How An Inverter/Charger Works; What Appliances Will Run From A Modifi Ed Sine Wave Inverter; Appliances And Run Time - Magnum Energy ME Series Owner's Manual

Introduction
1.2

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 shore power) and
transforms it into direct current to charge your batteries. These two modes of operation associated
with this inverter/charger are referred to in this document as:
• 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., shore power or onboard generator) is connected
and qualifi ed on the inverter's AC input, it operates in the Standby Mode. In the 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.
1.3 What Appliances will run from a Modifi ed Sine Wave Inverter
Today's inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modifi ed sine wave (which is actually a
modifi ed square wave) and pure sine wave. Modifi ed sine wave inverters approximate a pure sine
waveform and will run most appliances and electronics without any problems. These inverters are
less expensive, and therefore, offer a viable alternative to more expensive pure sine inverters.
The output of a modifi ed sine wave inverter will run most electronic and household items, including
but not limited to: TV, VCR, satellite dish receiver, computers, and printers. Some devices such as
rechargeable power supplies for phones, drills, and other like items may not run, and could even
be at risk for damage from modifi ed sine wave inverters.
1.4

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 type of appliance, the type of batteries
installed in your application, as well as the battery's capacity and age. Other factors such as the
battery's state of charge (SOC) and temperature can also affect the length of time your appliances
can run.
Appliances such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, and lights can all be successfully powered
by your inverter. Depending on your inverter capacity, electrical appliances that use larger loads
such as coffee pots and hair dryers can be used for short durations. However, loads that are
used for longer periods (stoves, water heaters, etc.) can quickly drain your batteries and are not
recommended for inverter applications.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they consume (See Table 1-1). The rating
is printed on the product's nameplate label, usually located on its chassis near the AC power cord.
Even though it is diffi cult 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.
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