How An Inverter/Charger Works; Appliances And Run Time - Magnum Energy ME Series Operator's Manual

3. How an Inverter/Charger Works

A n inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it into alternating
current (AC), exactly like you use at home. It also takes alternating current when your motor coach is
connected to shore power and transforms it into direct current to recharge your batteries.
There are two modes of operation associated with an inverter/charger: Inverter Mode:
Direct current (DC) from the vehicle's batteries is transformed into alternating
current (AC) for use with you household electrical appliances.
Charger Mode:
Alternating current (AC) is taken directly from shore power (or other AC sources) and
passed directly to your household appliances. At the same time, the incoming AC is also converted
to DC to recharge the vehicle's batteries.

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 - t h i s i s c a l l e d " r u n
time." Actual run time depends on several variables including the size and the type of
appliance, the type of batteries installed in your recreational vehicle, as well as the battery's
capacity and age. Other factors such as the battery's state of charge and temperature can also affect the
length of time your appliances can run.
Appliances such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, coffee pots, incandescent lights
and toasters can all be successfully powered by your inverter. Larger electrical appliances,
however, such as stoves, water heaters, etc., can quickly drain your batteries and are not recommended for
this application.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they consume. The rating is printed on
t h e p r o d uct's nameplate label, usually located on its chassis near the AC power cord. Even
though it is difficult 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 s a f e g u a r d t h a t
automatically protects your batteries from over discharge.
NOTE: For optimum performance, a minimum battery bank of 200 AHr is
recommended.
Device
Blender
Computer
Drill
Hot Plate
Light (Flo)
Microwave
Table 1 - Typical Appliance Power Consumption Ó 2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
Load Device
400 W Coffee Maker
300 W Color TV
500 W Hair Dryer
1800 W Iron
10 W Light (Inc)
1000 W Refridgerator
1. INTRODUCTION
Load
1200 W
150 W
1000 W
1000 W
100 W
500 W
3