These Frequently Asked Questions are a supplement to the Owner's Manual and Safety Instructions. Please review the
Owner's Manual for safety warnings and precautions, and assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning
procedures.
To create a 12V power inverter system, you need an appropriately rated inverter, a suitable deep cycle 12V
battery, and a suitable set of battery cables. The inverter converts the DC (direct current) power source into
an AC (alternating current) power source.
Understanding the differences between a Modified Sine Wave inverter and a Pure Sine Wave inverter can help you
choose the correct tool for your application.
You should use a Pure Sine Wave inverter if you primarily use it to power digital devices such as LED or HD flat
screen TVs, Wi-Fi routers, battery chargers, printers, microwaves, and appliances with digital interfaces.
You should use a Modified Sine Wave inverter if you primarily use it to power analog equipment or if it does not
have a digital user interface / controls (e.g., equipment with LED displays, timers, automatic settings). Analog
equipment includes corded tools, sump pumps, non-digital appliances, and air compressors. Using a Modified Sine
Wave Inverter on appliances with digital or sensitive electronics can cause the products to function improperly
and reduce both the inverter’s and product’s lifespan.
- The first power rating is the inverter’s continuous power rating. When operating at the continuous power
rating, the inverter is not expected to encounter any issues such as overheating or overloading.
- The second power rating is usually the inverter’s maximum power rating that can be sustained for a short
period of time before safety and protection features are automatically initiated. The inverter is
designed to momentarily provide the rated high demand (e.g., surge power) before returning to the
inverter’s continuous power rating.
- When selecting an inverter, ensure that the total power needed for all devices to be connected to the
inverter is below the continuous (first) power rating of the inverter. If your application requires a
high-power surge to start devices, consider purchasing an inverter with a high surge power rating
(second).
- Surge power is the amount of power (sometimes 4-5 times the product’s rated continuous power) required
to start an appliance or a tool. As an example, it takes more power to start a motor than to keep it
running. A pump motor that runs continuously at 500W may require a power source that can support the
2000W to 2500W to start the motor.
- When choosing an inverter, consider the total amount of surge power of all devices that will be
connected to the inverter. Remember that any additional devices, equipment, or appliances plugged into
the inverter will reduce the surge power available for other devices.
Low Voltage Protection is intended to protect the power source (i.e., the battery) from damage caused by deep
discharging. The inverter Low Voltage Protection is typically set at approximately 10V – 11V. Low Voltage
Protection may be triggered when a power source that is not fully charged experiences a sudden demand for surge
power causing a drop in battery voltage.
The size and charge of the battery are important factors for runtime. Generally, larger batteries will provide
longer runtimes. Additionally, reduced runtimes may be caused by an inefficient power transfer caused by the
design of the inverter (Pure Sine Wave inverters are more efficient that Modified Sine Wave Inverters),
insufficient battery cable gauge, and/or inefficient connections.
Instructions for proper usage, maintaining, and caring for the product is included in the Owner’s Manual. Below
are a few things to keep in mind to make the best use of your inverter.
- Inspect the cables and connections for damage before and after every use.
- Clean the air vents and inspect proper spacing around the vents to ensure appropriate cooling and
venting.
- Disconnect all the battery power cables and shut off the inverter’s main power before cleaning the
inverter.
- Check the battery condition and recharger according to the battery manufacturer’s instruction.