting)

speed and your RV 12V DC system loads will be well-supplied. When setting on low charging, you lengthen the

CAUTION: When switching to the High Charge Amp setting, the user must ensure that the amp hour capacity of their battery system exceeds the amperage of the High Charge Amp setting or the batteries may be damaged or degraded.

life of your batteries (especially smaller ones).

Set Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial—OPTIONAL

In order to save battery power, the unit’s inverter automatically shuts off in the absence of any power demand from connected equipment or appliances (the electrical load). When the unit detects a load, it automatically turns its inverter function on. Users may choose the minimum load the Inverter/Charger will detect by adjusting the Battery Charge Conserver Dial (see diagram). Using a small tool, turn the dial clockwise to lower the minimum load that will be detected, causing the inverter to turn on for smaller loads. When the dial is turned fully clockwise, the inverter will operate even when there is no load. Turn the dial counterclockwise to increase the minimum load that will be detected, causing the inverter to stay off until the new minimum load is reached.

Note: the factory setting for the dial is fully clockwise. However, based on the threshold load to which you’d like the inverter to respond, you should adjust the dial counterclockwise to reduce its sensitivity until the inverter is active only when connected equipment or appliances are actually in use.

Connect Remote Control—OPTIONAL (All models) All models feature an 8-conductor telephone style receptacle on the front panel for use with an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included with select models). The remote module allows the Inverter/Charger to be mounted in a compartment or cabinet out of sight, while operated conveniently from within the living area or control panel of your RV. See instructions packed with the remote control module.

Connect Battery Temperature Sensing Cable—OPTIONAL (not on 750 models) The battery temperature sensing function prolongs battery life by adjusting the charge float voltage level based on battery temperature. Connect the sensor cable (the cable, included with select models, has an RJ style connector on one end and a black sensor on the other) to the RJ style jack located on the side*of the Inverter/Charger labeled “Remote Temp. Sense.” With user-supplied electrical or duct tape, affix the sensor to the side of the battery below the electrolyte level. Make sure that nothing, not even tape, comes between the sensor and the side of the battery. To guard against false readings due to ambient temperature, place the sensor between batteries, if possible, or away from sources of extreme heat or cold. If the sensor cable is not used, the Inverter/Charger will charge according to its default 25º C values.

Utilize Automatic Generator Starter Capability—OPTIONAL (not on 750 models) All models except 750 models include an RJ type modular jack on the side*panel labeled “Generator Start”. Attach to vehicle generator ON/OFF switching mechanism with user-supplied cable (see Pin Configuration Diagram). Once attached, the interface will allow the Inverter/Charger to automatically switch a vehicle generator on when connected battery voltage levels are low (11.6 VDC) and switch it off when battery voltage levels are high (14.1 VDC).

Pin Configuration

2 - Common 3 - N.C.

(Normally Closed) 4 - N.O.

(Normally Open)

* Or rear (1250 model).

Battery Selection

Select Auxiliary Battery Type (if any)

Select “Deep Cycle” batteries to receive optimum performance from your Inverter/Charger. Do not use ordinary car or starting batteries or batteries rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). If the batteries you connect to the Inverter/Charger are not true Deep Cycle batteries, their operational lifetimes may be significantly shortened. If you are using the same battery bank to power the Inverter/Charger as well as DC loads, your battery bank will need to be appropriately sized (larger loads will require a battery bank with a larger amp-hour capacity) or the operational lifetimes of the batteries may be significantly shortened.

Batteries of either Wet-Cell (vented) or Gel-Cell /Absorbed Glass Mat (sealed) construction are ideal. 6-volt “golf cart”, Marine Deep-Cycle or 8D Deep-Cycle batteries are also acceptable. You must set the Inverter/Charger’s Battery Type DIP Switch (see Configuration section for more information) to match the type of batteries you connect or your batteries may be degraded or damaged over an extended period of time. In many cases, the vehicle battery may be the only one installed. Auxiliary batteries must be identical to the vehicle batteries if they are connected to each other.

Match Battery Amp-Hour Capacity to Your Application

Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter/Charger with proper DC voltage and an adequate amp-hour capacity to power your application. Even though Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers are highly-efficient at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the total amp-hour capacity of connected batteries and the support of your vehicle’s alternator if the engine is kept running.

Example

• STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required

Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your Inverter/Charger. Wattage ratings are usually listed in equipment manuals or on nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that number times AC utility voltage to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill requires 2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120 volts = 300 watts .)

Note: Your Inverter/Charger will operate at higher efficiencies at about 75% - 80% of nameplate rating.

• STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required

Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above) by the battery voltage (12) to determine the DC amps required.

• STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required (for operation unsupported by the alternator) Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above) by the number of hours you estimate you will operate your equipment exclusively from battery power before you have to recharge your batteries with utility- or generator-supplied AC power. Compensate for inefficiency by multiplying this number by 1.2. This will give you a rough estimate of how many amp-hours of battery power (from one or several batteries) you should connect to your Inverter/Charger.

NOTE! Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-hour capacities are less when batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.

Tools

¼" Drill

300W + 220W + 20W = 540W

Orbital Sander

Cordless Tool Charger

Appliances

Blender Color TV Laptop Computer

300W + 140W + 100W = 540W

540 watts ÷ 12V = 45 DC Amps

45 DC Amps × 5 Hrs. Runtime

× 1.2 Inefficiency Rating = 270 Amp-Hours

• STEP 4: Estimate Battery Recharge Required, Given Your Application

You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during inverter operation or else you will eventually run down your batteries. To estimate the minimum amount of time you need to recharge your batteries given your application, divide your required battery amp-hours (from step 3, above) by your Inverter/Charger’s rated charging amps (see separate Specifications Sheet).

NOTE! For Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers providing 1000 watts or less of continuous AC power, a full-size battery will normally allow sufficient power for many applications before recharging is necessary. For mobile applications, if a single battery is continuously fed by an alternator at high idle or faster, then recharging from utility or generator power may not be necessary. For Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers over 1000 watts used in mobile applications, Tripp Lite recommends you use at least two batteries, if possible fed by a heavy-duty alternator anytime the vehicle is running. Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers will provide adequate power for ordinary usage within limited times without the assistance of utility or generator power. However, when operating extremely heavy electrical loads at their peak in the absence of utility power, you may wish to “assist your batteries” by running an auxiliary generator or vehicle engine, and doing so at faster than normal idling.

270 Amp-Hours ÷ 55 Amps

Inverter/Charger Rating = 5 Hours Recharge

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