Operation - On Board TruePower Plus 1200MS Owner's Manual

INSTALLATION
17
Installation (Continued)
INSTALLATION MATERIALS – CABLING
Use great care to ensure the polarity of the DC connections are correct or damage will result
to your inverter.
1) DC Cables - The DC portion of the TruePower Plus Inverter requires a large amount of amperage
in Inverter mode. Cable size and length is of extreme importance and should be well thought out
and planned per this manual before beginning installation. Items to consider are as follows:
a. Cable Size - Size is based on amperage draw of the unit compared to the maximum
amperage a cable can carry based on ABYC E-11.On Board Solutions recommends NO
MORE THAN a 10% drop in voltage from source (battery) to the TruePower Plus unit or a
cable run not longer than 5 feet.
The following table outlines the cable size based on a 5' out and 5' back (10' round trip cable run).
Recommended cable sizes (Based on UL 1426 105° C jacket temperature rating & a class T fuse)
Wattage 12 VDC Amp Draw 5' Length Cable Size (AWG) 12V* Recommended Fuse
1000 100A 4
1200 120A 2
1500 150A 1
2000 200A 00
b. Termination - Larger DC cables require specialty tools to ensure proper termination with
ring terminals. Pre-terminated cable kits can be purchased through On Board Solutions
or your local marine supply store. Cable type is as important as size. Cables must be
acceptable under ABYC E-11 AC & DC Electrical Systems on Board Boats (types such as
UL 1426 Boat Cable and SAE J1127 Battery Cable are common and marked as such)
c. Connection - The ring terminal must be directly on the battery terminal surface of the DC
studs on the TruePower Plus Inverter, followed by the washer and nut with a torque of
10-15 foot-pounds. The use of a dielectric or anti-oxidant paste is recommended once
the cables have been connected.
d. Strain Relief- Install proper strain relief within 6" of inverter to prevent weight and vibration
of large cables from damaging the inverter.
e. Installing DC Safety Fuse: Install fuse in positive (+) cable within 7" of battery.
See above table for recommended fuse
DO NOT ATTEMPT CABLE TERMINATION BY MEANS OTHER THAN PROPER CRIMPING, WITH A PROPERLY
CALIBRATED TOOL. SOLDER AND AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR TYPE BATTERY TERMINALS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
USE OF ANY OF THESE TYPES OF TERMINATIONS WILL RESULT IN PREMATURE, UNWARRANTIED FAILURE
OF THE TRUEPOWER UNIT.
2) AC Cables – AC Cables should be UL 1426 Boat Cable, per ABYC E-11. This type of cable is
readily available in both 2 and 3 conductor. Size is based on the maximum amperage to be passed
through the cable and unlike DC does not take into account the length of the cable run and voltage
drop. The table below indicates the proper size for AC Cables.
a. AC Connections - Screw terminal blocks have been provided to connect the input and
output AC cables.
Shore/station power Service
30 amp
DC Stud Size
150A 1/4"
175A 1/4"
200A 1/4"
250A 3/8"
Cable Size (AWG) 105° C Insulation
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Operation

Inverter Power On and Off
When AC shore power is provided to the AC input of the inverter, the unit operates in pass-through
mode. When AC shore power is not present, the unit will switch over to inverter mode. In this mode,
the AC output can turned on or off by pressing the ON/OFF button on the display panel. With the
remote feature, the inverter can be turned on or off remotely as well. See page 7 for a detailed
explanation of the modes.
GFCI Testing
To test the GFCI, start by plugging a load such as a lamp into the outlet. Press the TEST button
to shut power off to the load. If the load turns off, then this part of the test is a pass. Next, press
the RESET button. If power is restored to the load, then this test is a pass and verifies the
functionality of the GFCI.
Operating the Inverter within the Load Range
Load Type Precautions
Resistive Loads – Be careful with resistive loads that generate heat (toasters, electric stoves, etc.). Due
to the high current drawn by these loads, a typical battery bank would be drained very quickly. Therefore,
it would impractical to run the inverter with these types of loads for an extended period of time.
Motor Loads – Use caution with the type of motor that you connect the inverter. Induction motors
require a much higher startup current than their running current. Since motors vary in their
characteristics, it is best to test the motor load on the inverter. If the motor does not start or loses
power, the inverter should be turned off and the motor removed. If the motor startup current is
too high, the inverter will turn itself off.
Important Notice: FCC Class B Part 15 Notification
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at their own expense. If in a residential setting you are encountering
interference with TV and Radio reception while NOT in inverter mode, then: simply disconnect AC power
from the TruePower Plus Inverter to confirm if this unit is causing the interference, if so explore the
following options to minimize interference:
1) Make sure your AC connections include a proper ground connection
2) Reposition your receiving antenna
3) Purchase a separate AC line filter
4) Relocate the affected appliance so it is further separated from the TruePower Plus Inverter
This equipment has been designed to comply with:
- American Boat & Yacht Council A-31 Battery Chargers and Inverters
- FCC Class B
- Underwriters Laboratories: Standard 458 Power Converter/Inverter Systems for
Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts
- Certified to CSA STD. C22.2 No. 107.2
OPERATION
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