Tripp Lite UT Series User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Safety/Warranty/Warranty Registration 2

Feature Identification 3

Operation 3-4

Configuration 5-6

Battery Selection 7

Mounting 8

Battery Connection 9

AC Input/Output Connection 10

Service/Maintenance 11

Troubleshooting 11

Tripp Lite Utility/

Work Truck DC-to-AC Inverters

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

Customer Support: (773) 869-1234

www.tripplite.com

* See "Utilize Automatic Generator Starter Capability" in the Configuration section for details. ** Depending on power needs, users may wish to complement a Tripp Lite Utility/Work Truck Inverter

Contents

POWER BOOSTER!

Includes built-in charger for optional overnight recharging

of vehicle battery from shore power!

Quiet, Economical Mobile Power…

Congratulations! You've purchased one of the most advanced, feature-rich Inverters designed for utility/work truck applications. Tripp Lite Utility/Work Truck Inverters provide quiet, convenient mobile power for every application: computers, TVs, electronic test equipment, power tools, pumps, compressors, blowers, lights, power supplies, radios, cell phone chargers and more. Since Tripp Lite Inverters draw power directly from vehicle batteries, they are the quiet, economical power alternative in residential environments or late-night job sites—without the noise, fumes, capital outlays, maintenance costs and occasional power overkill of generators! For generator-equipped trucks, they provide crews with the option of silent power.*

…With Optional Power-Boosting Functionality

In today's cost-cutting climate, fleet managers must get the most out of every vehicle—keeping trucks in the field longer, operating an ever-growing array of power tools. Standard vehicle alternators and batteries, however, often can't keep up with the increased power demand. When alternators recharge batteries at a slower rate than they are discharged, that leaves a power deficit for the next day's jobs and dramatically shortens battery service life. Tripp Lite Utility/Work Truck Inverters, with the addition of a built-in battery charger, help to overcome this power deficit. When optionally connected to shore power at the end of the day, Tripp Lite Utility/Work Truck Inverters quickly and safely recharge vehicle batteries, ensuring that maximum power is available for the next day's service schedule.** In addition, Tripp Lite Utility/Work Truck Inverters out-muscle other inverters on the market with peak power—handling tough loads like motors, compressors and incandescent lamps with ease.

Rugged Reliability Stands Up to Demanding Service Fleet Applications

• Powers everything from lights and power tools to sensitive testing equipment with frequency-controlled output

• Operates under the most severe conditions with heavy-duty, weather-resistant construction which meets tough marine standards for shock, vibration and moisture resistance***

• Enhances crew safety in moist environments with dual GFCI outlets (on select models)

• Delivers more AC power from your truck's system with high-efficiency DC-to-AC inversion

• Saves precious vehicle space with compact cabinet size

Battery Charger (Built-In) Provides Optional Overnight Charging

• Boosts battery to full charge for next day's jobs (on a routine or "as-needed" basis)

• Extends battery service life with safe, 3-stage charging and battery temperature-sensing function (featured on select models)

Remote Module (Included) Enables Convenient Control and Monitoring From Vehicle Cab

• Monitor battery voltage level and Inverter operating status

• Activate or deactivate Inverter with ease

WARRANTY

REGISTRATION:

product—www.tripplite.com/warranty

Important Safety Instructions

Location Warnings

• The Inverter must be located in an enclosed compartment, shielded from outside weather conditions.

• Although your Inverter is moisture resistant, it is NOT water-proof. 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 for proper ventilation. To avoid automatic Inverter shutdown due to overtemperature, any compartment that contains the Inverter 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 directly near magnetic storage media, as this may result in data corruption.

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

Battery Connection Warnings

• The Inverter 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 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 Inverter in life support or healthcare applications where a malfunction or failure of a Tripp Lite Inverter 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.

• Corded Models: Do not modify the Inverter’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 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.

Operation Warnings

• Your Inverter 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 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 is operating in either inverting or charging mode. Dangerous arcing may result. Operating Mode Switch should be in the OFF position.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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

Limited Warranty

Tripp Lite warrants its Inverters 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.

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.

Configuration DIP Switches: optimize Inverter operation depending on your application. See Configuration section for setting instructions.

Operating Mode Switch: controls Inverter operation. See Operation section for setting instructions.

“LINE”, “INVERT”, “LOAD” LEDs: intuitive “traffic light” signals show Inverter operation. They also warn you if the connected equipment load is too high. See Operation section for instructions on reading the indicator lights.

"BATT VOLT" or "BATT VOLT/CHRG CURR" LEDs: on all models, these three lights will turn on in several sequences to indicate the approximate charge level of connected batteries. On 2012 and 3012 models, these lights indicate the approximate charge rate of the Inverter when the Operating Mode Switch is in the “CHARGE ONLY”position. See Operation section for instructions on reading indicator lights.

DC Power Terminals: connect to your battery terminals. See Battery Connection section for instructions.

Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) AC Receptacles (not on hardwire model): allow you to connect equipment that would normally be

plugged into a utility outlet. Enhancing safety, they feature ground fault interrupter switches that trip if there is excessive current on the ground safety wire.

AC Input Cord (not on hardwire model): connects the Inverter to any source of utility- or generator-supplied AC power. See AC Input/ Output Connection section for instructions.

Resettable Circuit Breakers: protect your Inverter against damage due to overload. See Operation section for resetting instructions.

Remote Control Module Connector: allows remote monitoring and control with an optional module included. See remote module owner’s manual for connection instructions.

Main Ground Lug (front or rear mounted, depending on model):

properly grounds the Inverter to vehicle grounding system or to earth ground. See Configuration section for instructions.

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

Battery Temperature Sensing Connector (select models only):

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

“AUTO GEN START” Connector (select models only): this automatic generator start feature is not typically applicable in utility/work truck applications. However, for generator-equipped trucks, it provides crews with the option of quiet power. See “Utilize Automatic Generator Starter Capability” in the Configuration section for details.

Hardwire AC Input/Output Terminals (not on corded models):

securely connect the Inverter to vehicle electrical system input and recommended GFCI receptacle output. See AC Input/Output Connection.

DC Power Terminal Cover Plate

Hardwire AC Input/Output Cover Plate

Feature Identification

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

Operation

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

AUTO/REMOTE: Switch to this mode during normal operational conditions. When service vehicles are deployed, the Inverter will draw from connected batteries to supply AC power to connected equipment. This mode also enables the optional remote control module (included) to function when connected to the unit. It is fine to leave the switch in this mode at the end of the day (when service vehicles are parked) especially when relying upon the remote control as your main control. Note: when connected to shore power, AC power is not only routed to the battery charger but passes through to the GFCI outlets or hardwire terminals (depending on model) as well.

OFF: Switch to this mode during normal operational conditions if you want to completely shut down the unit's inverter, cut-off the remote control module's functionality and shut off power to the AC outlets or hardwire terminals. For extended periods of “dry dock” time, switch to this mode if the Inverter is not plugged into shore power.

CHARGE ONLY: Switch to this mode when service vehicles are parked and (optionally) connected to shore power for extended periods of “dry dock” time, as with seasonal-use trucks. This mode will enable the unit's charger, but will disable the unit's inverter. Note: when connected to shore power, AC power is not only routed to the battery charger but passes through to the GFCI outlets or hardwire terminals (depending on model) as well.

Switch Modes

Operation section continued on next page.

Front View (corded models)

Side Mounted, Not Shown. Select models only.

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Side Mounted, Not Shown. Select models only.

Rear Mounted, on select models only

Front View (hardwired model)

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Operation

(continued)

Indicator Lights

Your Inverter (as well as an optional Tripp Lite Remote Control Module) 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.

“BATT VOLT” or “BATT VOLT/CHRG CURR” LEDs: Depending on your model, this set of three LEDs will display different operating information.

750 and 1250 models: Whether the 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 “BATT VOLT” LED Function Chart for details.

2012 and 3012 models only: If the switch is in the “AUTO/REMOTE” position, the LEDs indicate the approximate charge level and voltage of your connected battery bank and alert you to several fault conditions. See “BATT VOLT” LED Function Chart for details.

If the switch is in the “CHARGE ONLY” position, the LEDs indicate the approximate charge rate of the Inverter. See “CHRG CURR” LED Function Chart for details. Note: the charge rates in the chart are expressed as percentages of the Inverter's rated charging amps. Refer to the specifications to determine the charging amps of your specific model.

“LINE Green LED”: If the operating mode switch is set to “AUTO/REMOTE”, this light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY when your vehicle is connected to shore (or generator) power.

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.

“INV” (Inverting) Yellow LED: This light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY whenever connected equipment is receiving battery-supplied, inverted AC power.

“LOAD” Red LED: This red light will ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY whenever the inverter is functioning and the power demanded by connected 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.

“BATT VOLT” LED Function Chart (All models)

Approximate Battery Charge Level*

LEDs Battery Capacity Illuminated (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. ** 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.

“CHRG CURR” LED Function Chart (2012 and 3012 models only)

Approximate Charge Rate Indication

LEDs Illuminated Charge Rate

All three lights on Overcharge

error*

Red 75% - 100%

Red & Yellow 50% - 75%

Yellow 25% - 50%

Green 0% - 25%

All three lights off 0%

* If all three lights remain on, an internal fault may exist. Turn off and disconnect the unit. Then, call Tripp Lite at (773) 869-1234 for assistance.

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Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power

Your Inverter 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.

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