EN
Connecting to a battery
WARNING: Handling or working near lead-acid batteries can be dangerous. Take steps to reduce
chemical (including acid) and electrical hazards. These include wearing appropriate splash-resistant
safety goggles and electrically insulated gloves.
WARNING: Do not smoke while working in the engine bay or near lead acid-batteries.
Important notes
• When using the inverter in a vehicle, the vehicle must have a 12V DC negative earth electrical
system. This inverter is not compatible with any other type of vehicle earth system. Use with other
systems may cause permanent damage to the inverter and other electrical components.
• When using the inverter in a stationary set-up, the battery or battery bank MUST be connected to
a ground rod or other earthing (Fig. IV).
• If replacing the supplied 12V Cables (12), select cables that are suitable for the continuous
inverter current, not peak/surge current (see 'Specification'). Ensure the insulation of the cables is
appropriate for the task and environment.
• If using an inline fuse, this should be fitted to the cable that attaches to the inverter's Positive
Terminal (14). Select a fuse of the closest value above the continuous rated current of the inverter
(see 'Specification'). Do not use a quick or fast-blow type fuse as the peak current demands of AC
devices at start-up would be likely to cause false trips.
• Ensure the inverter is disconnected before charging any battery it is connected to.
• If using multiple batteries, it is recommended that standard automotive (SLI) batteries are
used in parallel (Fig. I). This type and configuration give a sustained high discharge rate across
multiple batteries. This can help such batteries last longer.
• Use batteries of the same type, manufacturer, age and capacity. Using batteries in this way will
help provide the same level of current, capacity and runtime across all batteries. Differences in
voltage in a battery bank can cause damage and even battery explosion.
• Connecting multiple batteries in series is not recommended when using this inverter.
• When connecting batteries in parallel, do not mix polarities.
Connection instructions
1. Turn the ON/OFF Switch (3) to the OFF position.
2. Connect the 12V Cables (12) to the battery (see Fig. III). If connecting to a 12V battery in a
stationary installation, see Fig. IV.
3. If connecting multiple batteries in a stationary installation, ensure they are connected in parallel
(Fig. I). Do not connect in series as this may damage the battery. Do not connect in series (Fig. II)
as this may damage the battery.
4. Unscrew the Terminal Caps (15) of the 12V Terminals (8).
5. Remove the Lock Washers (13).
6. Attach the free ends of the 12V Cables. Connect the black cable to the Negative/Earth Terminal
(16) and the red cable to the Positive Terminal (14).
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the connection between the positive terminal of the battery and the
Positive Terminal of the inverter is made last.
7. Replace the Lock Washers.
8. Refit the Terminal Caps. Check the 12V Cables are connected to the correct 12V Terminals. The
inverter is now ready to be switched ON.
IMPORTANT: If the polarity of the connections is not correct, the inverter 32V Fuse (17) will blow.
Device type
Uses resistive circuit
Uses inductive circuit
Uses capacitive circuit (rare)
Medical or precision
electronic equipment
High initial current
Televisions, fridges, pumps, compressors,
requirement
AC to DC converter in
Laptops, mobile phone chargers, battery
power supply
8
Examples
Kettles, filament bulbs, toasters
Fans, vacuum cleaners, electric drills,
speakers
Some fans, battery chargers, and
electronic timers
Satellite systems, video equipment
Incompatible (depending on
neon lights
Compatible but not advised
chargers
Compatibility with mains devices
WARNING: The 230V Universal Mains Socket (5) fitted to the inverter is a universal type which
will physically accept a wide range of world mains plugs. If using a device intended for a region
outside of the UK or Europe, check that it is suitable for use with the voltage produced by the
inverter (see 'Specification'). Do not connect a device that is only suitable for a lower voltage and a
specific frequency such as 120V 60Hz products intended for the US.
• Check that the mains device intended for connection to the inverter is compatible. Use the table
supplied for guidance.
Note: This table is a rough guide to what devices may be compatible with the inverter. Further
information should be sought from the device manufacturer if any concerns about compatibility
arise.
WARNING: If the inverter runs at a very high temperature or shuts down in use, it is possible
that the device connected is not compatible with the inverter.
• When a device is first connected to the inverter, monitor the device and inverter for the first
5min, then every 30min for the following 2hrs.
IMPORTANT: Always take care to select a compatible RCD for use with an inverter. External circuit
External circuit breakers that are incompatible may not trip in the event of a fault. Some RCD units
will not work with this inverter due to the modified sine wave output and lack of neutral/earth
bonding. This does not indicate a fault with the RCD or the inverter. Users unsure of the suitability of
their RCD should consult the manufacturer.
Inductive load device notes
Many inductive load devices are compatible with this inverter but may function slightly differently.
• Some inductive load devices may consume slightly more current or produce more noise with
modified sine wave AC compared to pure sine wave AC.
• If an inductive load device does not function, connecting a resistive load device at the same time
may allow it to operate.
Audio-visual device notes
The modified sine wave of the inverter can cause interference with radio and video devices. It may
still be possible to use the device with the inverter with the use of appropriate shielding. Consult the
'Troubleshooting' section of this manual or an audio-visual technician for more information.
Load & power
It may be necessary to measure the power used by the device for use with the inverter to check that
it is compatible with the inverter and 12V power source or to calculate runtime.
• Use a plug-in power monitor plugged into a domestic AC mains socket to find out the true power
consumption of an AC device. Ideally use a power monitor with a peak current facility that will
indicate the required starting current of a device.
• If checking the AC output from an inverter with a multimeter without true RMS, the multimeter
will give a low voltage reading. This is normal and a result of how the multimeter reads and
calculates voltage from different types of waves.
The following methods of calculation may be useful when checking power requirements:
Compatibility
Mostly compatible
Highly compatible with modified sine wave, no excessive initial current requirement
Sometimes incompatible
Not always compatible with modified sine wave, often has very high initial current
Incompatible
The frequencies generated by the inverter can overload capacitors in highly capacitive
Incompatible
start-up current required)
Inefficient due to energy loss during conversion. A direct 12V DC to DC power supply is
Reason
requirement
circuits
Requires pure sine wave
Requires more current than can be supplied by inverter.
Peak requirement of these devices is not always marked
recommended