Operating instructions

...It is also a Battery Charger, Making DC from AC!
The Inverter can also do the reverse: If there is AC power available from a shore-side
source or the generator, it can recharge the house batteries. The battery charger function
receives that power through the “Inverter Battery Charger” breaker on the AC panel. Since
this breaker must be “On” for the batteries to charge using AC power, and you will want to
charge the batteries at every opportunity, we suggest that you leave it “On” for the duration of
your cruise.
As noted above under the “Connecting Shore
Power” section, be mindful that the Inverter can draw a lot
of current when charging the batteries, especially when
first activated upon connection to shore power. Thus, you
need to be careful not to overload a shore power circuit
by running other high-draw AC appliances at the same
time. Monitor the AC Ammeter to make sure the load
remains below the available current as determined by the
shore power service from the marina, normally 30 amps.
Inverter Operation
The inverter is controlled by a single button with a light in it (see illustration just above).
The light indicates the inverter’s status.
BUTTON LIGHT SHOWS MEANING OF BUTTON LIGHT
Steady
Inverter is making AC from the batteries
Blinking Slowly
Inverter is charging the batteries
Blinking Very Rapidly
Inverter is not charging, and nothing is using it’s AC-making capability
No Illumination
Inverter is Turned “OFF”
Remember the important note above under “Connecting/Disconnecting Shore Power”: The
inverter, if on, will draw a lot of current when bulk charging, so be careful not to overload a
shore power circuit.
In summary, the inverter should be on whenever shore power is present or the generator is
running, and it may also be left on when underway. It is a good idea to leave the Inverter on
all the time, being cautious to turn off at their breakers any equipment which might run the
batteries down when you are not tending the boat; in this way, you will run critical equipment
but reduce the risk of running down the house batteries just because someone left some AC
appliance plugged in and forgotten.
Note: Only the breakers in the panel illustration on page 4.10 with an
asterisk (*) are powered by the inverter!
Inverter control button to right of lower helm.
Section 4F: Electrical Systems, AC 4.9