Operator`s manual
2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
3
1. INTRODUCTION
3. How an Inverter/Charger Works
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it into alter-
nating current (AC), exactly like you use at home. It also takes alternating current
when your motor coach is connected to shore power and transforms it into direct
current to recharge your batteries.
There are two modes of operation associated with an inverter/charger:
Inverter Mode:
Direct current (DC) from the vehicles batteries is transformed into alternating
current (AC) for use with you household electrical appliances.
Charger Mode:
Alternating current (AC) is taken directly from shore power (or other AC sources)
and passed directly to your household appliances. At the same time, the incoming
AC is also converted to DC to recharge the vehicles batteries.
4. Appliances and Run Time
The ME Series inverter/charger can power a wide range of household appliances
including small motors, hair dryers, clocks and other electrical devices. As with any
appliance using batteries for power, there is a certain length of time that it can run -
this is called run time. Actual run time depends on several variables including the
size and the type of appliance, the type of batteries installed in your recreational
vehicle, as well as the batterys capacity and age. Other factors such as the batterys
state of charge and temperature can also affect the length of time your appliances
can run.
Appliances such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, coffee pots, incandescent
lights and toasters can all be successfully powered by your inverter. Larger electrical
appliances, however, such as stoves, water heaters, etc., can quickly drain your
batteries and are not recommended for this application.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they consume. The
rating is printed on the products nameplate label, usually located on its chassis near
the AC power cord. Even though it is difficult to calculate exactly how long an
inverter will run a particular appliance, the best advice is trial and error. Your ME
Series inverter has a built-in safeguard that automatically protects your batteries
from over discharge.
NOTE: For optimum performance, a minimum battery bank of 200 AHr is
recommended.
Table 1 - Typical Appliance Power Consumption
Device Load Device Load
Blender 400 W Coffee Maker 1200 W
Computer 300 W Color TV 150 W
Drill 500 W Hair Dryer 1000 W
Hot Plate 1800 W Iron 1000 W
Light (Flo) 10 W Light (Inc) 100 W
Microwave 1000 W Refridgerator 500 W