Fuse/Circuit Breaker Requirements; Choosing An Installation Location - Solar PI5000X Guide D'utilisation

Model No. Cable Gauge
PI5000X
PI10000X
PI15000X
PI20000X
The greater your DC input cable length, the greater your power loss will be between the power supply battery(ies)
and the power inverter. Exceeding recommended cable lengths could result in poor power inverter performance and
an inability to meet the rated output of the power inverter.
Your DC input cables should be weather rated to stand up to your local conditions and oil-resistant to provide safe
operation over time. Because cables are often passed through sheet metal, firewalls and other areas potentially
having rough edges, it is very important that all wires be protected from chaffing.
Chassis Grounding Cable Requirements
For certain applications, you are required to properly ground the inverter chassis. Your power inverter has a ground
screw for grounding the power inverter chassis. On Model PI10000X, the ground screw is located at the bottom
right of the DC Input Panel. On Model Nos. PI15000X and PI20000X, the ground screw is located on the bottom
panel and is marked by a ground label.
We recommend using 14 gauge insulated ground wire. Just as with DC input cables, the chassis ground wire
should be a short as possible, preferably not exceeding 10 feet. Always be sure that you are connecting to a proper
ground. For vehicle installations, you should never connect to sheet metal, fuel lines, fuel injector, carburetor or a
moving part as a grounding device – for this purpose, the best grounding points are the engine block or vehicle
frame. Always ensure that cables are not in the path of moving engine parts.

Fuse/Circuit Breaker Requirements

Because the short circuit current from your 12 volt power source can be extremely high, it is important to install a
fuse or circuit breaker between your power source battery(ies) and the power inverter. Each power inverter identifies
its maximum power draw from the DC power source battery(ies) on the DC input panel. Choose a fuse or circuit
breaker rated at 125%-150% above the maximum DC power draw from the power inverter. The fuse or circuit
breaker should always be installed on the positive lead.

Choosing an Installation Location

Warning: Working around lead-acid batteries may be dangerous. Lead-acid batteries release explosive
gases during normal operation, charging and jump starting. Carefully read and follow these instructions for
safe use. Always follow the specific instructions in this manual and on the SOLAR power inverter each time
you use the SOLAR power inverter.
All lead-acid batteries (car, truck and boat) produce hydrogen gas which may violently explode in the
presence of fire or sparks. Do not smoke, use matches or a cigarette lighter while near batteries. Do not
handle the battery while wearing vinyl clothing because static electricity sparks are generated when vinyl
clothing is rubbed. Review all cautionary material provided with your batter(ies) and on the SOLAR power
inverter.
The power inverter must be installed in a location that is dry and free from exposure to rain, snow, spray or
condensation. It should be installed in a location that has an ambient temperature during operation between –5˚C
and 40˚C (23˚F and 104˚F) and an ambient temperature during storage between –15˚C and 50˚C (-5˚F and 122˚F).
Because engine compartments reach temperatures exceeding both the operating and storage temperature range of
the power inverter, it should not be installed in an engine compartment.
The power inverter should not be located in the same compartment with your power source battery(ies) nor should
it be located near flammable liquids or gases of any kind. The power inverter is capable of producing arcs or
sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do no install or operate the power inverter in compartments containing
flammables or batteries, or in any location that requires ignition-protected equipment.
The inverter should have several inches (3"-5") of space around all sides and the top for air circulation, with
particular care not to obstruct the vents found on the bottom and ends of the inverter. In addition, do not mount the
inverter such that it could become exposed to gases produced by batteries, as these gases are corrosive and could
damage the power inverter.
SOLAR Power Inverter USER'S MANUAL
Preferred Length
#2 AWG
#2 AWG
2/0
4/0
Max Length
3' 5'
3' 5'
3' 5'
3' 5'
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