1.0 Introduction; How An Inverter/Charger Works - Magnum Energy ME3112-U Owner's Manual

1.0 Introduction

The ME Series is a modifi ed sine wave inverter designed especially for mobile applications.
Powerful, yet simple to operate, this inverter/charger will provide you with the years of trouble-
free performance—backed by our limited 3-year warranty.
Installation is easy. Simply connect the inverter's output to your distribution circuits or electrical
panel, connect your AC to the inverter's easy-to-reach terminal block, connect the batteries, and
then switch it on for power.
Info: This is a sizable manual and much of it is fairly technical. Terms may be used
throughout the manual that are unfamiliar to you. Refer to the Inverter/Charger
Terminology glossary in Appendix D for clarifi cation.
The ME Series inverter/chargers provide the following:
• 2000, 2500, or 3100-watt models in a small footprint—less area needed for installation
• Modifi ed sine wave output
• Automatic Power Factor Corrected (PFC) multi-stage battery charging
• RS485 standard communication protocol
• Remote and Network ports (easy connection for optional accessories)
• Inverter-mounted ON/OFF switch with LED indicator
• 30 amps per leg AC pass-thru capability
• DC terminal covers with 360 degree connection
• Field-serviceable for qualifi ed personnel—tested repair kits available
• Automatic battery temperature compensation (when using Battery Temperature Sensor)
for optimum charging even during extreme temperature changes
• Overcurrent, over-temperature, and high/low battery voltage protection
Regulatory Compliance
The ME Series inverter/charger is designated as a Standalone power inverter with an internal
battery charger. It can be connected to shorepower/utility grid (or to a generator) to allow the
inverter batteries to be charged, and to power inverter loads while connected. The ME series is
not a grid-interactive (also known as utility-interactive) inverter and does not have the capability
to export (or sell) power back into the utility grid.
The ME Series has been tested and listed to UL 458, 5th Edition (Power Converters/Inverters
and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts) for use in the US;
and is also certifi ed to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 (General Use Power Supplies) for use in Canada.
It has been tested and certified to these product safety standards by Intertek Testing Services
(known as ETL), which is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). NRTL's are qualified
organizations that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to
perform independent safety testing and product certifi cation.
1.1

How an Inverter/Charger Works

An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it into alternating current (AC).
It also takes alternating current (when connected to an onboard generator or to utility power)
and transforms it into direct current to charge your batteries. There are two modes of operation:
• Inverter Mode: When the inverter is properly connected to batteries and turned on, the
direct current (DC) from the batteries is transformed into a modifi ed sine wave alternating
current (AC). This AC is similar to the voltage provided by a utility for your home, and is used
to power the electrical appliances (i.e., AC loads) connected to the inverter's output.
• Standby Mode: When an external source of AC power (e.g., utility power or onboard
generator) is connected and qualifi ed on the inverter's AC input, it operates in Standby
mode. In Standby mode, the unit operates as a battery charger to convert the incoming AC
power into DC power to recharge the batteries; and at the same time, automatically closes
an internal AC transfer relay to pass the incoming AC power directly to the inverter's output
to continue powering the connected electrical appliances.
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Introduction
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