46 | SAMLEX AMERICA INC.
SECTION 8 |
Installation
8.5.1 Bonding of AC Output Neutral to Chassis Ground
The Neutral slots of the NEMA5-20R GFCI Duplex Receptacles (5, Fig 6.1) are internally
bonded to the metal chassis of the inverter.
8.5.2 AC Output Connection Through Self Monitoring Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI)
An un-intentional electric path between a source of current and a grounded surface
is referred to as a “Ground Fault”. Ground faults occur when current is leaking some-
where. In effect, electricity is escaping to the ground. How it leaks is very important.
If your body provides a path to the ground for this leakage (dry human body has a low
resistance of only around 1 K Ohm), you could be injured, burned, severely shocked or
electrocuted. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protects people from electric
shock by detecting leakage and cutting off the AC source. The leakage detection circuit
compares the current sent to the load and returned back from the load. If the returned
current is less by 6 mA due to leakage, Class "A" GFCI will trip. The Class "A" GFCI will
also trip if it sees Neutral to Ground bond on the load side of the GFCI.
The AC output of this inverter is available through a NEMA5-20R Self Monitoring GFCI
Duplex Receptacle (5, Fig 6.1). The Neutral slot of this receptacle (longer rectangular slot) is
internally bonded to the metal chassis of the inverter.
8.5.2.1
Operation of Self Monitoring GFCI: The GFCI used in this unit is Class "A",“Self
Monitoring Type” as per UL Standard UL-943. The self monitoring function checks
proper operation of the ground fault protection circuitry every 1 to 10 min. If any defect
is detected the load side is permanently disconnected with status LED (5C in Fig 6.1) turn-
ing Red. The GFCI will be required to be replaced. Details of operation are given below:
•
As soon as the inverter is switched on and VAC is made available at the internal line
side of the GFCI, status LED (5C in Fig 6.1) will turn Green, then Red & then steady
Green. AC Power will be available at the Load side outlets.
•
As soon as the Inverter is switched OFF and 120 VAC is removed from the internal
Line Side of the GFCI, the GFCI will be de-energized and there will be no AC
output. Status LED (5C in Fig 6.1) will switch off.
•
The Self Monitoring Function inside the GFCI will monitor proper operation of
ground fault protection circuitry every 1 to 10 minutes. If defect in the ground fault
protection circuit is detected, the LED will turn Red. This indicates permanent fault
and the GFCI will have to be replaced.
8.5.2.2 Monthly Testing of Self Monitoring GFCI: Test the operation of the GFCI monthly
as follows:
• Switch ON the inverter. As explained at Section 8.5.2.1, status LED (5C in Fig 6.1) will be
Green indicating energization of the GFCI.
• Plug a test lamp into the outlet and switch ON the test lamp.
• Press the “Test Button” (5B in Fig 6.1). The “Reset Button” (5A in Fig 6.1) will pop out.
The GFCI will be forced to trip and cut off AC power to the load side outlets. Status
LED (5C in Fig 6.1) will switch OFF. The test lamp will also switch OFF.
