m-Dimension 12/1800N User manual

Dimensions
DC to AC Power Inverters
12/1800N
12/2400N
12/3000N
12/3600N
Including Options: A, B1, D, R, T, T1
Form 121470
121470E
ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company
OWNER'S MANUAL MAY 2009

OWNERS MANUAL
FOR DIMENSIONS
INVERTERS
Model 12/1800N
Model 12/2400N
Model 12/3000N
Model 12/3600N
Including Options: A, B1, D, R, T
Table of Contents
Page
1. General . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Description . . . . . . . . 2
3. Installation . . . . . . . . 3
4. Start Up/Operation. . . 5
5. Troubleshooting. . . . . 6
6. Installation Figure 1 . . 7
7. Limited Warranty . . . . 8
1. GENERAL
1.01 Dimensions inverters have been de-
signed and manufactured for many user applica-
tionsandlonglife. Theyutilizepatentedconstruc-
tionmethodsandhightechnologyelectronicparts
and circuitry.
1.02
CAUTION: Inverters produce hazardous
voltages,toavoid riskofharmorfiretheunitmust
beproperlyinstalled.Therearenouserserviceable
parts inside, do not remove the cover.
CAUTION: The inverter should not be mounted
ina locationthat maybe exposedto rainor spray.
CAUTION: The inverter should not be installed in
a zero clearance enclosure.
CAUTION: Damage to the inverter will occur if
correctpolarityisnotobservedwheninstallingthe
DC input cables.
CAUTION: Damage to the inverter will occur if an
externalACpowersourceisappliedtotheinverter’s
AC output or its hardwire output.
CAUTION: The inverter contains a circuit
breaker
andcapacitorthatmayproduceaspark.Donot
mount in a confined battery or gas compart-
ment.
CAUTION: Working in the vicinity of lead-acid
batteriesisdangerous.Batteriesgenerateexplo-
sive gases during operation. There is a risk of
acidexposure.Thereisalsoariskofhigh current
discharge from shorting the battery that can
causefire and explosion.
CAUTION: Besuretheinverterand,ifused,the
external AC input circuit breaker or fuse are
turned
"OFF"duringinstallation.
2. DESCRIPTION
Inverter Rating
Inverter Input Output
Model (VDC) (ADC) (VAC) (Watts)
12/1800N 12.6 Up to 180 120 1800
12/2400N 12.6 Up to 240 120 2400
12/3000N 12.6 Up to 300 120 3000
12/3600N 12.6 Up to 360 120 3600
2.01Theinverterconverts12VDCto120VAC,
60 HZ, having a pure-sine wave form.
2.02 The inverter has internal protection
against output short circuit, output overload
andhigh temperatureconditions. Also,there is
a thermally controlled cooling fan.
2.03 The inverter is designed to operate any
120VAC, 60HZsinglephaseappliance,equipment
or tool within its power ratings.
2.04 The battery charger ("B1" option) has
sophisticated, patented recharge detection cir-
cuitry to ensure complete battery charging. It is
fullyautomaticandregulated,andistemperature
compensated.
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3.05 Battery Cabling - FIG. 1
3.05.1
CAUTION: Assure that hydrogen
gas does not accumulate near the battery by
keepingtheareawellventilated.Asparkmayresult
whenconnectingthefinalbatterywiringduetothe
initial charging of the internal input capacitor.
3.05.2 Use stranded copper wire between
the battery and inverter as indicated. UL
requires that a line fuse be installed within 18
inches of the battery. Use only Bussmann ANN
type fuses to 500A and Bussmann ANL for 600A .
DC Input Wire Lengths (maximum)
and Fusing Guide
Distance(feet)
Model 1-10 11-15 16-20
12/1800N 2 ga 1 ga 1/0 ga
12/2400N 1/0 ga 2/0 ga 3/0 ga
12/3000N 2/0 ga 3/0 ga 4/0 ga
12/3600N 4/0 ga 4/0 ga N/R
Fuse:250A 300A 350A 400A 450A 500-600A
WGA: 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0
3.05.3 NOTE: Usingsmallerinputcableor
longer length will greatly degrade the inverter
peakperformance.
IMPORTANTNOTEFORVE-
HICLE INSTALLATION:
Do not use the vehicle
chassis as the negative return in place of a return
cable. Use the same size cable as the positive
connection and run directly to the battery.
3.05.4Installthe wiresat thebattery, inverter
and then fuse holder. Make sure that good, clean
connections are made. Use care not to touch the
positiveandnegativewirestogether. Thiswillresult
in a violent spark and could result in exploding
batteriesandfire.
3.05.5 The battery input terminals are lo-
cated in the wiring compartment. A mounting
spark may result when connecting the battery
wire,due toaninitial chargingofthe internalinput
capacitor.
3. INSTALLATION
3.01 The following instructions should be thor-
oughly read and understood before installation.
3.02 CAUTION: Inverters produce hazardous
voltages, to avoid risk of harm or fire the unit must
beproperlyinstalled.
CAUTION: Damage to the inverter will occur if
correct polarity is not observed when installing the
DC input cables.
CAUTION: Damage to the inverter will occur if an
externalACpowersourceisappliedtotheinverter’s
AC outlet or its hardwire output.
CAUTION: Be sure the inverter's circuit breaker or
fuse(ifneeded)areturned"OFF"duringinstallation.
NOTE: All wiring must follow the National Electric
Code,Provincial orothercodesineffect atthe time
of installation, regardless of suggestions in this
manual. All wires should be copper conductors.
3.03 Mounting
3.03.1 Locate a suitable, secure vertical or
horizontalmountingsurface asclose to thebattery
as possible without being in the same air tight
compartment. The maximum recommended dis-
tance between the mounting location and the
battery is 20 feet.
CAUTION: If mounting the inverter on a vertical
surface,mountwiththefrontcontrolpanelpointing
down.
3.03.2The location should provide adequate
ventilation and clearance to maintain room tem-
perature during operation. At least 1/2 inch of
clearance is required on all sides.
3.03.3 Secure the unit with 1/4 inch screws
or bolts in the mounting slots on the flanges of the
chassis.
3.04 Chassis Bonding Lug - FIG. 1
3.04.1 Connect a #8 gauge or greater cop-
per wire between the bonding lug on the inverter
and the earth grounding system or the vehicle
chassis.
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3.05.6 CAUTION: Connecting the inverter
incorrectly to the battery will cause damage that is
notcoveredunderwarranty.
3.06 Remote Switch for Inverter
Operation - Fig. 1
3.06.1 All material used for the remote
switch should be U.L. listed and installed per low
voltage, Class 2, wiring code.
3.06.2 If the "R" option is included, then
connect the cable from the remote panel/status
lightswiththematingconnectorextendingfromthe
inverter. Extentioncable isavailable ifnecessary.
3.06.03 If the "R" option is not included,
connect a single pole single throw "On/Off" switch
using an 18-gauge wire to the "Remote Switch
Hookup"violetwireleadocatedintheDCfieldwiring
compartment. Disconnect the violet wire from the
batterypositiveinputterminalandconnectittothe
the load side of the remote switch. The line side of
theswitch mustbe connectedto a+12VDC. Install
a 5 Amp in-line fuse within 18" from the +12VDC
source.Thecableclampstrainreliefshouldbeused
to secure the field wires.
3.06.4 The switch should be mounted at a
convenient location in a listed outlet box with
approvedstrainrelief.
3.06.5
NOTE: Aremoteswitch,ifinstalled,will
operateonly if the local On/Off switch on the face
oftheinverteristurned "On". Youmayuse several
switches or relays in parallel in lieu of one remote
switch.
3.07 Remote Temperature Sense
( "B1" option)
3.07.1 Agraycablewithtemperaturesense
probeisprovidedwiththeunit. Thisallowstheunit
to know the exact battery temperature for correct
operationofthechargertemperaturecompensation
circuitry.
3.07.2 InstalltheprobeendonaNEGATIVE
battery terminal post.
3.08 120 VAC Output
3.08.1
CAUTION: Do not connect another
source of AC power directly to the output of the
inverter. This will result in damage to the inverter
that is not covered under warranty!
3.08.2 The 120 VAC output of the inverter is
provided at the GFCI receptacle outlet on the
inverter.
3.08.3 The output is also presented behind
the wiring compartment panel using direct hardwire
wire leads. The black wire is hot, the white wire is
neutral and the green wire is ground. The cable
clamp strain relief should be used to secure the field
wires.
3.08.4 The hardwire A.C. output is not ground
fault circuit interrupt, (GFCI) protected unless the
inverter has option "A". GFCI outlets should be
installed at all appropriate locations per NEC 551.
The GFCI outlet should be Hubbell GFR5352XX
(20A) or GFR5252XX (15A).
3.08.5 The remote AC outlets should be
mounted at a convenient location in a listed outlet
box with approved strain relief.
3.09 120/240 VAC Dual Output
(D Option)
3.09.1 The output is presented behind the
wiring compartment panel for direct hardwire wire
leads. The two black wires are hot, the white wire
is neutral and the green wire is ground. The cable
strainreliefshouldbeusedtosecurethefieldwires.
3.10 120 VAC Input (T, T1, B1 options)
3.10.1 120 VAC, 60HZ power from the electric
utilityorgeneratorcanbeconnectedtotheinverter
withhardwireconnectionsattheACInputwireleads
provided in the hardwire compartment. The black
wireis hot, thewhite wireis neutral,and the green
wireisground. Thecableclampstrainreliefshould
be used to secure the field wires.
3.10.2 The input circuit should have 30 amp
circuit protection from the distribution panel (50
amp. for T1 option).
3.10.3 When external 120 VAC is supplied,
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Page 5
theinternal transfer switchis automaticallyacti-
vated, the inverter is turned “Off”, and the
inverter’s loads will operate from external AC
input.
3.10.4 Units having the “B1” option require a
separate120 VAC,20 ampinputcircuit. The "T"
or"T1"optioncircuitactivatestheinternaltrans-
ferswitchsupplyingutilityorgeneratorpowerto
the inverter’s output loads, and turns “Off” the
inverter. The "B1" option input circuit activates
the battery charger. Both the transfer switch
input and the battery charger input must be
connected to the same phase AC power source.
Charger Rating
Model Input 120VAC, 60Hz Output
12/1800N Up to 15 Amp AC 85 Amp DC
12/3000N Up to 20 Amp AC 105 Amp DC
4. START UP/OPERATION
4.01
The battery charger will operate any-
time that there is external AC power and the
battery is not 100% charged. The status lights
will indicate that there is external power and the
battery’s condition.
4.02Ifthe unithas the"B1"option,there are
two switches on the right side that should be
adjusted.
4.03Theswitchlabeled"BatteryType"should
besettothecorrectsettingbasedonthecompo-
sition of the batteries attached to the inverter.
Use the following table to determine the correct
setting.
BATTERY TYPE SELECTION
SETTING BATTERY TYPE
A Vented Nickel-Cadium 10 cells
B Vented Lead-Acid (Antimony)
Flooded Electrolyte
C Sealed Lead-Acid Absorbed or
Vented Nickel-Cadium 9 cell
D Sealed Lead-Acid Gelled
NOTE: Used batteries should be put through 5
chargecycleswiththeswitchsetonepositionlower
(to the right) than desired. Example: Start a used
vented-lead acid battery on the "C" setting.
4.04 The switch labeled "Battery Size"
should be set to the correct setting based on the
total amp hour capacity of the batteries attached
totheinverter. Usethefollowingtabletodetermine
correct setting.
BATTERY CAPACITY SELECTOR
SETTING AMP HOUR CAPACITY
A Over 600
B 600 - 400
C 400 - 200
D Less than 200
4.05 To operate the inverter, turn the On/
Off switch to “ON”. Assure that the output break-
ers are reset. If a remote switch is used, the
inverter is turned “On” or “Off” by the remote
switch.

5. TROUBLESHOOTING
5.01 Dimensionsoffersfreephoneconsultation
concerninginstallationortroubleshooting. Callthe
CustomerServiceDepartmentat:
1-800-553-6418 or 1-651-653-7000.
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
5.02Iftheinverterfailstooperatecorrectly,use
thefollowingtroubleshootingprocedure.
5.02.1 Connect a 100 watt light bulb to the
inverteroutput.
5.02.2 Make sure that the inverter is turned
“On”,andthe circuitbreakersarereset.
5.02.3 Check the connection to the remote
switch, if used. +12 VDCmust be present at the
violetwirefortheunittooperate. Ifnot,checkany
fuses in the remote switch circuit.
5.02.4 Observe the fault indicating lights on
the front of the inverter.
a) TheLowinputvoltagelightindicatesalow
battery condition. Switch the inverter “Off” for 5
seconds, then “On” again. The light coming on
againindicatesafaultinthebatterywiring,battery
capacity and voltage or the line fuse.
b) The Overload light indicates an output
wiringshortcircuitoraloadthatistoolargeforthe
power rating of the inverter. Switch the inverter
“Off”, remove the short circuit or excessive load
fromtheoutput,thenswitchtheinverterback“On”.
c) TheHightemperature lightindicates the
inverterhasoverheated. Theunitwillautomatically
turn back on when it has cooled to 400C
(1040F). Verify that the inverter is not in a closed
compartment and that the fan is not blocked.
5.03 For units having the B1 option, when the
batterychargerfailstooperatecorrectlycheckthe
inverter troubleshooting procedure in 5.02, verify
that the remote temperature sense probe is in-
stalled correctly on the battery, then observe the
Page 6
rontpanel lights:
a) TheExternalpowerlightshouldbelit,the
PowersupplyortheBatterychargerlightshouldbe
lit. If not, verify that the external power circuit is
providing120VAC,60HZpowertotheunit. Check
allexternalpowerwiringandexternalcircuitbreak-
ers or fuses.
b) ThegreenTimerCompletelightindicates
theunit’sbatterychargerwasunabletocompletely
charge the battery(s) during the 12 hour charge
cycle. Oneormoreofthefollowingconditionscan
causethiscondition.
1)Verifythatthetwoswitchsettings("BAT-
TERY TYPE" and "BATTERY BANK SIZE") are
correctlyset.
2)Thechargerwasunabletodetectthe80%
charge level point during the 12 hour cycle due to
adefectivebattery.
3)Thebattery’svoltagedroppedbelow12.6
voltswhilethechargerwasattemptingtodetectthe
80% charge level. A battery with a shorted cell or
incorrectacid density cancause thiscondition.
4)Morethan20AmpsofDCloadcurrentwas
drawndirectlyfromthebatteriesduringthecharge
cycle. 5)ACpowerloss(brownout)intheexternal
AC input that limited the amount of AC power
availabletothebatterycharger.
5.04 A new charge cycle may correct the
TimerCompleteconditionifthecauseseemstobe
conditions1,4,or5. The newchargecyclecanbe
started by disconnecting both external AC inputs
for 5 seconds then reconnecting them.
5.05Call Airpax Dimensions, Inc. for technical
assistanceand/oraReturnAuthorizationNumber
if the above steps are completed and the inverter
orbatterychargerwill notoperatesatisfactorily.

A.C A.C. INPUT
OUTPUT Battery Charger
NEG
A.C. A.C. Input Battery REMOTE
Output Transfer Charger POS
A.C. INPUT EARTH GROUND
Transfer Relay EARTH GROUND
WARNING: CONNECTING THE BATTERY WITH THE WRONG POLARITY TO
THE INVERTER WILL CAUSE DAMAGE THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE
WARRANTY.
FIG. 1 INSTALLATION WIRING
FUSE
FUSE
+12 FROM BATTERY
REMOTE SWITCH
CUSTOMER INSTALLED OPTION
Page 7
REMOTE TEMPERATURE SENSE

Limited Warranty Terms & Conditions
SHIPPINGTERMS:F.O.B.St.PaulMinnesota.Freightprepaidandbilled,subjecttopriorcreditapproval.
MINIMUMORDER:$50.00NetPrice
LOSS OR DAMAGE: Loss or damage in transit are the responsibility of the carrier. Any claim should be filed with
thedeliveringtransportcompany.Invoice,BillofLadingandDeliveryreceiptwithdamagenotedthereinmust
accompany any claims for freight damage. Claims for shortage and lost shipments must be made in writing to
Sensata Technologies, Power Controls White Bear, St. Paul, MN within 10 days of date of shipment. Claims not
reported within this time frame will not be honored.
PRICES: Prices are subject to change without notice. All orders are subject to acceptance at the factory. We
reserve the right to invoice prices in effect at time of shipment.
TERMS:Net30days withapproved credit,credit cardorC.O.D.
RETURNGOODSPOLICY:
oNoreturnedmaterials willbe acceptedwithout anaccompanyingReturnedMaterialsAuthorization Number
(RMA)from the factory.
o Credit will be issued for returned goods to the original purchaser within 60 days of purchase, provided the
inverter is returned to Sensata unused and not mounted. The amount of credit will be issued at Sensata's discre-
tionbasedonthe conditionof theproduct.
o Customer must be in good standing with Sensata Technologies.
oInverters that are discontinued, high-voltage (over24vdc), special-order orused are excludedand will notbe
eligible for credit. Non-inverter items such as cable assemblies, fuses and fuse holders, will not be eligible for
credit
oSupportcomponentssuppliedbySensatavendorswill be covered under that manufacturer's credit return policy.
oCustomerpaysreturn freight.
PLEASESHIPAUTHORIZEDRETURNSTO:
Sensata Technologies | Power Controls White Bear | 4467 White Bear Parkway | St. Paul, MN 55110
ReturnFreightPrepaid
LIMITEDWARRANTY:
Sensata Technologies extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of those goods subject to the
qualifications indicated. Sensata warrants to the original purchaser for use that the goods or any component
thereof manufactured by Sensata will be free from defects in workmanship from the date of purchase for the
period listed on the product label, provided such goods are installed, maintained and used in accordance with
Sensata and the original manufacturer's written instructions. Damages caused by the misuse, undue care or
obvious wear through use will not be covered by this warranty.
ComponentsnotmanufacturedbySensata, but used within the assembly provided by Sensata, are subject to the
warrantyperiod as specified by theindividualmanufacturerof said component, provided such goodsareinstalled,
maintainedand used in accordancewithSensataand the manufacturer's writteninstructions.
Sensata sole liability and the Purchaser's sole remedy for a failure of goods under this limited warranty and for
any and all claims arising out of the purchase and use of the goods, shall be limited to the repair or replacement
of the goods that do not conform to this warranty.
To obtain repair or replacement service under the limited warranty, the purchaser must contact the factory for a
ReturnMaterialAuthorization(RMA).Onceobtained,sendtheReturnMaterialAuthorizationNumberalongwith
the defective part or goods to: Sensata Technologies, Power Controls White Bear, 4467 White Bear Parkway, St.
Paul,MN55110ReturnFreightPrepaid
THEREARENOEXPRESSWARRANTIESCOVERINGTHESEGOODSOTHERTHANASSETFORTHABOVE.THE
IMPLIEDWARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITYANDFITNESSFORAPARTICULARPURPOSEARELIMITEDIN
DURATIONTOONEYEARFROMDATEOFPURCHASE.
SENSATATECHNOLOGIESASSUMESNOLIABILITYINCONNECTIONWITHTHEINSTALLATIONORUSEOFTHE
PRODUCT,EXCEPTASSTATEDINTHISLIMITEDWARRANTY.SENSATATECHNOLOGIESWILLINNOEVENTBE
LIABLEFORINCIDENTALORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES.
WARNING:LIMITATIONSONUSE:DIMENSIONS®brandproductsarenotintendedforuseinconnectionwithLife
Support Systems and for Avionic use. Sensata Technologies makes no warranty or representation in connection
with their products for such uses.
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