Table of Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................. 2
2. How Your Portawattz 1000 Works............................................................................. 2
2.1 Principle of Operation ........................................................................................ 3
2.2 Portawattz 1000 Output Waveform .................................................................... 3
3. Quick Checkout............................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Power Source......................................................................................................5
Battery............................................................................................................. 5
DC Power Supply ...........................................................................................5
3.2 Cables................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Test Loads .......................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Connections........................................................................................................ 7
4. Installation.................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Where to Install .................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Battery ................................................................................................................ 9
Battery Type.................................................................................................... 9
Battery Sizing................................................................................................11
Using Multiple Batteries............................................................................... 13
Battery Tips...................................................................................................14
Alternators and Charging Systems................................................................ 15
4.3 Cables............................................................................................................... 17
4.4 Connections...................................................................................................... 17
AC Connections............................................................................................ 17
Ground Wiring.............................................................................................. 19
DC Wiring.....................................................................................................20
5. Operation....................................................................................................................22
5.1 Controls and Indicators ....................................................................................22
5.2 Operating Limits...............................................................................................23
Power Output ................................................................................................ 23
Input Voltage ................................................................................................ 24
6. Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................25
6.1 Common Problems...........................................................................................25
Buzz in Audio Systems ................................................................................. 25
Television Interference.................................................................................. 25
6.2 Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................... 26
7. Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 27
8. Limited Warranty ...................................................................................................... 28
9. Product Specifications................................................................................................30
9.1 Electrical Performance .....................................................................................30
9.2 Dimensions....................................................................................................... 30
10. Other Products From Statpower Technologies......................................................31
Portawattz is a trademark of Statpower Technologies Corporation. Copyright 1996, 1997, 1999 Statpower
Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
1
1. Introduction
Your new Portawattz 1000 inverter is a member of the most advanced line of DC
to AC inverters available today. It will give you years of dependable service in
your boat, RV, service vehicle or remote home.
To get the most out of your Portawattz 1000, it must be installed and used
properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions in this manual
carefully before installing and using your Portawattz 1000. Pay special attention
to the CAUTION and WARNING statements in this manual and on the
Portawattz 1000. CAUTION statements identify conditions or practices
thatcould result in damage to your Portawattz 1000 or to other equipment.
WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
personal injury or loss of life.
2. How Your Portawattz 1000 Works
An inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current)
electricity from a battery or other power source to standard 115 volt AC
(alternating current) household power. In designing the Portawattz 1000,
Statpower has used power conversion technology previously employed in
computer power supplies to give you an inverter that is smaller, lighter, and
easier to use than inverters based on older technology.
Figure 1. Principle of Operation
2
2.1 Principle of Operation
The Portawattz 1000 converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-toDC converter which raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts
DC. The second stage is the actual inverter stage. It converts the high voltage
DC into 115 volts, 60 Hz AC.
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses modern high frequency power conversion
techniques that eliminate the bulky transformers found in inverters based on
older technology. The inverter stage uses advanced power MOSFET transistors
in a full bridge configuration. This gives you excellent overload capability and
the ability to operate tough reactive loads like lamp ballasts and induction
motors.
2.2 Portawattz 1000 Output Waveform
The AC output waveform of the Portawattz 1000 is called a "quasi-sine wave" or
a "modified sine wave". It is a stepped waveform that is designed to have
characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. A waveform of
this type is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power
supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and motors. This waveform
is much superior to the square wave produced by some other DC to AC
inverters.
CAUTION: RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES
Certain rechargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if
connected to the Portawattz. Two particular types of equipment are prone to
this problem:
1) small battery operated appliances such as flashlights, razors, and
night lights that can be plugged directly into an ac receptacle to
recharge.
2) certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools.
These chargers have a WARNING label stating that dangerous
voltages are present at the battery terminals.
Do NOT use the Portawattz with the above equipment.
3
Figure 2. Modified Sine Wave
This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery operated
equipment. Most of this equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that is
plugged into the AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label
on the AC adapter or charger states that the adapter or charger produces a low
voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the Portawattz will have no trouble
powering this charger or adapter safely.
The modified sine wave produced by the Portawattz 1000 is designed to have an
RMS (root mean square) voltage of 115 volts, 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 2 to 20 volts low when measuring the
output of the Portawattz 1000. For accurate measurement of the output voltage
of the Portawattz 1000, a true RMS reading voltmeter, such as a Fluke 87,
Fluke 27, Tektronix DMM249, or B&K Precision Model must be used.
3. Quick Checkout
This section will give you the information you need to quickly hook-up your
Portawattz 1000 and check its performance before going ahead with permanent
installation. You will need the following:
a) a 12 volt DC power source
b) two cables to connect the power source to the Portawattz 1000
c) a test load that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on the
Portawattz 1000.
4
3.1 Power Source
For optimum performance, the power source must provide between 11 and 15
volts DC and must be able to supply sufficient current to operate the test load.
As a rough guideline, divide the wattage of the test load by 10 to obtain the
current (in amperes) the power source must deliver.
Example:
Test load is rated at 250 watts.
Power source must be able to deliver
250 ÷ 10 = 25 amperes.
Battery
Use a fully-charged 12 volt (nominal) battery that can deliver the required
current while maintaining its voltage above 11 volts. A fully-charged (12 volt)
automobile battery is capable of delivering up to 50 amperes without an
excessive voltage drop.
DC Power Supply
Use a well regulated DC power supply that has an output voltage between 11
volts and 15 volts and can deliver the required current. If the supply is
adjustable, make sure that the output voltage is adjusted to be between 11 volts
and 15 volts. The inverter may shut down if the voltage is outside these limits
and may be damaged if the voltage is above 16 volts. Also ensure that any
current limit control is set so that the power supply can deliver the required
current.
3.2 Cables
Your cables must be as short as possible and large enough to handle the required
current. This is to minimize the voltage drop between the power source and the
inverter when the inverter is drawing current from the power source. If the
cables introduce an excessive voltage drop, the inverter may shut down when
drawing higher currents because the voltage at the inverter drops below 10 volts.
5
We recommend #4 AWG stranded
copper cable that is no longer than 4 ft
(1.5 m) if you want to test the Portawattz
1000 to its maximum ratings. For short
term testing at reduced power levels, the
guidelines below should be followed:
Ideally, the cable should be no more
Power
Consumed
(Watts)
100 16
250 12
500 8
Table 1 - Test Load Power
Consumption For Short Term Test
Min. Copper
Cable Size
(AWG)
than 4 ft (1.5 m) long.
The end of the cable to be connected to the inverter must have its insulation
stripped for about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) back from the end, exposing the bare
copper conductor. The other end of the cable, which is connected to the power
source, must be terminated with a lug or other connector that allows a secure,
low resistance connection to be made to the power source. For instance, if the
power source is a battery, the cable must be terminated with a battery terminal
that clamps to the post on the battery.
A SOLID, LOW RESISTANCE CONNECTION TO THE POWER
SOURCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE
PORTAWATTZ 1000.
3.3 Test Loads
Use only equipment rated for 110-120 volt, 60 Hz AC operation that has a power
consumption of 1000 watts or less. We recommend that you start with a
relatively low power load, such as a 100 watt lamp, to verify your test set-up
before trying high power loads.
Figure 3. Connections to the Portawattz
6
3.4 Connections
Follow the connection sequence described below.
STEP 1 Ensure that the ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 1000 is in the OFF
position. If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it off as
well.
STEP 2 Connect the cables to the power input terminals on the rear panel of the
Portawattz 1000. The red terminal is positive (+) and the black
terminal is negative (-). Insert the bare ends of the cables into the
terminals and tighten the screws to clamp the wires securely.
STEP 3 Connect the cable from the negative (black) terminal of the Portawattz
1000 to the negative terminal of the power source. Make a secure
connection.
CAUTION! LOOSELY TIGHTENED CONNECTORS RESULT IN EXCESSIVE
VOLTAGE DROP AND MAY CAUSE OVERHEATED WIRES AND MELTED
INSULATION.
STEP 4 Before proceeding further, carefully check that the cable you have just
connected connects the negative terminal of the Portawattz 1000 to the
negative output terminal of the power source. Power connections to the
Portawattz 1000 must be positive to positive and negative to negative.
CAUTION! REVERSE POLARITY CONNECTION (POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE)
WILL BLOW THE FUSES IN THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 AND MAY
PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE PORTAWATTZ 1000. DAMAGE CAUSED
BY REVERSE POLARITY CONNECTION IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR
WARRANTY.
STEP 5 Connect the cable from the positive (red) terminal of the Portawattz
1000 to the positive terminal of the power source. Make a secure
connection.
WARNING! You may observe a spark when you make this connection since
current may flow to charge capacitors in the Portawattz 1000. DO NOT MAKE
THIS CONNECTION IN THE PRESENCE OF FLAMMABLE FUMES.
EXPLOSION OR FIRE MAY RESULT.
STEP 6 If you are using a DC power supply as the power source, switch it on.
Set the ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 1000 to the ON position.
Check the meters and indicators on the front panel of the Portawattz
7
1000. The voltage bar graph should indicate 11 to 14 volts, depending
on the voltage of the power source. If it does not, check your power
source and the connections to the Portawattz 1000. The other
indicators should be off.
STEP 7 Set the Portawattz 1000 ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. The
indicator lights may blink and the internal alarm may sound
momentarily. This is normal. Plug the test load into the AC receptacle
on the front panel of the Portawattz 1000. Leave the test load switched
off.
STEP 8 Set the Portawattz 1000 ON/OFF switch to the ON position and turn the
test load on. The Portawattz 1000 should supply power to the load. If
it does not, refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual. If you
plan to measure the output voltage of the Portawattz 1000, refer to
Section 2.2 of this manual.
4. Installation
4.1 Where to Install
The Portawattz 1000 should be installed in a location that meets the following
requirements:
a) Dry - do not allow water to drip or splash on the Portawattz 1000.
b) Cool - ambient air temperature should be between 0
o
(30
F and 105o F) - the cooler the better.
o
C and 40o C
c) Ventilated - allow at least 1 inch (3cm) of clearance around the
Portawattz 1000 for air flow. Ensure that ventilation openings on
the rear and bottom of the unit are not obstructed.
d) Safe - do not install the Portawattz in the same compartment as
batteries or in any compartment capable of storing flammable
liquids such as gasoline.
e) Close to Battery - install as close to the battery as possible in
order to minimize the length of cable required to connect the
inverter to the battery. It is better and cheaper to run longer AC
wires than longer DC cables.
8
CAUTION! TO PREVENT FIRE, DO NOT COVER OR OBSTRUCT
VENTILATION OPENINGS. DO NOT INSTALL THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 IN
A ZERO-CLEARANCE COMPARTMENT. OVERHEATING MAY RESULT.
WARNING! THIS EQUIPMENT CONTAINS COMPONENTS WHICH TEND
TO PRODUCE ARCS OR SPARKS. TO PREVENT FIRE OR EXPLOSION DO
NOT INSTALL IN COMPARTMENTS CONTAINING BATTERIES OR
FLAMMABLE MATERIALS OR IN LOCATIONS WHICH REQUIRE
IGNITION PROTECTED EQUIPMENT.
Mount the Portawattz on a flat surface using the mounting bracket on the bottom.
Mounting hardware should be corrosion resistant and #10 or larger. The
Portawattz may be mounted horizontally or vertically.
4.2 Battery
The battery you use strongly affects the performance you can expect from your
Portawattz 1000. It is important to connect the Portawattz 1000 to the correct
size and type of battery. The following information will help you select the
appropriate batteries for your application.
Battery Type
The lead-acid battery which is probably most familiar is the starting battery in
your automobile. An automotive starting battery is designed to deliver a large
amount of current for a short period of time (so it can start your engine). Only a
small portion of the battery's capacity is used when starting the engine and it is
quickly recharged by the running engine. It is not designed for repeated chargedischarge cycles where the battery is almost completely discharged and then
recharged. If it is used in this kind of deep discharge service, it will wear out
very rapidly.
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are designed for deep discharge service where
they will be repeatedly discharged and recharged. They are marketed for use in
recreational vehicles, boats, and electric golf carts so you may see them referred
to as RV batteries, marine batteries, or golf cart batteries.
9
Figure 4. Portawattz Connected Directly to Engine
Battery for Light-Duty Applications
Figure 5. Recommended Battery Configuration
for Medium-Duty Application
For most applications of the Portawattz 1000, Statpower recommends that you
use one or more deep-cycle batteries that are separated from the starting battery
in your vehicle by a battery isolator (as shown in Figure 5). A battery isolator is
a solid-state electronic circuit that allows equipment to be operated from an
auxiliary battery without danger of discharging the vehicle's starting battery.
During vehicle operation, the battery isolator automatically directs the charge
from the alternator to the battery requiring the charge. Battery isolators can be
obtained at marine and RV dealers and most auto parts stores.
10
If your application involves relatively low power loads (i.e. power consumption
of 300 watts or less) and relatively short operating times before recharging (one
hour or less), you may connect the Portawattz 1000 directly to the vehicle
starting battery.
CAUTION! THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 MUST BE CONNECTED ONLY TO
BATTERIES WITH A NOMINAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF 12 VOLTS . THE
PORTAWATTZ 1000 WILL NOT OPERATE FROM A 6 VOLT BATTERY,
AND WILL BE DAMAGED IF IT IS CONNECTED TO A 24 VOLT BATTERY.
Battery Sizing
Unfortunately, there are a number of different standards for rating battery energy
storage capacity. 12 volt automotive starting batteries are normally rated by
cranking amps. This is not a relevant rating for continuous use. Deep-cycle
batteries are rated either by reserve capacity in minutes or by ampere-hour
capacity.
Battery reserve capacity is a measure of how long a battery can deliver a certain
amount of current - usually 25 amperes. For instance, a battery with a reserve
capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 amperes for 180 minutes before it is
completely discharged.
Ampere-hour capacity is a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver
for a specified length of time - usually 20 hours. For example, a typical marine
or RV battery rated for 100 ampere-hours can deliver 5 amperes for 20 hours (5
amperes x 20 hours = 100 amp-hrs).
Actual battery capacity decreases as discharge current increases. A battery rated
at 100 ampere-hours which can deliver 5 amperes for 20 hours, may deliver 20
amperes for only 4 hours, resulting in an actual capacity of 80 ampere-hours.
For this reason, it is difficult to compare rated ampere-hour capacity with battery
reserve capacity. For example a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes
has the following calculated ampere-hour capacity:
180 min. ÷ 60 = 3 hr., 3 hr. x 25 amps = 75 amp-hrs
However its actual ampere-hour rating will be closer to 100 ampere-hours
because it is rated at the discharge current required to get 20 hours of operation
(about 5 amperes).
11
To determine the battery capacity you require, follow these steps:
STEP 1 For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the Portawattz
1000, determine how many watts it consumes. This can normally be
found on a label on the product. If only the current draw is given,
multiply the current draw by 115 to get the power consumption in watts.
STEP 2 For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the Portawattz
1000, estimate how many hours it will operate between battery charging
cycles.
STEP 3 Calculate total watt-hours of energy consumption, total hours running
time, and average power consumption as in the following example:
Equipment
Power
Consumption
Operating
Time
Watt-Hours (Power
x Operating Time)
TV & VCR 115 watts 3 hours 345
Sewing Machine 150 watts 1 hour 150
Waterpik 90 watts 0.25 hour 22.5
Blender 300 watts 0.25 hour 75
Coffee Maker 750 watts 0.3 hour 225
Coffee Grinder 100 watts 0.1 hour 10
Microwave Oven
800 watts 0.5 hour 400
Totals 5.4 hours 1227.5 watt-hours
Average Power Consumption = 1227.5watt-hours ÷ 5.4 hours = 227 watts
12 volt Ampere-Hours Consumed = Watt-hours ÷ 10 = 1227 ÷ 10 = 123 ampere-hours
Step 4 Using the chart below (figure 6), find the battery size that will give you
the required operating time at the calculated average power
consumption. For instance, from the example above, the required
operating time is 5.4 hours and the average power consumption is 227
watts. From the chart, the smallest battery size which will give more
than 5 hours of operation at a power level between 200 and 300 watts is
the 200 amp-hr. battery, which offers between 6 and 10 hours of
operating time.
12
When sizing your battery, be conservative. More capacity is better since you
will have more reserve capacity, and your battery won't be discharged as deeply.
Battery life is directly dependent on how deeply the battery is discharged. The
deeper the discharge, the shorter the battery life. Ideally, the number of amperehours consumed by your loads before recharging the battery should be no more
than 50% of the battery's rated capacity.
Operating Time With Your Batteries
Inverter
Output
Power
(Watts)
100 19" Colour TV 10
300 Computer System 30
400 Power Drill 40
800 Small Microwave Oven 80
1000 Toaster 100
Typical Load
Draw
Battery
12V
Amp
BCI Group Size
Reserve Capacity (min.) 90 140 180 400 900
from
AMP Hours
OPERATING TIME (hrs)
OPERATING TIME (hrs)
OPERATING TIME (hrs)
OPERATING TIME (hrs)
OPERATING TIME (hrs)
** Not Recommended
BATTERY
22NF 24 27 8D Dual 8D's
50 75 100 200 400
4 6 10 20 40
1.3 2.2 3 6 12
1 1.5 2 4.5 10
** ** ** 1.5 4
** ** ** 1 3
Figure 6. 12 Volt Battery Sizing Chart
Using Multiple Batteries
To obtain sufficient battery capacity you may need to use more than one battery.
Two identical batteries can be connected + to + and - to - in a parallel system
(see below) that doubles capacity and maintains the voltage of a single battery.
Do not connect batteries from different manufacturers, or with different amp-hr
ratings, in parallel . Decreased battery life may result.
Figure 7. Parallel Connection of Two Batteries
If you are using different batteries, or need to use more than two batteries, we
recommend that you set up two separate battery banks and use them alternately.
Battery selector switches are available from marine and RV dealers that allow
13
you to select between two banks of batteries, or use both in parallel, or
disconnect both from the load. (See Figure 8 below.)
Figure 8. Recommended Battery Configuration
for Heavy-Duty Applications
Battery Tips
1. Lead-acid batteries may emit hydrogen and oxygen gases, and sulfuric acid
fumes when recharging. Vent the battery compartment to prevent
accumulation of these gases, and do not install electronic or electrical
equipment in the battery compartment. Do not smoke or carry an open
flame when working around batteries.
2. The capacity of lead-acid batteries is temperature sensitive. Battery
capacity is rated at 25
o
C (77 o F). At -20 o C (0 o F) the ampere-hour
capacity will be about half the rated capacity.
14
3. Do not leave batteries in a discharged state for more than a day or two.
They will undergo a chemical process called sulfation that can permanently
damage the battery. Also, batteries will self-discharge over a period of 3 to
6 months, so they should be periodically recharged even if they are not
being used.
4. If your batteries are not the "maintenance-free" type, check the electrolyte
fluid level at least once a month. Use only distilled water to replenish the
electrolyte fluid. Excessive fluid loss is a sign of overcharging.
5. Connections to battery posts must be made with permanent connectors that
provide a reliable, low-resistance connection. Do not use "alligator" clips.
Clean the connections regularly and prevent corrosion by using an insulating
spray coating or Vaseline.
6. Battery state of charge can be measured with a hydrometer or, more easily,
with a voltmeter. Use a digital voltmeter that can display tenths or
hundredths of a volt when measuring 10 to
30 volts. Make your measurements after the
(12 volt) battery has not been charged or
discharged for several hours. For a deepcycle battery at 25
o
C (77 o F), the following
table may be used.
Battery
Voltage
12.7 - 12.9 100%
12.5 - 12.6 80%
12.3 - 12.4 60%
12.1 - 12.2 40%
11.9 - 12.0 20%
State of
Charge
Alternators and Charging Systems
A good charging system is important for the health of your batteries. Poor
recharging methods can quickly damage your batteries. When possible, recharge
your batteries when they are about 50% discharged. This will give you much
longer battery cycle life than recharging when the batteries are almost
completely discharged. The Statpower TRUECHARGE family of battery
chargers are designed to maximize your batteries’ performance and useful life
(see your Statpower dealer for more details).
The charging system should be capable of delivering a charging current equal to
25% of the ampere-hour capacity of your battery. For instance, if you have a
200 ampere-hour battery, the charging system should be able to deliver 50
amperes. The charging system must also be able to charge each 12 volt battery
up to approximately 14.4 volts and then drop back to a "float" voltage of 13.5 to
14 volts (or shut off).
15
A typical engine alternator may not be able to meet these requirements if large
capacity batteries are used. Alternators are typically rated for the current they
can deliver when they are cold. In actual use, alternators heat up and their output
current capability drops by as much as 25%. Thus standard alternators with
ratings of 40 amperes to 105 amperes will only deliver a maximum of 30 to 80
amperes in actual use and will deliver even less as battery voltage rises. Many
alternators cannot produce more than 13.6 volts when they are hot. As a result, a
standard alternator may not be able to charge a large battery quickly and
completely.
One solution is to install an alternator controller that will bypass the voltage
regulator and boost the alternator’s output voltage during charging. This will
increase the alternator's charging rate at higher battery voltages and ensure more
rapid and complete charging. Alternator controllers are available from marine
product dealers.
Another solution is to install a high-output alternator. Heavy-duty alternators
rated from 100 amperes to 140 amperes are available from RV and marine
dealers, and auto parts suppliers. These alternators are designed to directly
replace standard alternators but produce the higher current and higher voltage
required to charge multiple battery systems.
When recharging from AC power, use a good quality marine battery charger or
RV converter, such as the Statpower TRUEcharge series, that meets the
requirements specified above. Do not use chargers intended for occasional
recharging of automotive starting batteries; these chargers are not intended for
continuous use.
Your batteries may also be recharged from alternative energy sources such as
solar panels, wind, or hydro systems. Make sure that you use the appropriate
battery charge controller for your energy source.
Do not operate the Portawattz 1000 directly from a charging source such as an
alternator or solar panel. The Portawattz must be connected to a battery or a
well-regulated, high-current DC power supply to work properly.
16
4.3 Cables
Proper wire and wiring is very important to the proper operation of the
Portawattz 1000. Because the Portawattz 1000 has a low voltage, high current
input, low resistance wiring between the battery and the Portawattz 1000 is
essential to deliver the maximum amount of usable energy to your load. Don't
waste the investment you have made in batteries and a highly efficient inverter
by using undersized wires.
Use only copper wire. Aluminum wire has about 1/3 more resistance than
copper wire of the same size and it is more difficult to make good, lowresistance connections to aluminum wire.
We recommend #4 AWG copper cable (90° C. insulation rating) as the minimum
size for connections between the battery and the Portawattz 1000. Keep the
cable length as short as possible, ideally no longer than 4 ft (1.5 m). This will
keep the voltage drop between the battery and the Portawattz to a minimum. If
the cables introduce an excessive voltage drop, the inverter may shut down when
drawing higher currents because the voltage at the inverter drops below 10 volts.
If you must use longer cables, then choose larger cable, such as #2 AWG, and
trim the ends of the cable to fit the terminals.
The end of the cable to be connected to the inverter must have its insulation
stripped for about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) back from the end, exposing the bare
copper conductor. The other end of the cable, which is connected to the battery
post to a battery switch, or to a fuse block (see Section 4.4), must be terminated
with a connector that makes a permanent, low resistance connection.
A SOLID, LOW RESISTANCE CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY IS
ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE PORTAWATTZ 1000.
4.4 Connections
AC Connections
WARNING! If making a permanent AC connection to the Portawattz 1000,
ensure that the following AC wiring steps are performed before any DC wiring
is done. DC hook-up energizes internal components, regardless of the position
of the ON/OFF switch. Working on AC connections in such a circumstance may
result in electrical shock.
17
WARNING! 115 Volt AC power is potentially lethal. Do not work on AC
wiring while the wiring is connected to the Portawattz 1000 (even if it is
switched off) unless the DC power source is physically disconnected from the
inverter. Also do not work on AC wiring if it is connected to another AC power
source such as a generator or the utility line.
CAUTION! Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes,
and should be done by a qualified electrician.
Do not attempt your own AC wiring unless you have the knowledge and
experience to do a safe job. Your RV or boat dealer, or a licensed electrician
can do the job for you if you do not wish to do your own wiring.
In many cases you can plug your AC loads directly into the AC receptacle on the
front panel of the Portawattz 1000. In other installations you may wish to
manually connect the output of the Portawattz 1000 to existing AC wiring, as is
shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Simple Transfer Switching
18
CAUTION! DO NOT CONNECT THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 AND ANOTHER
AC SOURCE (SUCH AS A GENERATOR OR UTILITY POWER) TO THE AC
WIRING AT THE SAME TIME.
The Portawattz 1000 will not operate if its
output is connected to AC voltage from another source and potentially hazardous
or damaging conditions may occur. These conditions can occur even if the
Portawattz is switched off.
When installing the Portawattz 1000 into an electrical system that also uses
power from a generator or the utility line, you must include a means of switching
between the Portawattz and the other power source that never allows both to be
connected to the AC distribution system at the same time. This can be as simple
as a plug that is plugged into the desired AC power source (see Figure 9).
CAUTION! DO NOT CONNECT THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 TO AN AC
BRANCH CIRCUIT THAT HAS HIGH-POWER CONSUMPTION LOADS. The
Portawattz 1000 will not operate electric heaters, air conditioners, stoves, and other
electrical appliances that consume more than 1000 watts.
Ground Wiring
The Portawattz 1000 has a screw on the rear panel labeled Chassis Ground. This
is to connect the chassis of the Portawattz 1000 to ground. The ground terminal
in the dual AC outlet on the front panel of the Portawattz 1000 is connected to
the chassis.
Figure 10. Rear Panel Connections to Portawattz
19
The chassis ground screw must be connected to a grounding point, which will
vary depending on where the Portawattz 1000 is installed. In a vehicle, connect
the chassis ground to the chassis of the vehicle. In a boat, connect to the boat's
grounding system. In a fixed location, connect the chassis ground screw to earth
ground by connecting to a ground rod (a metal rod pounded into the earth) or
other proper service entrance ground. Use a #8 AWG copper wire (preferably
with green/yellow insulation) to connect the chassis ground screw to the
grounding point.
The neutral (common) conductor of the Portawattz 1000 AC output circuit is
connected to chassis ground. Therefore, when the chassis is connected to ground,
the neutral conductor will also be grounded. This conforms to National Electrical
Code requirements that separately derived AC sources (such as inverters and
generators) have their neutral conductors tied to ground in the same way that the
neutral conductor from the utility line is tied to ground at the AC breaker panel.
WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 WITHOUT
CONNECTING IT TO GROUND. ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD MAY
RESULT.
DC Wiring
CAUTION! WE RECOMMEND A MAIN FUSE IN THE CABLE BETWEEN
BATTERY POSITIVE AND THE INVERTER TO PROTECT AGAINST DC
WIRING SHORT CIRCUITS (EXTERNAL TO THE INVERTER). THE FUSE
SHOULD BE AS CLOSE TO THE BATTERY AS POSSIBLE. THE SPECIFIC
FUSE AMPERE RATING SHOULD BE SIZED TO ALLOW OPERATION OF
ALL EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO THE CABLE AND TO PROTECT THE
CABLE IN THE EVENT OF A FAULT. FOR A PORTAWATTZ 1000
CONNECTED TO A BATTERY WITH THE RECOMMENDED CABLE SIZE,
WE RECOMMEND A 150 AMPERE FUSE RATED FOR 12 VOLT DC USE
SUCH AS A BUSS FUSE ANL-150.
STEP 1 Ensure that the ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 1000 is in the OFF
position. If you are using a battery selector switch, switch it off as well.
STEP 2 Connect the cables to the power input terminals on the rear panel of the
Portawattz 1000. The red terminal is positive (+) and the black
terminal is negative (-). Insert the bare ends of the cables into the
terminals and tighten the screws to clamp the wires securely.
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STEP 3 Connect the cable from the negative (black) terminal of the Portawattz
1000 to the negative terminal of the battery. Make a secure connection.
CAUTION! LOOSELY TIGHTENED CONNECTORS RESULT IN EXCESSIVE
VOLTAGE DROP AND MAY CAUSE OVERHEATED WIRES AND MELTED
INSULATION
STEP 4 Before proceeding further, carefully check that the cable you have just
connected connects the negative terminal of the Portawattz 1000 to the
negative terminal of the battery. Power connections to the Portawattz
1000 must be positive to positive and negative to negative.
CAUTION! REVERSE POLARITY CONNECTION (POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE)
WILL BLOW INTERNAL FUSES IN THE PORTAWATTZ 1000 AND MAY
PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE PORTAWATTZ 1000. DAMAGE CAUSED
BY REVERSE POLARITY CONNECTION IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR
WARRANTY.
STEP 5 Connect the cable from the positive (red) terminal of the Portawattz
1000 to the positive terminal of the battery Main Fuse, or to the battery
selector switch, if you are using one. Make a secure connection.
You may observe a spark when you make this connection since current may flow
to charge capacitors in the Portawattz 1000.
WARNING! DO NOT MAKE THIS CONNECTION IN THE PRESENCE OF
FLAMMABLE FUMES. EXPLOSION OR FIRE MAY RESULT.
THOROUGHLY VENTILATE THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT BEFORE
MAKING THIS CONNECTION.
STEP 6 If you are using a battery selector switch, switch it to select one of the
batteries. Set the ON/OFF switch on the Portawattz 1000 to the ON
position. Check the meters and indicators on the front panel of the
Portawattz 1000. The voltage bar graph should indicate 12 to 13 volts,
depending on the voltage of the battery. If it does not, check your
battery and the connections to the Portawattz 1000. The other
indicators should be off.
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5. Operation
To operate the Portawattz 1000, turn it on using the ON/OFF switch on the front
panel. The Portawattz 1000 is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads. If
you are operating several loads from the Portawattz 1000, turn them on
separately after the Portawattz has been turned on. This will ensure that the
Portawattz does not have to deliver the starting currents for all the loads at once.
5.1 Controls and Indicators
ON/OFF Switch The ON/OFF switch turns the control circuit in the Portawattz
1000 on and off. It does not disconnect power from the Portawattz.
When the switch is in the OFF position, the Portawattz 1000 draws no current
from the battery. When the switch is in the ON position but no power is being
supplied to the load, the Portawattz 1000 draws less than 300 milliamperes from
the battery. This is a low current draw. It would take more than a week to
discharge a 100 ampere-hour battery at this current, so you don't have to worry
about excessive drain on your battery if you leave the Portawattz 1000 switched
on for a few days. Do switch the Portawattz off if you are not planning to
recharge your battery within a week or so.
Remote Panel (Optional) The Portawattz also has a jack located on the bottom
of the unit which interfaces with the optional remote panel. The remote panel
allows you to mount your Portawattz out of sight and turn your Portawattz
ON/OFF from a conveniently located panel. The remote panel has a button and
indicator light showing the inverter is ON or OFF (see your Statpower dealer for
more detains on the Statpower remote panel).
Battery Voltage Indicator The battery voltage bar graph indicates the voltage
at the input terminals of the Portawattz 1000. At low input currents, this voltage
is very close to the battery voltage. At high input currents, this voltage will be
lower than the battery voltage because of the voltage drop across the cable and
connections.
Ideally, the voltage should remain in the green area of the bar graph. If the
voltage goes into the red areas at the top and bottom of the graph, the Portawattz
may shut down.
Battery Current Indicator The battery current bar graph indicates the current
drawn from the battery by the Portawattz 1000. It will not indicate current
drawn by other loads also connected to the battery.
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For long term operation, the current should remain in the green area of the bar
graph. Short term operation is possible with current in the yellow area. If the
current rises to the red area, the Portawattz will reduce its output voltage to
protect itself.
OVERTEMP Indicator The OVERTEMP indicator light and alarm sound
indicates that the Portawattz 1000 has shut itself down because it has become
overheated. The Portawattz may overheat because it has been operated at power
levels above its 1000 watt continuous output rating, or because it has been
installed in a location which does not allow it to dissipate heat properly. The
Portawattz 1000 will restart automatically once it has cooled off.
OVERLOAD Indicator The OVERLOAD indicator indicates that the
Portawattz 1000 has shut itself down because of severe overload, an AC wiring
fault, or the presence of another AC power source. Switch the ON/OFF switch to
OFF, correct the fault condition, and then switch the ON/OFF switch back to
ON. Do not turn the Portawattz 1000 back on unless the fault condition is
corrected (load removed/unplugged, wiring repaired, etc.).
5.2 Operating Limits
Power Output
The Portawattz 1000 will deliver up to 1000 watts or about 8 amperes
continuously, depending on the battery voltage and the ambient temperature.The
wattage rating applies to resistive loads while the current rating applies to
reactive loads such as motors.
The Portawattz 1000 will operate most AC loads within its power rating. Some
induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor operated equipment
require very high surge currents to start. The Portawattz 1000 may not be able to
start some of these motors even though their rated current draw is within the
Portawattz's limits. The Portawattz 1000 will normally start single phase
induction motors rated at 1/2 HP or less.
If a motor refuses to start, observe the battery voltage indicator while trying to
start the motor. If the battery voltage indicator drops below 11 volts while the
Portawattz 1000 is attempting to start the motor, this may be why the motor
won't start. Make sure that the battery connections are good and that the battery
is fully charged. If the connections are good and the battery is charged, but the
voltage still drops below 11 volts, you may need to use a larger battery.
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Input Voltage
The Portawattz 1000 will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 volts to 15
volts. It operates best when the voltage is in the range from 12 volts to 14.0
volts. If the voltage drops below 10.7 volts, an audible low battery warning will
sound and the voltage indicator will be in the lower red zone. The Portawattz
1000 will shut down if the input voltage drops below 10 volts. This protects
your battery from being over-discharged. The Portawattz will not restart unless
the input voltage exceeds 11 volts.
The Portawattz 1000 will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15 volts.
This protects the inverter against excessive input voltage. The voltage indicator
will be in the upper red zone. Although the Portawattz 1000 incorporates
protection against overvoltage, it may still be damaged if the input voltage
exceeds 16 volts.
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6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Common Problems
Buzz in Audio Systems
Some inexpensive stereo systems and "boom boxes" will emit a buzzing noise
from their loudspeakers when operated from the Portawattz 1000. This is
because the power supply in the device does not adequately filter the modified
sine wave produced by the Portawattz 1000. The only solution is to use a sound
system that incorporates a higher quality power supply.
Television Interference
Operation of the Portawattz 1000 can interfere with television reception on some
channels. If this situation occurs, the following steps may help to alleviate the
problem:
1. Make sure that the chassis ground lug on the back of the Portawattz 1000 is
solidly connected to the ground system of your vehicle, boat, or home.
2. Do not operate high power loads with the Portawattz 1000 while watching
television.
3. Make sure that the antenna feeding your television provides an adequate
("snow free") signal and that you are using good quality cable between the
antenna and the television.
4. Move the television as far away from the Portawattz 1000 as possible.
5. Keep the cables between the battery and the Portawattz 1000 as short as
possible and twist them together with about 2 to 3 twists per foot. This
minimizes radiated interference from the cables.
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6.2 Troubleshooting Guide
Problem and Symptoms Possible Cause Solution
Low output voltage (96
VAC to 104 VAC)
Low output voltage and
current indicator in red
zone.
No output voltage and
voltage indicator in lower
red zone
No output voltage, no
voltage indication.
No output voltage, voltage
indicator in upper red
zone.
Using average reading
voltmeter
Overload Reduce load.
Low input voltage Recharge battery, check
Inverter switched off
No power to inverter
Internal fuse open
Reverse DC polarity Have qualified service
High input voltage. Make sure that Portawattz
Use true RMS reading
meter. See section 2.2 of
manual
connections and cable.
Turn inverter on. Check
wiring to inverter. Have
qualified service
technician check and
replace.
technician check and
replace fuse, OBSERVE
CORRECT POLARITY.
is connected to 12V
battery, check regulation
of charging system.
Low battery alarm on all
the time, voltage indicator
below 11 V.
No output voltage,
OVERTEMP indicator on,
load in excess of 1000
watts/100 ampere input
current.
Poor DC wiring, poor
battery condition
Thermal shutdown Allow Portawattz to cool
26
Use proper cable and
make solid connections,
Use new battery.
off. Reduce load if
continuous operation
required.
Problem and Symptoms
Possible Cause Solution
No output voltage,
OVERTEMP indicator on,
load less than 1000
watts/100 ampere input
current.
No output voltage,
OVERLOAD indicator on.
Thermal shutdown Improve ventilation, make
sure ventilation openings
in Portawattz aren't
obstructed, reduce
ambient temperature.
Short circuit or wiring
error.
Very high power load Remove load.
Check AC wiring for short
circuit, improper polarity
(hot and neutral reversed),
or connection to another
AC power source.
7. Maintenance
Very little maintenance is required to keep your Portawattz 1000 operating
properly. You should clean the exterior of the unit periodically with a damp
cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the
screws on the DC input terminals.
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8. Limited Warranty (USA and Canada only)
What Does This Warranty Cover?
and components that are new or equivalent to new, in accordance with industry standard
practices. This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials.
Statpower manufactures its products from parts
How Long Does The Coverage Last? This warranty lasts for 6 months from the
date of purchase. Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose are limited to six months from date of purchase. Some jurisdictions do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply
to you.
What Does This Warranty Not Cover? This warranty will not apply where the
product has been misused, neglected, improperly installed, physically damaged or altered,
either internally or externally, or damaged from improper use or use in an unsuitable
environment. Statpower does not warrant uninterrupted operations of its products.
Statpower shall not be liable for damages, whether direct, incidental, special, or
consequential, or economic loss even though caused by the negligence or fault of
Statpower. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
What Will Statpower Do? Statpower will, at its option, repair or replace the
defective product free of charge. Statpower will, at its own option, use new and/or
reconditioned parts made by various manufacturers in performing warranty repair and
building replacement products. If Statpower repairs or replaces a product, its warranty
term is not extended. Statpower owns all parts removed from repaired products.
How Do You Get Service? In order to qualify for the warranty, dated proof of
purchase must be provided and the product must not be disassembled or modified
without prior authorization by Statpower. If your product requires warranty service,
please return it to the place of purchase along with a copy of your dated proof of
purchase. If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to
provide service, contact Statpower directly:
BY PHONE: (604) 420-1585
BY FAX: (604) 420-1591
BY EMAIL: customerservice@statpower.com
BY MAIL: Statpower Technologies Corporation
7725 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC V5A 4V8
CANADA
28
You must obtain a Return Authorization Number from Statpower before returning a
product directly to Statpower. Do not return a product to Statpower without first
obtaining a Return Authorization Number. When you contact Statpower to obtain
service, be prepared to supply the serial number of your product and its date of purchase.
If you are returning a product from the USA, follow this procedure:
1. Obtain a Return Authorization Number from Statpower.
2. Package the unit safely, preferably using the original box and packing materials.
Include the Return Authorization Number, a copy of your dated proof of purchase, a
return address where the repaired unit can be shipped, a contact telephone numbers,
and a brief description of the problem.
3. Ship the unit to the following address, freight prepaid:
Statpower Technologies Corporation
c/o International Parcel Service Warehouse
th
#8 – 14
Street
Blaine, WA 98230 USA
If you are returning a product from Canada, follow steps 1 & 2 above and ship the unit,
freight prepaid, to the following address:
Statpower Technologies Corporation
7725 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC V5A 4V8
CANADA
How Other Laws Apply? This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
For our Canadian Customers: When used herein “implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose” includes all warranties and
conditions, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, including without limitation
implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
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9 Product Specifications
9.1 Electrical Performance
Output Power
Max continuous: 1000watts
Output voltage: 115 VAC RMS ± 5%
Output waveform: Modified sine wave, phase corrected
Output frequency: 60 Hz ± 0.01%
Input voltage: 10 to 15 VDC
Low battery alarm: audible, 10.7 volts
Low battery cutout: 10 volts
Efficiency: approx. 85-90%
No-load current draw: < 0.3 A
9.2 Dimensions
Height: 3.25" (8cm)
Width: 9.5" (24cm)
Length: 10.25" (26cm)
Weight: 5.2 lb (2.4Kg)
Specifications subject to change without notification.
30
10 Other Products From Statpower Technologies
Statpower Technologies develops, manufactures and markets power electronic
products. Our goal is to offer you top quality products that convert and control
electric power. We specialize in DC to AC inverters, battery packs, battery
chargers, backup power supplies and other products associated with mobile or
power backup applications.
Portawattz Inverters Value priced quasi-sinewave DC to AC inverters with
power ratings from 140 watts to 3000 watts.
TRUEcharge Battery Chargers Top quality smart battery chargers for deepcycle batteries with charging current ratings from 10 amperes to 40 amperes.
PROsine Inverters Premium true sinewave DC to AC inverters for demanding
applications. 1000 watt and 1800 watt models available.
PROsine Inverter/Chargers Advanced power converters offering an integrated
combination of a true sinewave inverter and a smart battery charger. 2500 and
3000 watt models available.
Contact your Statpower dealer for more information or check out our web-site –
www.statpower.com
31
32
7725 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC
Canada, V5A 4V8
Tel: (604) 420-1585
Fax: (604) 420-1591
www.statpower.com
Part No. 445-0081-01 Rev. 1
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