Automatic Power System Owner's Manual

6
Battery Selection
Selecting Battery Type
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your APS with 12V DC and your equipment
with an adequate amp hour capacity.*
* Even though APS models are high-efficiency converters of electricity, their rated output capacities are limited by the amp-hour size
of the external batteries.
Select ‘Deep-Cycle’ batteries to enjoy optimum performance from your APS. Select batteries of
either Wet-Cell (vented) or Gel-Cell/Absorbed Glass Mat (sealed) construction. 6 Volt “golf-cart,”
Marine Deep-Cycle or 8D Deep-Cycle batteries are also acceptable.**
** You must set Configuration DIP Switch #1 (Battery Type) to match the type of batteries you connect or your batteries
may be degraded or damaged over an extended period of time. See “APS Installation,” for more information.
Battery Connection
SAFETY WARNINGS
• You must connect batteries in order for APS models to operate.
• Multiple battery systems must be made up of batteries of the same voltage, age, amp hour
capacity and type.
• Keep battery location well-ventilated. Explosive hydrogen gas can accumulate near the
battery if it is not kept well ventilated. Sparks may result during final battery connection.
• Do not allow objects to contact the two DC input terminals. Do not short or bridge them
together. Serious injury to person and/or property could result.
Selecting Battery Amp Hour Capacity
Step 1:
Add the Wattage Ratings of your connected equipment to determine the Total Wattage Required.*
* The wattage rating is usually stated in the equipment's manuals or on their nameplates. If your equipment is rated in
amperes, convert to watts by multiplying the ampere rating by your nominal AC line voltage (230).
Step 2:
Divide the Total Wattage Required (from Step 1) by 12 to determine the DC Amperes Required.
Step 3:
Multiply the DC Amperes Required (from Step 2) by the Number of Hours Between Battery
Charging to determine the Battery Amp-Hour Rough Estimate.
Step 4:
Battery Amp-Hour ratings are usually given for a 20 hour discharge rate. Actual Amp-Hour capacity
is less when discharged at a faster rate. To compensate for this discrepency, multiply the Battery
Amp-Hour Rough Estimate (from Step 3) by 1.2 to determine the optimum battery amp-hour size
you should connect to your APS.**
** Your charging amps multiplied by the charging hours must exceed the discharge amp-hours taken from the batteries
between charges or you will eventually rundown your battery bank.
200002089 APS Manual 230 Volt Version.p65 5/31/00, 4:30 PM6