VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1.1
Table of Contents
1! Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3!
1.1! Features .............................................................................................................................................. 3!
1.2! Safety Information ............................................................................................................................... 4!
1.3! Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 4!
1.3.1! Electrical Specifications .................................................................................................................. 4!
1.3.2! Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................... 4!
2! Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 4!
2.1! Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions ......................................................................................................... 5!
2.2! Mounting ............................................................................................................................................. 5!
2.3! Grounding ........................................................................................................................................... 5!
2.4! Connections ........................................................................................................................................ 5!
3! Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 7!
3.1! Power .................................................................................................................................................. 7!
3.1.1! Power ON ....................................................................................................................................... 7!
3.1.2! Power OFF ...................................................................................................................................... 8!
3.1.3! Remote ON/OFF ............................................................................................................................. 8!
3.2! USB Port ............................................................................................................................................. 8!
3.3! Meter Readings................................................................................................................................... 8!
3.4! Protection – Alarms ............................................................................................................................ 8!
3.4.1! Over Input Voltage .......................................................................................................................... 8!
3.4.2! Low Input Voltage ........................................................................................................................... 9!
3.4.3! Power Overload .............................................................................................................................. 9!
3.4.4! Over Heating ................................................................................................................................... 9!
3.4.5! Short Circuit .................................................................................................................................... 9!
3.4.6! Functional Matrix............................................................................................................................. 9!
4! Application .................................................................................................................................................... 9!
4.1! Power Consumption ........................................................................................................................... 9!
4.2! Typical Power Consumption ............................................................................................................. 10!
4.3! Wire Gauge Reference ..................................................................................................................... 10!
4.3.1! Ampacity Table ............................................................................................................................. 10!
4.3.2! Wire Thickness ............................................................................................................................. 11!
4.4! Batteries ............................................................................................................................................ 11!
4.4.1! Battery Life .................................................................................................................................... 11!
4.4.2! Actual Battery Current Draw ......................................................................................................... 11!
4.4.3! Battery Capacity ............................................................................................................................ 12!
5! Troubleshooting And Support ..................................................................................................................... 12!
5.1! Maintenance & Care ......................................................................................................................... 12!
5.2! Fuse Replacement ............................................................................................................................ 12!
5.3! Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 13!
5.4! Support ............................................................................................................................................. 14!
5.5! Warranty ........................................................................................................................................... 14!
5.5.1! Restrictions ................................................................................................................................... 14!
5.5.2! Warranty Claims & Return Procedures......................................................................................... 14!
5.5.3! Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................... 15!
5.5.4! Limitation of Liability...................................................................................................................... 15!
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VertaMax User Manual
DC Positive (+) Input [x2]
DC Negative (-) Input [x2]
Revision 1.0
1 INTRODUCTION
The VertaMax Power Inverter is a highly reliable product that uses advanced technologies for high
performance and stability. The VertaMax efficiently converts DC power from your vehicle, boat, or directly
from a dedicated 12V DC battery, into 120V AC power that is commonly used in a wide variety of household
AC items, such as computers, mobile phone chargers, radio, TV etc.
The VertaMax works in two stages: During the first stage, the DC to DC converter increases the DC input
voltage from the power source (e.g. 12V battery) to 300VDC. In the second stage, this high voltage DC is
converted into a modified sine wave AC output using advanced power MOSFET transistors or IGBT
technology in a full bridge configuration. The result is excellent overload protection and capacity to operate
different reactive loads.
The Inverter may be used for many different applications including Solar (PV) battery systems, Wind Turbine
battery systems, Recreational Vehicles, Boats, etc.
Please read this manual carefully before installing or using the inverter and keep it for future reference.
1.1 FEATURES
9 Microprocessor Based PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Operation
9 Three AC Receptacles
9 Soft Start
9 Power On/OFF Switch and LED indicator
9 Remote On/Off Capability
9 Voltage and Power Meter
9 Automatic Overload Protection
9 Low Voltage Shutdown Battery Protection
9 Short Circuit Protection
9 High Temperature Protection
9 Fused Reverse Polarity Protection
* If covered, the port is not functional and should not be used
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VertaMax User Manual
Input Voltage (Min – Max)
Output Frequency (Nominal)
5.06” (129mm) x 11.5” (292mm) x 6.56” (167mm)
20 to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Greater than 95% relative humidity
38.7oC max wet bulb temperature with no damage
Revision 1.1
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully prior to use. Pay special attention to the
IMPORTANT and WARNING statements in the manual.
WARNING:
The VertaMax produces the same potentially lethal AC power as normal household outlets. It is suggested
that you treat it with the same precautions as a normal 120 VAC outlet.
Do not operate the VertaMax near flammable fumes or gases, such as in the cabin of a gasoline powerboat,
or near propane tanks.
Never work or service the AC wiring without disconnecting the DC Input connections.
Do not connect or disconnect batteries while the Inverter is operating from the battery supply. Dangerous
arcing may result.
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications
1.3.2 Physical Specifications
* If equipped
2 INSTALLATION
¾ Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
¾ The VertaMax must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the inverter
2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C)
3. Ventilated: Allow at least 6 in (150 mm) of clearance above and below and at least 1 in (25 mm)
on each side for proper air flow.
4. Safe: Do not operate in a shared compartment with batteries or any flammable substances,
(e.g.: gasoline)
IMPORTANT: To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings.
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VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1.0
2.1 ELECTROSTATIC (ESD) PRECAUTIONS
All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of electrostatic
damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior to handling the unit and
avoid touching components on the circuit boards. The risk of electrostatic damage is highest when relative
humidity is below 40%.
2.2 MOUNTING
Mounting is optional for the VertaMax; however, the environment must be dry and protected from water.
1. The VertaMax can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted vertically, the unit
should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign material cannot settle into the
unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four inverter mounting slots and into the
mounting surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the inverter cannot slide in any direction.
WARNING: Do not mount on flammable surface material.
2.3 GROUNDING
The VertaMax is designed to work with grounded electrical systems. In the inverter, ground is not connected
to the input terminals.
Use a copper wire to connect the grounding terminal on the VertaMax enclosure to earth ground or chassis
ground. The grounding terminal is located on the AC Output end of the inverter.
Do not connect the system negative conductor to this terminal. NEC requires the use of an external ground
fault protection device (GFPD). The system electrical negative should be bonded through a GFPD to earth
ground at one (and only one) location. The grounding point may be located in the solar/wind circuit or the
battery circuit.
2.4 CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes, and should be performed by a
qualified electrician.
WARNING: Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (such as a generator or utility power) to the
AC wiring at the same time.
WARNING: Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit that has high-power consumption loads. It
will not operate electrical appliances that consume more than the units rated watts.
WARNING: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires and melted
insulation, which can lead to electrical fires.
WARNING: Reverse polarity connections (positive to negative) will blow internal fuses in the inverter and
may permanently damage the Inverter.
IMPORTANT: The NEC requires that the wires carrying the system current never exceed 80% of the
conductor’s current rating (sizing recommendations are located in Section 4).
IMPORTANT: In addition to the protection provided by the Inverter’s internal fuses, NEC requires a UL-listed
fuse in the battery’s positive DC cable as close to the battery as possible (sizing recommendations are
located in Section 4).
1) The VertaMax has four DC terminals (two positive and two negative) to share the load. Both positive
terminals are internally bonded and both negative terminals are also internally bonded. The four cables
used for these terminals should be of equal length.
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