Vector VEC049C User Manual

4140 S.W. 28TH WAY • FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312

TEL [phone] • FAX [phone]

TOLL-FREE: [phone]

OWNER’S MANUAL

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, OPERATION,

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS PRODUCT. TO AVOID POSSIBLE INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE,

PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.

MAXX SST

COMPACT POWER INVERTERS

CONVERTS 12VDC TO 110/120VAC

ADVANCED MOSFET TECHNOLOGY

TM

VEC049C

VEC053C

VEC050C

VEC054C

VEC056C

VEC051C

VEC049C
VEC050C
VEC051C
VEC053C
VEC054C
VEC056C

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA

TION

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 injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS POWER INVERTER

WARNINGS

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION OR INJURY:

• Do not connect to AC distribution wiring

• Remove appliance plug from outlet strip or turn off inverter before
working on the appliance

• DO NOT place inverters in an area, room or compartment where
explosive or flammable fumes might be present

• Using power strips, with switches and circuit breakers, only interrupt
power to the “hot” receptacle terminals. The “neutral” terminals remain
powered with respect to the “ground” terminals

• Always unplug appliances when servicing

• This is not a toy - keep away from children

CAUTIONS

• NO USER-SERVICEABLE COMPONENTS INSIDE;
OPENING UNIT WILL VOID WARRANTY; TO SERVICE INVERTERS
CONTACT SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT [phone]

• Do not install in engine compartment - install in a well ventilated area

• Do not use with positive ground electrical systems (the majority of
modern automobiles, RVs, trucks and boats are negative ground)

• Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse, may cause
permanent damage to the inverter and will void the warranty

• This inverter will not operate appliances or equipment that exceed
inverters maximum rating

• Grounding the Neutral will cause the inverter to shut down

• Do not operate this inverter if it is wet

• Not approved for use with medical equipment

IMPORTANT CABLE INFORMATION

Substantial power loss and reduced battery operating time results when inverters
are installed with cables that are not able to supply full power. Low
battery power can result from cables that are either excessively long or an
insufficient gauge. The installer/operator should be aware of all installation
requirements to maintain secure, electrical connections. Cable insulation and
ampacity must be the appropriate type for the environment. To purchase a prepared
cable and fuse set, contact Technical Support at [phone] or

toll-free [phone].

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.0 Basic Tour of Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.2 Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.2 Maxx SST Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 6

1.3 Appliance Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.0 INVERTER APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.1 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.0 THEORY OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.0 OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.1 Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10

4.2 Determining Battery Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

4.3 Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 12

4.4 Protective Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

5.0 INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

5.1 Input Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

5.2 Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 14

5.3 Installation Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

5.4 Quick Operational Checkout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

5.5 Permanent Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

5.5.1 Preparation for Permanent Installation . . . . . . .15, 16

5.5.2 Permanent Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . .16, 17

6.0

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

7.0 SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

8.0

TROUBLESHOOTING

8.1 Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

8.2 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

9.0 MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

10.0 WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Your new Vector MAXX SST inverter is one in a series of the most advanced DC
to AC inverters available. With proper care and appropriate usage, it will
provide years of dependable service in your car, truck, RV or boat.

The MAXX SST supplies continuous power and peak watts, in the form of three
plug-in outlets ready to deliver 110/120VAC power whenever and wherever
you need it! This inverter has enough power to run most
household or electronic appliances. 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).™
Before introduction of Soft-Start, high start-up currents from large inductive loads
could shut down the inverter. Soft Start improves inverter operation by:

1. Gradual voltage ramp-up during inverter start-up. This eliminates failed cold
starts under load.

2. Output that momentarily dips in voltage and quickly recovers to allow
large motorized loads to start. This eliminates almost all shutdowns from
momentary overloads.

3. This power inverter also incorporates a new cooling technology. The new
design cools the power transistors more efficiently, and combined with Soft
Start, dramatically increases reliability and the life of the product.

1.1 BASIC TOUR OF THE MAXX SST™ MODEL INVERTER

AC power is supplied via three standard North American grounded, plug-in
receptacles (U-ground) as shown in FIGURE 1 (#1). This allows the connection and
operation of most 110/120VAC powered electrical and electronic
appliances.
Other front panel items are:
One green LED (#2) that lights when the inverter is operating.
One combination over-temperature and overload LED (#3). If this lights, the
inverter will automatically shut down.

One on/off switch (#4) that shuts off the AC output and all inverter functions.

The on/off switch is also used to reset the inverter, after shut down, due to overload
or over-temperature condition.

FIGURE 2 shows the back panel DC connectors and fan locations. Note: The
fan only operates when the inverter’s load requires it to operate. It shuts off
when cooling is not required.

4

FIGURE 1 – FRONT PANEL

FIGURE 2 – BACK PANEL

5

1

3

2

1

3

4

2

5

1) THREE NORTH AMERICAN STANDARD OUTLETS

2) GREEN LED SHOWS UNIT IS OPERATING

3) RED LED SHOWS UNIT IS SHUT DOWN

4) ON/OFF SWITCH

4

1.2 MAXX SST SAFETY FEATURES

BUILT-IN AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDE:

•Overload and over-temperature shutdown activated if AC output
exceeds rated watts

• AC short-circuit shutdown and automatic reset

• Low voltage audible alarm and reset
(sounds at 10.6 volts input)

• Low-voltage shutdown and automatic reset
(activates at 10.0VDC)

• High-input voltage shutdown (activates at above

15.5VDC) and automatic reset

WARNING: MAXX SST™ output should be treated with the same caution
as any 110/120VAC circuit. It is very important that installers and users read
and follow all instructions provided in this manual to ensure optimum safety
and performance.

1) HIGH SPEED COOLING FANS 3) RED POSITIVE (+) TERMINAL AND RETAINING NUT

2) BLACK NEGATIVE (–) TERMINAL AND 4) TERMINAL COVER
RETAINING NUT 5) CHASSIS GROUND CONNECTOR

MAXX SST™ inverters are ideal for powering:

• TV/VCR combinations

• Refrigerator/freezers

• Lights

• Radio receivers/transceivers

•Heavy duty power tools & chargers

• Stereo systems

• Small microwave ovens

•Household appliances

• Computers and peripheral equipment

•Dry and/or wet-and-dry vacuums

• Sump pumps, motors and other electric-powered equipment

MAXX SST™ uses a 12VDC power source like those found in motor vehicles, or
it can be operated using multiple battery configurations with commercial battery
chargers or solar battery chargers. For most heavy-duty applications, a multiple
battery configuration and the use of deep-cycle batteries is required.
When using multiple batteries, inverters can be operated from one of the vehi­cle 12 volt batteries, so there’s always one battery with adequate charge to
start an engine.
MAXX SST™ includes a high-surge capability. This is required to start heavy
loads, such as motors and other inductive devices.

1.3 APPLIANCE CAUTIONS

NEVER plug small appliances into the inverter outlets to directly recharge nick-

el-cadmium batteries. Always use the charger provided with that appliance.
NEVER plug in battery chargers for cordless power tools, if the charger carries a
warning that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.
Some fluorescent lamps may not operate properly with this type of inverter. If the
bulb appears to be too bright, or fails to light, do not use the lamp with this inverter.
Some fans with synchronous motors may slightly increase in speed (RPM) when
powered by the inverter. This is not harmful to the fan or to the inverter.
Certain chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if
plugged into the inverters.
DO NOT use inverters with the following two types of equipment.

1. Small, battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, cordless razors and
tooth brushes that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.

2. Certain battery chargers for battery packs that are used in some cordless
hand-tools. Chargers for these tools have a warning label stating that
dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

The majority of portable appliances do not have this problem. Most portable
appliances use separate transformers or chargers that plug into AC receptacles
to supply a low DC or AC voltage output to the appliance. If the appliance label
states that the charger or adapter produces a low DC or AC voltage output
(30 volts or less), there should be no problem powering that charger or adapter.

6

2.0 INVERTER APPLICA

TIONS

Aside from issues of supplying power to higher wattage appliances, inverters
must be supplied with a constant source of high current 12VDC from a bank of
batteries. At full watt load, the DC input requirements are up to 15 amps at
12VDC.
Read and comply with the following applications, and your inverter will give
you years of reliable service.

2.1 UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS)

Inverters can be operated as uninterruptible power supplies that continuously
provide AC even if outside AC is interrupted. This function continuously
operates the inverter from a battery bank, simultaneously replacing the charge
to the battery bank with an AC-powered 12 volt battery charger. Charging can
also be by means of a solar charger system. (See FIGURE 3). The charger must
be selected to operate continuously in order to fully replace the charge on the
battery as the inverter operates. In this configuration, the battery "floats" on the
DC from the charger, not really supplying power or being charged. When out­side AC fails, the inverter continues to power the appliances for the life of the
useful charge of the battery bank. When outside AC is restored, the batteries
are charged as the inverter continues to operate. Battery charging must be
sized to replace the average current supplied by the inverter plus a little more
current. Another requirement is that the battery charging rate cannot exceed
10% of the Ampere Hour (AH) rating of the battery bank, otherwise the life of
the batteries can be dramatically reduced through overcharging. Most modern
battery chargers automatically adjust the charging rate based on the state of
charge on the batteries they are charging. For this type of operation, use deep­cycle batteries and avoid charging at too fast a rate.
Common unattended applications for the UPS (floating battery) include power­ing: sump pumps, safety lighting, communications equipment, burglar alarm
systems and computer systems.

Figure 3 – Uninterruptible Power Supply

WARNING:

Never connect the inverter’s AC output to an

AC distribution system.

7