Vector VEC023, Maxx SST VEC023 Owner's Manual & Warranty Information

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NEW
SOFT START
TECHNOLOGY
350 W AT T
PEAK
175 WATT
POWER INVERTER
OWNER’S MANUAL
& WARRANTY INFORMATION
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS PRODUCT. BEFORE USE, READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL CAUTIONS, WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND PRODUCT LABELS, PLUS YOUR VEHICLE’S BA TTERY MANUFA CTURER GUIDELINES. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
4140 SW 28TH WAY, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312
TEL 954-584-4446 • TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 • FAX 954-584-5556
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................4
2. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS ..............4,5
3. HOW YOUR INVERTER WORKS.........................................5
3.1 Theory of Operation...............................................5
3.2 The MAXX SST™ 175 Output Waveform .............5, 6
4. CONNECTIONS/ENVIRONMENT..................................6
4.1 Power Source Requirements ....................................6
4.2 Connection to Power Source ...............................6, 7
4.3 Connection to Load ................................................7
4.4 Placement of Inverte r ..............................................8
5. OPERA TING TIPS ...........................................................8
5.1 Rated V ersus Actual Current Draw of Equipment.......8
5.2 Battery Operating Time...........................................9
6. PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF INVERTER ............................9
7. COMMON PROBLEMS ................................................10
8. TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................11
9. FUSE REPLACEMENT ...................................................12
10. SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................12
11. WARRANTY ...........................................................13,14
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure reliable service, your power inverter must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions thoroughly prior to installation and use. Pay particular attention to the WARNING and CAUTION statements in this manual. The CAUTION statements advise against certain conditions and practices that may result in damage to your inverter. The WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that may result in personal injur y.
Read All Instructions Before Using This Power Inverter!
W ARNINGS:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION OR INJURY:
1. DO NOT connect to AC distribution wiring.
2. Remove appliance plug from outlet strip or turn off inverter before working on the appliance. Multiple outlet power strips with switches andcircuit breakers only interrupt power to the "hot" receptacle terminals. The "neutral" terminals remain powered with respect to the "ground" terminals.
3. DO NOT make any electrical connections or disconnections in areas designated as IGNITION PROTECTED. This includes DC accessory outlet type connections, and ring terminal connections.
4. This is not a toy -
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5. DO NOT install object into air vents.
CAUTIONS:
1.
DDDDOOOONNNNOOOOTTTTuse with positive ground electrical systems (the majority
of modern automobiles, RVs, trucks and boats are negative ground). Reverse polari ty connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause pe rmanent damage to the inverter and will void warranty.
2. This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens and toasters.
3. Grounding the neutral will cause the inverter to shut down. DO NOT operate this inverter if it is wet. DO NOT install in engine compartment - install in a well ventilated area.
4. This inverter is not for use with medical devices.
IMPORTANT CABLE INFORMATION
Substantial power loss and reduced battery operating time results from inverters installed with cables that are not able to supply full power. Symptoms of low battery power can result from cables that are either excessively long or an insufficient gauge. The installer/operator should be especially aware of the requirements to maintain secure, tight, water-resistant electrical connections and to provide for strain relief for DC cables and appliance wiring. Cable insulation must be the appropriate type for the environment.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Your new Vector MAXX SST™ 175 inverter is one in a series of the most advanced DC to AC inverters available today. With proper care and appropriate usage, it will give you years of dependable service in your car , truck, RV or boat.
The inverter supplies 175 watts of continuous power, with a 350 watt peak, in the form of one household-type receptacle that is ready to deliver 110/120VAC power whenever and wherever you need it! The heavy-duty inverter has enough power to run almost any household or electronic appliance, including color TVs (up to 20"), TV/VCR combinations, laptop computers, camcorders, cellular phones, camcorders, power tool chargers, lamps and many more. Added safety features include automatic shutdown and a low battery alarm to prevent damage to your battery .
This power inverter is configured with the latest soft start technology (SST™) to improve inverter operation. Before introduction of soft-start, high start-up currents from large inductive loads could shut down the inverter. Three major features are incorporated in SST™. First, gradual voltage ramp-up during inverter start-up. This eliminates failed cold starts under load. Second, output that momentarily dips in voltage and quickly recovers to allow large motorized loads to start. This eliminates most shutdowns from momentary overloads. Last, the inverter automatically re-starts when an overload that caused inverter shutdown is removed. Previously, manual reset was required.
2. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS
FIGURE 1 details the front panel of the inverte r. The front panel provides two LED indicators. A green LED shows proper operation when lit. The red LED shows inverter shutdown from overload, over voltage or over temperature. Power is supplied through one grounded standard North American outlet. The outlet accommodates either two or three pin AC plugs. An ON/OFF switch turns the inverter circuitry ON and OFF. The switch is used to force reset of inverter circuits if it is switched OFF, then ON.
FIGURE 1
The backpanel (not shown) provides the DC power cord equipped with a fused 12VDC plug.
1. RED SHUT DOWN LED
2. GREEN OPERATING LED
3. ONE 110/120VAC RECEPTA CLE
4. ON/OFF SWITCH
3. HOW YOUR VECTOR INVERTER WORKS
The inverter converts low voltage DC (direct current) from a battery or other power source to standard 110/120VAC (alternating current) household power.
3.1 THEORY OF OPERATION
The inverter converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145VDC. The second stage, the actual inverter stage converts the high voltage DC into 110/120VAC, 60 Hz AC. (See FIGURE 2).
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses modern high frequency power conversion techniques that have replaced the bulky transformers found in less technologically-advanced models. The inverter stage uses advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration.
FIGURE 2 -
Theory of Operation
3.2 THE MAXX SST™ 175 OUTPUT WAVEFORM
The AC output waveform of the inverter is known as “modified sine wave”. It is a waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave shape. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and motors. (See FIGURE 3).
The modified sine wave produced by the MAXX 175 inverter has an RMS (root mean square) voltage of 110/120VAC, which is the same as standard household power. Most AC voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave correctly. They will read about 20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of the inverter. For accurate measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Fluke 77/99 series, Beckman 4410, or Triplett 4200.
12VDC TO
145VDC
CONVERSION
145VDC TO
110/120VAC
CONVERSION
Internal
Fuses
ONE AC
Outlet
12VDC
Input
110/120VAC, 60Hz To AC Appliances
3
21
4
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FIGURE 3 -
Modified Sine Wave and Sine Wave Comparison
4. CONNECTIONS/ENVIRONMENT
4.1 POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
The power source must provide between 10.5 and 15.5 volts DC and must be able to supply the necessary current to operate the load. The power source may be a battery or a well-regulated DC power supply. To obtain a rough estimate of the current (in amperes) the power source must deliver, simply divide the power consumption of the load (in watts AC) by 10.
Example: If a load is rated at 100 watts AC, the power source must be able to deliver: 100 divided by 10 = 10 amperes
CAUTION:
The MAXX 175 SST™ must be connected only to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not operate from a 6 volt battery, and will sustain permanent damage if connected to a 24 volt battery .
4.2 CONNECTION TO POWER SOURCE
The inverter comes equipped with a 12VDC plug for connection to the p ower source:
CAUTION
: DO NOT use with positive ground electrical systems. (the
majority of modern automobiles, RVs, and trucks are negative ground).
CONNECTING TO POWER SOURCE USING 12VDC PLUG:
The 12VDC plug is suitable for operating the inverter at power outputs up to 175 watts. The tip of the plug is positive and the side contact is negative. Connect the Inverter to the power source by inserting the 12VDC plug firmly into the 12VDC socket of a vehicle or other DC power source.
NOTE:
Most automobile 12VDC circuits use fuses rated at 15 to 20 amps or greater. To operate at full 175 watts output, make sure the DC power source can deliver 20 amps. A 15 amp circuit can only
CAUTION:
Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause permanent damage to the inverter .
Loose connectors may cause overheated wires and melted insulation. Damage due to reversed polarity is not covered by our warranty.
4.3 CONNECTION TO LOAD
The inverter is equipped with a standard North American AC power receptacle. Plug the cord from the equipment you wish to operate into the AC receptacle. The green LED indicator lights to indicate that the inverte r is functioning. Make sure the combined load requirement of your equipment does not exceed 175 watts.
The inverter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical and electronic equipment in the manner described above.
DO NOT connect the power inverter to household or RV AC distribution wiring.
DO NOT connect the power inverter to any AC load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.
W ARNING:
Do not connect to AC distribution wiring.
CAUTION:
RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES
Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be recharged by plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These devices may damage the inverter.
DO NOT use the inverter to recharge items that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle.
This problem does not occur with the majority of battery-operated equipment. Most of these devices use a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle. The inverter is easily capable of running most chargers and transformers.
4.4 PLACEMENT OF THE INVERTER
For best operating results, the inverter should be placed on a flat surface, such as the car floor, or other solid surface. The power cord allows easy positioning of the inverter.
The inverter should only be used in locations that meet the following criteria:
DRY - Do not allow water and/or other liquids to come into contact with the inverte r. COOL - Ambient air temperature should be between 30 degrees F (-1
MODIFIED
SINE WAVE
110/120VAC
SINE WAVE
110VAC
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degree C) non-condensing, and 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). DO NOT place inverter on or near a heating vent or any piece of equipment which is generating heat above room temperature. Keep the inverter away from direct sunlight if at all possible.
VENTILATED - Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure unrestricted air circulation. DO NOT place items on or over the inverter during operation. A fan is helpful if the inverter is operating at maximum power outputs for extended periods of time.
SAFE - DO NOT use the inverter near flammable materials or in any locations that may accumulate flammable fumes or gases.
5. OPERATING TIPS
5.1 RATED VERSUS ACTUAL CURRENT DRAW OF EQUIPMENT
Most electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the p ower consumption of the item you wish to operate is rated at 175 watts or less. (If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply by the AC volts to determine the wattage). The inverter has overload protection, so it is safe to try to operate equipment rated at 175 watts or less. The inverter will shut down if it is overloaded. The overload must be removed before the inverter will restart. Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run. However, larger resistive loads, such as electric stoves or heaters, usually require more wattage than the inverter can deliver on a continuous basis. Inductive loads, such as TV’s and stereos, require more current to operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating.
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tttthhhheeeeiiiirrrrwwwwaaaattttttttaaaaggggeeeerrrraaaattttiiiin
nnnggggttttoooossssttttaaaarrrrttttuuuupppp. The most demanding in this category are
those that start under load, such as compressors and pumps. Testing is the only definitive way to determine whether a specific load can be started and how long it can run. The unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit after a shutdown due to overloading, remove the overload and if necessary turn the power switch OFF then ON.
CAUTION:
This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens and toasters.
5.2 BATTERY OPERATING TIME
With a typical vehicle battery, a minimum operating time of 2 to 3 hours can be expected. In most instances, 5 to 10 hours of operating time is achievable. However, Vector recommends that the operator start the vehicle every 2 to 3 hours to recharge the battery system. This will guard against
sufficient battery capacity to start the vehicle’s engine. The inverter will sound it’s alarm when DC voltage drops to 10.6 volt.
The inverter may be used whether or not the vehicle’s engine is running. However, the inverter may not operate while the engine is starting since the battery voltage can drop substantially during cranking.
The inverter draws less than 0.4 ampere from the battery when it is not supplying power to a load and power switch is in the ON position. In most i nstances, the inverter can be left connected to the battery when not in use, make sure power switch is in the OFF position. Howe ver, if the vehicle is to remain unused for several days, disconnect the inve rter from the battery.
6. PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF THE INVERTER
Your inverter monitors the following potentially hazardous conditions: LO W B ATTERY VOLTAGE - This condition is not harmful to the inverter but
could damage the power source.
An alarm will sound when the voltage from the battery drops to 10.6 volts. This is an indication that the battery needs to be recharged. The user should stop operation of the electronic device at this time since the inverter will shut down automatically shortly thereafter, when the battery voltage drops to 10 volts. Start your engine to recharge the battery.
OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION - The inverter will automatically shut down when the input voltage exceeds 15.5 VDC.
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION - The inverter will shut down. Remove the short circuit and the inverter will auto reset.
REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION - The inverter’s internal fuses will blow. OVERLOAD PROTECTION - The inverter will automatically shut down
when the continuous draw exceeds 175 watts, and the inverter will auto reset.
OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION - If the temperature inside the inverter is too high , the unit will automatically shut down. Allow the unit to cool for at least 15 minutes before restarting after a heat-related shutdown. Unplug unit while cooling.
LO W BATTERY ALARM - An alarm will sound when the voltage from the bat t e ry drops to 10.6 volts. This is an indication that the battery needs to be recharged. The user should stop operation of the electronic device at this time since the inverter will shut down automatically shortly thereafter, when the battery voltage drops to 10 volts. Start your engine to recharge the battery.
If the low voltage alarm sounds when the battery is fully charged, follow
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alarm will sound when the inverter is overloaded, in thermal shutdown, or if there is an excessive voltage drop between the battery and inverter.
NOTE:
It is normal for the alarm to sound while the unit is being connected to, or disconnected from, the power source. This is not indicative of a problem.
7. COMMON PROBLEMS
“BUZZING” SOUND IN AUDIO SYSTEMS: Some inexpensive stereo systems and “boom boxes” emit a buzzing sound
from their speakers when operated from the power inverter . This occurs because the power supply in the electronic device does not adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. The only solution to this problem is to use a higher quality sound system that incorporates better filtering electronics.
TELEVISION INTERFERENCE: The inverter is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals. However,
in some instances, some interference may still be visible, particularly with weak TV signals. Try the following corrective measures:
Position the inverter as far as possible from the television, the antenna and the antenna cables. Use an extension cable, if necessary
Adjust the orientation of the inverter, the antenna cables and the TV power cord to minimize interference
Make sure that the antenna feeding the television provides an adequate (“snow free”) signal and that high quality, shielded antenna cable is used
8. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:
TABLE 1 - INVERTER POWER SWITCH TURNED ON
TROUBLE/ INDICATION POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED REMEDY
No AC output DC input below 10 volts Recharge or replace red LED lit battery
No AC output Excessive appliance Reduce load-wait for red LED lit load-thermal shutdown inverter to cool. Turn OFF,
then turn ON
No AC output External/intern al Contact technical support
fuses open toll free 866-584-5504
Low ba ttery alarm Bad connection or wiring Tighten all DC connections sounds continuously
Low battery Low battery voltage Recharge battery . alarm sounds Remove load from inverter
while recharging battery
Motorized power tool Excessive start-up load Do not connect won’t start
Television/radio Snow in picture, buzz Keep inverter and antenna interference in speaker distant from each other.
Use shielded antenna cable. Connect antenna to amplifier
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11. WARRANTY
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, Ltd., regarding this product. There are no other warranties, other than those described herein.
This Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty does not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will not be responsible for any amount of damage in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this warranty .
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage to units from misuse or incorrect i nstallation. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity power sources .
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned postage prepaid to Vector Manufacturing. Any defective product, other than accessories, that is returned to Vector Manufacturing
9. FUSE REPLACEMENT
This inverter is equipped with a fuse that is located inside the inverter. Normally, this fuse will not blow unless there is a serious problem inside. The fuse is replaceable, however, Vector recommends contacting Technical Support for guidance. Based on experience, it is best to return the unit to Vector for repair.
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4444----4444444444446666oooorrrrttttoooollllllllffffrrrreeeeeeee888866666666----555588884444----5555555500004444. You may also e-mail us
by going to our website at www.vectormfg.com.
10. SPECIFICATIONS
Output Connection ..............One North American Standard Receptacle
Output Voltage................................Approx 110/120V AC RMS 60 Hz
Output Current ....................................................................1.6 amps
Output Waveform ..................................Modified Sine Wav e (filt ered)
Input Voltage Range ................................................10.5 to 15.5VDC
L ow Voltage Alarm ..............................................................10.6VDC
L ow Voltage Shutdown..........................................................10.0VDC
No Load Input Current..........................................................0.4 amps
Input Fuse ..............................................................................Internal
Input Cable ..................................One 12VDC plug (up to 175 W atts)
Protection ..........Over volt, overload, over temp, short circuit, auto reset
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