REV.06‐09
When you operate the inverter for long periods of time combined with a high continuous load
demand, the result will be a large power drain from the battery. With this in mind, check the
reserve capacity of the battery you plan to use to power your inverter.
To calculate the approximate power drain on your battery you will want to estimate the reserve
power ("amp/hour") of the battery and the amps the inverter will require, to meet the continuous
load demand of the appliance.
1. When calculating the amp/hour of the battery, find its “reserve minutes" rating. This is
typically is marked on the battery label along with the "Cold Cranking Amps" (CCA) rating. If
you multiply the reserve minutes rating of the battery by 0.3 it will tell you the battery
amp/hour. To estimate the maximum battery power the inverter will require to run a piece of
equipment or appliance, divide its continuous load wattage equipment by 10. An appliance
with a 450 watt continuous load requirement will create a 45 amp draw from the battery
through the inverter (450/10=45).
2. Conclusion: The reserve power of a battery with a 150 reserve minutes rating is sufficient to
satisfy the continuous load demand placed on the inverter for a maximum of about one hour.
(45 amps/hour-amp draw = 1 hour).
Note:
z When the inverter will be operating appliances with high continuous load ratings for
extended periods, it is not advisable to power the inverter with the same battery used to
power your car or truck. If the car or truck battery is utilized for an extended period, it is
possible that the battery voltage may be drained to the point where the battery has
insufficient reserve power to start the vehicle.
z It may be advisable to operate the inverter from a bank of batteries of the same type in a
"parallel" configuration. Two such batteries will generate twice the amp/hours of a single
battery; three batteries will generate three times the amp/hours and so on.
Connection Cable Gauges.
When connecting the inverter to the power source use the thickest wire available, in the shortest
length practical. If the inverter and the battery are positioned within four feet of each other, a
minimum of # 4 gauge wire should be used to make the connections. When the distance
between them is four to six feet, a minimum of #2 gauge wire is required. When separated by
more than six feet, always use # 0 gauge wire. See the last page of this manual for
recommendations.
Connecting Your inverter.
1. Make sure the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the
OFF(0) position.
2. Connect the cables to the power input terminals at the rear of the Inverter. Make sure to
match the negative (Black) terminal on the 12-volt power source first. Then repeat this
procedure with the positive (Red) terminal connecting a wire to the positive terminal of the
12-volt volt power source. Make sure you have a good secure connection, but do not over
tighten these screws.
