Owner’s Manual
®
PowerVerter
PV1800GFCI & PV3000GFCI
DC-to-AC Inverters
Input
Output
12 VDC
120V, 60 Hz. AC
Introduction
2
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
Safety
Feature Identification
Operation
Application Guide
Mounting
Battery Connection
Troubleshooting/Service/Maintenance/Warranty
Warranty Registration
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA
Copyright © 2010. PowerVerter® is a registered trademark of Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.
Feature Identification
Identify the premium features on your specific model and quickly locate instructions on how to maximize their use.
1
Operating Mode Switch: controls Inverter operation. Set this
3-position rocker switch to “ON” to have your Inverter provide
connected equipment with AC power by converting DC power from
an attached battery. Set switch to “OFF” when not using connected
equipment to prevent battery drain. Set switch to “REMOTE” to
remotely monitor and control the Inverter with the use of an optional
remote module.
6
Resettable Circuit Breaker(s): protect your Inverter against damage
due to overload. PV3000GFCI model includes two separate 20-amp
circuits. See "Operation" for resetting instructions.
7
Remote Control Module Connector: allows remote monitoring
and control with an optional module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4,
sold separately or included with PV3000GFCI model). See remote
module owner’s manual for connection instructions.
2
3
“LOAD” Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals show
approximate equipment load level. See "Operation for instructions on
reading indicator lights.
8
9
Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial: conserves battery
power by setting the low-load level at which the Inverter
automatically shuts off. See "Operation" for setting instructions.
“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals show
approximate charge level of your battery. See "Operation" for
instructions on reading indicator lights.
Multi-Speed Cooling Fan(s): quiet, efficient fans prolong equipment
service life.
10 Main Ground Lug: properly grounds the Inverter to vehicle
grounding system or earth ground. See "Battery Connection" for
connection instructions.
4
5
DC Power Terminals: connect to your battery terminals. See
"Battery Connection" for connection instructions.
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) AC Receptacles: allow you to
connect equipment that would normally be plugged into a utility
outlet. Enhancing safety, they feature ground fault interrupter circuits
that trip if there is a mismatch between the line current and the
neutral current.
Low Battery Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not shown): automatically
detects low voltage and shuts down Inverter to preserve vehicle
battery.
Overload Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not shown): automatically
detects wattage overload on Inverter outlets and shuts down Inverter
as a protective measure.
1
8
3
7
2
Observe proper polarity. Reversed polarity
will blow internal fuses. See manual.
CAUTION!
12V DC
PV1800GFCI Rear Panel
PV1800GFCI Front Panel
4
9
4
5
10
9
4
9
5
8
3
7
2
1
5
BATTERY
LOAD
Observe proper polarity. Reversed polarity
will blow internal fuses. See manual.
LOAD
SENSE
CAUTION!
12V DC
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
HI
LOW
MED
HI
REMOTE
REMOTE
OFF
ON
MED
LOW
10
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
20A
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
20A
6
PV3000GFCI Rear Panel
PV3000GFCI Front Panel
3
Operation
Switch Modes
Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power
Your Inverter may cease supplying AC power in order to protect itself
from overload or to protect your electrical system. To restore normal
functioning:
Switch between the following operating modes as appropriate to your
situation:
“ON”: Switch to this setting to provide connected
equipment with AC power.
Low Battery Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to “OFF” and
run vehicle engine to recharge battery. When battery is adequately
charged, switch operating mode switch back to either “REMOTE” or
“ON.”
REMOTE
OFF
ON
“OFF”: Switch to this setting to shut down the Inverter
completely, preventing it from drawing power from the
batteries. Use this switch to automatically reset the unit
if it shuts down due to low battery or overload. Use an
optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model
APSRM4, sold separately or included with PV3000HF
models) to reset unit due to overload only.
Overload Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to “OFF” and
remove some of the connected electrical load (ie: turn off some of the AC
devices drawing power which may have caused the overload of the unit).
Wait one minute, then switch operating mode switch back to either
“REMOTE” or “ON.”
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Output Circuit Breaker Reset (Select Models): Alternatively, check
output circuit breaker(s) on the unit's front panel. If tripped, remove some
of the electrical load, then wait one minute to allow components to cool
before resetting the circuit breaker. See Troubleshooting for other possible
reasons AC output may be absent.
“REMOTE”: Switch to this setting to remotely monitor
and control the Inverter with the use of an optional
remote module. See remote module’s owner’s manual
for operating instructions.
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Set Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial
In order to save battery power, the Inverter automatically
shuts off in the absence of any power demand from
connected equipment or appliances (the electrical load).
When the unit detects a load, it automatically turns on.
Users may choose the minimum load the Inverter will
detect by adjusting the Battery Charge Conserver Dial
LOAD
SENSE
Indicator Lights
Your Inverter is equipped with a simple, intuitive, user-friendly set of
indicator lights. These easily-remembered “traffic light” signals will allow
you, shortly after first use, to tell at a glance the charge condition of your
batteries, as well as ascertain approximate equipment load level.
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate in
several sequences to show the approximate charge level of your connected
battery:
(see diagram). Using a small tool, turn the dial clockwise to lower the
minimum load that will be detected, causing the Inverter to turn on for
smaller loads. When the dial is turned fully clockwise, the Inverter will
operate even when there is no load. Turn the dial counterclockwise to set a
higher minimum load, causing the Inverter to stay off until the new
minimum load is reached. When the dial is turned fully counterclockwise,
the Inverter will turn on when it detects any load greater than
approximately 150 Watts.
Approximate Battery Charge Level†
Indicator Illuminated
Battery Capacity
91%–Full
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Green
Green & Yellow
Yellow
81%–90%
61%–80%
41%–60%
21%–40%
1%–20%
Note: The factory setting for the dial is fully clockwise. However, based on the threshold load to
which you’d like the Inverter to respond, you should adjust the dial counterclockwise to reduce
its sensitivity until the Inverter is active only when connected equipment or appliances are actu-
ally in use.
Yellow & Red
Red
Flashing Red (slowly)*
Connect Remote Control—OPTIONAL (included with the PV3000GFCI)
All models feature an 8-conductor telephone style receptacle on the front
panel for use with an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model
APSRM4, sold separately or included with PV3000GFCI model). The
remote module allows the Inverter to be mounted in a compartment or
cabinet out of sight, while operated conveniently from your vehicle’s
dashboard. See instructions packed with the remote control module.
Flashing Red (quickly)** 0% (Inverter has shutdown)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
“LOAD” Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate in several
sequences to show the approximate equipment load level on the Inverter’s
AC receptacles.
Approximate Equipment Load Level
Indicator Illuminated
Load Level
0%-50%
51%-75%
76%-90%
> 90%
1
2
3
4
5
Green
Green & Yellow
Yellow
Red
Flashing Red (quickly)** OVERLOAD (Inverter has shutdown)
1
2
3
4
5
† Charge levels listed are approximate. Actual conditions vary depending on battery condition
and load. * Approximately ½ second on, ½ second off. ** Approximately ¼ second on, ¼ second
off. See “Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power” to reset after Inverter shut down.
4
Application Guide
Match Battery Amp-Hour Capacity to Your Application
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter with proper DC voltage and an adequate amp-hour capacity to power your
application. Even though Tripp Lite Inverters are highly efficient at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the total amp-hour
capacity of connected batteries and the support of your vehicle’s alternator if the engine is kept running.
• STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required
Example
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your
Tools
Inverter. Wattage ratings are usually listed in equipment manuals or on
nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that number
times AC utility voltage to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill
requires 2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120 volts = 300 watts.)
¼" Drill
Orbital Sander
Cordless Tool Charger
Note: Your Inverter will operate at higher efficiencies at about 75% - 80% of nameplate
rating.
300W
+
220W
+
20W
=
540W
• STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above) by the battery
voltage (12) to determine the DC amps required.
540 watts ÷ 12V = 45 DC Amps
• STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required
(for operation unsupported by the alternator)
Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above) by the number of
hours you estimate you will operate your equipment exclusively from
battery power before you have to recharge your batteries. Compensate
for inefficiency and wiring losses by multiplying this number by 1.2.
This will give you a rough estimate of how many amp-hours of battery
power (from one or several batteries) you should connect to your
Inverter.
45 DC Amps × 5 Hrs. Runtime
× 1.2 = 270 Amp-Hours
NOTE: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-
hour capacities are less when batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries
discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries
discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.
You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the
charge lost during Inverter operation or else you will eventually run
down your batteries.
NOTE: For Tripp Lite Inverters over 1000 watts used in mobile applications, Tripp Lite
recommends you use at least two batteries, if possible, fed by a heavy-duty alternator
anytime the vehicle is running. Tripp Lite Inverters will provide adequate power for ordinary
usage within limited times without the assistance of your vehicle’s alternator. However, when
operating extremely heavy electrical loads at their peak, you may wish to “assist your
batteries” by running your vehicle engine faster than normal idling.
Mounting
Optional
WARNING! If you choose to mount your Inverter, mount it and wire its DC input BEFORE DC battery
connection. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to personal injury and/or damage to the Inverter
and connected systems.
Tripp Lite Inverters are designed for flat-surface mounting in a variety of
vehicular or non-vehicular applications. User must supply mounting
hardware and is responsible for determining if the hardware and mounting
surface are suitable to support the weight of the Inverter. Contact Tripp
Lite if you require further assistance in mounting your Inverter.
Vehicular and Non-Vehicular Flat-Surface Mount
Install and tighten four user-supplied fasteners through Inverter mounting
slots and into a rigid flat surface. Install fasteners as far back in the
mounting slots as possible, otherwise the Inverter may slide back and forth
if fasteners loosen.
Note: Do not mount unit with its front or rear panel facing down (at any
angle). Mounting in this manner will block the cooling fans and seriously
FLAT SURFACE
inhibit the unit’s internal cooling, eventually causing product damage not
covered under warranty.
5
Battery Connection
Connect your Inverter to your batteries using the following procedures—always loosely twist each pair of cables (one positive and one negative)
together:
Length & Gauge of Cables
Connect DC Wiring:
Although your Inverter is a high-efficiency converter of electricity, its rated
output capacity is limited by the length and gauge of the cabling running
from the battery to the unit. Use the shortest length and largest diameter
cabling (maximum 00 gauge) to fit your Inverter’s DC Input terminals.
Shorter and heavier gauge cabling reduces DC voltage drop and allows for
maximum transfer of current. Your Inverter is capable of delivering peak
wattage at up to 200% of its rated continuous wattage output
instantaneously. Heavier gauge cabling should be used when continuously
operating heavy draw equipment under these conditions. Tighten your
Inverter and battery terminals to approximately 3.5 Newton-meters (2.58
foot lbs.) of torque to create an efficient connection and to prevent
excessive heating at this connection. Insufficient tightening of the
terminals could void your warranty.
Connection to Two DC Terminals
The PV1800GFCI model includes two DC terminals;
the PV3000GFCI model includes four DC terminals
(two positive and two negative). For the
PV3000GFCI model, it is recommended that both
sets of terminals (4 wires) be used for the connection
to the battery.
PV1800GFCI
Regardless of the model, you must run positive
cable(s) through user-supplied UL-listed fuse(s) and
fuse block(s) of the proper size: PV1800GFCI—250
amp fuse, PV3000GFCI—500 amp fuse.
PV3000GFCI
An excellent source of cables are battery jumper cables. Output performance will decrease if
you use only one jumper cable.
Connect Ground:
Connection to Four DC Terminals
Using a #8 AWG wire or larger, directly connect the Main Ground Lug to
the vehicle's chassis ground or earth ground. See Feature Identification
section to locate Main Ground Lug. All installations must comply with
national and local codes and ordinances.
To obtain maximum output power from the
PV3000GFCI model, it is recommended that you
connect your battery to all four DC terminals. In this
connection you must run 4 wires of equal length
PV3000GFCI
between the inverter and the battery.
Connect Fuse:
NEC article 551 requires that you connect your Inverter’s positive DC
Terminal(s) directly to a UL-listed fuse(s) and fuse block(s) within 18
inches of the battery. See diagrams below for proper fuse placement.
Recommended
Max Distance From Battery to Unit (ft.)
DC Fuse
AWG
0
00
22
26
1800W
3000W
17
21
250A
500A
WARNING! Never attempt to operate your Inverter by connecting it directly to output from an alternator
rather than a battery or battery bank.
CAUTION! Observe proper polarity with all DC connections. Reversed polarity will cause internal damage
to your Inverter.
Vehicular
Your Inverter’s Nominal DC Input Voltage must match the voltage of your battery or batteries—12 Volts in most vehicular applications. It is possible to
connect your Inverter to the main battery within your vehicle’s electrical system. In many vehicular contexts, the Inverter will be connected to one or
more dedicated auxiliary (house) batteries which are isolated from the drive system to prevent possible draining of the main battery.
1
2
3
4
12 Volt Alternator
3
7
Vehicle Battery Ground
12 Volt Main Battery
1
12 Volt Inverter
2
12 Volts
5
12 Volts
8
12 Volt Auxiliary (House)
Battery
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals
is recommended to provide the maximum
output power from PV3000GFCI models.
5
UL-Listed Fuses & Fuse
Blocks (mounted within
18 inches of the battery)
12 Volt Main Battery Connection—two DC terminals
4
7
6
1
2
12 Volts
6
7
Battery Isolator
12 Volt Inverter
Large Diameter Cabling,
Maximum 00 Gauge to
Fit Terminals
5
12 Volts
8
12 Volts
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals
is recommended to provide the maximum
output power from PV3000GFCI models.
3
2
8
8 AWG (minimum)
Ground Wire to Vehicle
Frame or Earth Ground
12 Volt Main and Auxiliary (House) Battery Connection (Isolated Parallel)—two DC terminals
6
Troubleshooting
Operating Mode Switch
BATTERY
LOAD
LOAD
SENSE
Battery Indicator Lights
Load Indicator Lights
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
HI
LOW
MED
HI
REMOTE
REMOTE
OFF
ON
MED
LOW
SYMPTOM
No AC Output
PROBLEMS
Operating Mode Switch is set to “OFF.”
CORRECTIONS
Set Operating Mode Switch to “REMOTE” or “ON.”
(All Indicator Lights Are OFF)
User-supplied UL-listed external DC input fuses Replace fuses
have blown. Replace fuses.
Red Battery Indicator Light
Is Rapidly Flashing
(¼ Second Flashes)
Unit has shut down due to excessive
battery discharge.
Run your engine to raise battery voltage. Check external
battery connections and fuse. Reset by moving Operating
Mode Switch to “OFF.” Wait one minute and switch to
“REMOTE” or “ON.”
If unit remains in shutdown mode after several attempts to
reset contact Tripp Lite Customer Service for assistance.
Red Load Indicator Light
Is Rapidly Flashing
Unit has shut down due to overload.
Reduce load. Reset by moving Operating Mode Switch to
“OFF.”
(¼ Second Flashes)
Wait one minute and switch to “REMOTE” or “ON.” If unit
remains in shutdown mode after several attempts to reset
contact Tripp Lite Customer Service for assistance.
Connected Equipment Experiences
Inverter Output Seems Intermittent
Audio/Video interference.
Loose cable connections.
Reposition equipment antennas and Inverter.
Check and secure all connections.
Service
Your Tripp Lite product is covered by the warranty described in this manual. A variety of Extended Warranty and On-Site Service Programs are also
steps:
1. Review the installation and operation procedures in this manual to insure that the service problem does not originate from a misreading of the
instructions.
Authorization (RMA) number, which is required for service. This simple on-line form will ask for your unit’s model and serial numbers, along with
other general purchaser information. The RMA number, along with shipping instructions will be emailed to you. Any damages (direct, indirect,
special or consequential) to the product incurred during shipment to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center is not covered under
warranty. Products shipped to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center must have transportation charges prepaid. Mark the RMA number
on the outside of the package. If the product is within its warranty period, enclose a copy of your sales receipt. Return the product for service using an
insured carrier to the address given to you when you request the RMA.
Maintenance
Your Inverter requires no maintenance and contains no user-serviceable or replaceable parts, but should be kept dry at all times. Periodically check, clean
and tighten all cable connections, as necessary, both at the unit and at the battery.
7
Limited Warranty
Tripp Lite warrants its Inverters to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year (domestic) or 120 days (export) from the date of retail purchase by
end user.
Tripp Lite’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at its sole option) any such defective products. To obtain service under this warranty you must obtain a
Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center. Products must be returned to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service
center with transportation charges prepaid and must be accompanied by a brief description of the problem encountered and proof of date and place of purchase. This warranty
does not apply to equipment which has been damaged by accident, negligence or misapplication or has been altered or modified in any way, including opening of the unit’s casing
for any reason. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser who must have properly registered the product within 10 days of retail purchase.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the
purchaser.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, Tripp Lite is not liable for any costs, such as lost profits or
revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equipment, loss of software, loss of data, costs of substitutes, claims by third parties, or otherwise.
Warranty Registration
Visit www.tripplite.com/warranty to register the warranty of your new Tripp Lite product. You'll be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a FREE Tripp Lite
product!*
* No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions apply. See website for details.
Regulatory Compliance Identification Numbers
For the purpose of regulatory compliance certifications and identification, your Tripp Lite product has been assigned a unique series number. The series number can be found on
the product nameplate label, along with all required approval markings and information. When requesting compliance information for this product, always refer to the series
number. The series number should not be confused with the marking name or model number of the product.
Tripp Lite has a policy of continuous improvement. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA
201002167 93-2980
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