©
2010 Magnum Energy, Inc
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2
1.0 Introduction
How an Inverter/Charger Works
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns
it into alternating current (AC), like you use at home. With MM-AE
Series models, it also takes alternating current (when connected to
a generator or to utility power) and transforms it into direct current
to recharge your batteries.
The two modes of operation associated with this inverter/charger are
referred to in this document as:
Inverter Mode
: DC from the batteries is transformed into modi
fi
ed
sine wave AC for powering your AE applications.
Standby Mode
: The unit operates as a battery charger to convert
incoming AC power into DC power to recharge the batteries while con-
tinuing to pass the incoming AC power directly to the inverter’s output
to power any AC loads.
Appliances that will run from a Modifi ed Sine Inverter
Today’s inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modi
fi
ed sine
(actually a modi
fi
ed square wave) and pure sine wave. Modi
fi
ed sine
wave inverters approximate a pure sine waveform.
The output of a modi
fi
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 devices may not run
or be damaged by modi
fi
ed sine wave inverters.
Appliances and Run Time
The MM-AE Series inverter/charger can power a wide range of house-
hold appliances. 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
the type of appliance, the type of batteries installed in your applica-
tion, 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.
Depending on your inverter capacity, larger electrical appliances such
as coffee pots and hair dryers can be used for short durations. How-
ever, loads that are used for longer periods such as stoves or water
heaters can quickly drain your batteries and are not recommended
for inverter applications.
All electrical appliances are rated by the amount of power they con-
sume. The rating is printed on the product’s nameplate label, usu-
ally located on its chassis near the AC power cord. Even though it is
dif
fi
cult to calculate exactly how long an inverter will run a particular
appliance, the best advice is trial and error. Your MM-AE Series in-
verter/charger has a built-in safeguard that automatically protects
your batteries from being over-discharged.
