Wiring The Inverter - General Requirements - Magnum Energy ME Series Owner's Manual

2.3

Wiring the Inverter - General Requirements

This section describes the requirements and recommendations for wiring the ME Series inverter/
charger. Before wiring the inverter/charger, read all instructions.
All wiring should meet all local codes and industry standards, and be performed by
qualifi ed personnel such as a licensed electrician.
The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC (Canadian
Electrical Code) for Canada provide safe wiring standards. The NEC/CEC list requirements for wire
sizes, overcurrent protection, and installation methods/standards.
Inverter/charger systems involve power from multiple sources (e.g., inverter, generator, shore
power, batteries, etc.) which makes the wiring more hazardous and challenging.
The input and output AC and DC circuits are isolated from the inverter chassis. The inverter system
grounding is the responsibility of the installer in accordance with the NEC/CEC and local codes.
WARNING: Ensure the sources of DC power (i.e., batteries) and AC power (shore
power or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened, fuses removed)
before proceeding – to prevent accidental shock.
2.3.1 Protecting Wire - Conduit Box
The AC and DC wires into and out of the inverter must be protected as required by code. This is
usually done by using jacketed wires. Magnum offers for purchase a DC conduit box (ME-CB) or
a single inverter enclosure (MMP Series) that includes the necessary AC and DC inverter breakers
that allow both the AC and DC conduit to be connected to the inverter.
Info: If using the ME-CB conduit box or the MMP enclosure, and the AC wires are
individual conductors (i.e., not jacketed), the strain reliefs can be removed and replaced
with 3/4" grommets.
2.3.2 Wiring Requirements
• All conductors that are at risk for physical damage must be protected by tape, or placed
in a raceway.
• Always check for existing electrical, plumbing, or other areas of potential damage prior to
making cuts in structural surfaces or walls.
• Do not mix AC and DC wiring in the same panel unless specifi cally approved/designed for
both AC and DC wiring. Where DC wiring must cross AC or vice-versa, try to make the
wires 90° to one another at the crossing point.
• Both AC and DC overcurrent protection must be provided as part of the installation.
• The inverter requires a reliable negative and ground return path directly to the battery.
• Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
2.3.3 Wire Routing
Before connecting any wires, determine all wire routes to and from the inverter. Conductors passing
through walls, bulkheads, or other structural members must be protected to minimize insulation
damage, such as chafi ng. During installation, always avoid placing conductors near sources of
chafi ng caused by vibration or constant rubbing. Typical routing scenarios include:
• AC input wiring from shore power source to the inverter
• AC input wiring from an onboard generator (optional) to the inverter
• DC input wiring from the batteries to the inverter
• AC output wiring from the inverter to the coach's AC main panel or to dedicated circuits
• Battery Temperature Sensor cable from the inverter to the batteries
• Remote control cable (optional) to the inverter
• Ground wiring to and from the inverter
© 2010 Magnum Energy, Inc.
Installation
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