Magnum Energy ME Series User manual

ME Series
Inverter / Chargers
Operators Manual

2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety instructions that must me followed
during the installation and operation of this product.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other safety hazard, the follow-
ing safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to indicate
dangerous and important safety instructions.
WARNING - Indicates a dangerous voltage or condition exists.
CAUTION - Indicates a critical step necessary for the safe installation
and operation of this device.
NOTE - Indicates an important statement. Follow these instructions
closely.
ATTENTION - Electrostatic Sensitive Devices. Observe precautions for
handling.
All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local, state and
federal electrical codes.
Read all instructions and safety information contained in this manual before
installing or using this product.
This product is designed for indoor / compartment installation. It must not
be exposed to rain, snow, moisture or liquids of any type.
Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of electrical shock or accidental
short circuits.
Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when installing or
performing maintenance on the inverter.
Always disconnect the batteries or energy source prior to installing or per-
forming maintenance on the inverter.
Live power may be present at more than one point since an inverter utilizes
both batteries and AC.
Always verify proper wiring prior to starting the inverter.
There are no user serviceable parts contained in this product.
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2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
IMPORTANT
BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Wear eye protection such as safety glasses when working with batteries.
Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when installing or
performing maintenance on the inverter.
Never work alone. Always have someone near you when working around
batteries.
Use proper lifting techniques when working with batteries.
Never use old or untested batteries. Check each battery's label for age, type
and date code to ensure all batteries are identical.
Batteries are sensitive to changes in temperature. Always install batteries in
a stable environment.
Install batteries in a well ventilated area. Batteries can produce explosive
gasses. For compartment or enclosure installations, always vent batteries to
the outside.
Provide at least one inch of air space between batteries to provide optimum
cooling.
Never smoke when in the vicinity of batteries.
To prevent a spark at the battery and reduce the chance of explosion, always
connect the cables to the batteries first. Then connect the cables to the
inverter.
Use insulated tools at all times.
Always verify proper polarity and voltage before connecting the batteries to
the inverter.
To reduce the chance of fire or explosion, do not short-circuit the batteries.
In the even of accidental exposure to battery acid, wash thoroughly with
soap and water. In the even of exposure to the eyes, flood them for at least
15 minutes with running water and seek immediate medical attention.
Recycle old batteries.
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2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
Magnum Energy
ME Series Inverter / Chargers
Table of Contents
iii
Section Description Page
1. Introduction 1
1. Features and Benefits 1
2. Standard Features 1
3. How an Inverter/Charger Works 3
4. Appliances and Run Time 3
5. The ME Series Inverter/Charger 5
2. Installation 7
1. Unpacking and Inspection 7
2. Pre-Installation 7
Locating the Inverter 7
Locating Dedicated Batteries (optional) 7
Hardware / Materials Required 8
Tools Required 8
Wiring 8
AC Connections 8
DC Connections 8
AC Grounding 8
DC Grounding 8
Torque Requirements 9
AC Main Panel 9
Circuit Protection 9
Wire Routing 9
3. Installation 11
Inverter Mounting 11
Battery Installation 11
Battery Cables and Sizing 12
DC Wiring 12
DC Grounding 12
Negative Cable 12
Positive Cable 12
Battery Wiring 13
Parallel Connection 13
Series Connection 15
Series/Parallel Connection 15
DC Fuse Block 17
AC Wiring 19
AC Input (Shore Power) Routing 19
AC Input (Generator) Routing 19
Main AC Electrical Panel Routing 19
Wiring the Inverter AC Input 21
Wiring the Inverter AC Output 21
Final Inspection 21

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Section Description Page
2. Installation, continued
4. Options 25
Battery Temperature Sensor Installation and Wiring 25
Remote Control Installation and Wiring 25
AGS Module 25
Smart Shunt 25
Stacking Cable Kit 25
5. Start-up and Test 26
Connecting the Batteries to the Inverter 26
Final Inspection and Power-up 26
Configuring the Inverter 27
3. Operation 28
1. Operating the Inverter 29
Search 29
Inverter Mode 29
AC Shore Power Mode 29
Bulk Charge Mode 29
Absorption Charge Mode 29
Float Charge Mode 29
Battery SaverTM Mode 29
Fault or Alarm Conditions 31
Low Battery 31
High Battery 31
Overload 31
Overtemperature 31
4. Troubleshooting 33
1. Basic Troubleshooting 33
5. Preventive Maintenance 34
1. Recommended Inverter and Battery Care 34
2. Off-Season Storage 34
6. Specifications 35
7. Warranty 36
Table of Contents, continued

2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc. 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1. Features and Benefits
Congratulations on your purchase of the ME Series inverter/charger from Magnum
Energy. The ME Series is a new generation inverter designed especially for rugged
recreational vehicle usage. Powerful, yet simple to use, the Magnum Energy inverter
will provide you with years of trouble-free performance so you can enjoy the all of
the comforts you have come to expect from your RV, all backed by our limited 3 year
(36-month warranty).
The ME Series inverter is ETL Listed meeting the stringent requirements of UL458,
ensuring you the highest level of electrical safety and reliability.
Installation is easy. Simply connect the inverters output to your distribution
circuits or electrical panel; connect your shore power cable (AC) to the inverters
easy-to-reach terminal block; connect the batteries, and then switch on the power.
Using the optional remote control, you can easily operate your inverter from any-
where within your motor coach.
2. Standard Features
•Four Power Models (ME1512RV, ME2012RV, ME2512RV and ME3012RV)
•Shelf, Bulkhead or Upside Down Mounting
•Modified Sine Wave Output
•Power Factor Corrected Charger (Sine Wave)
•RS485 Communication Port
•Remote Port
•Flash Programming
•ON/OFF Inverter-mounted Switch with LED Indicator
•50 Amp Transfer (on Dual IN / Dual OUT Models)
•Extra Large AC Access Cover with Terminal Screw Block
•360 degree DC Connection Terminals with Covers
•Battery Temperature Sensor - for optimum battery charging
•Aluminum Cover
•Smooth, Aesthetically Pleasing Design
•ETL listed to UL/cUL 458
The following accessories are also available for ME Series products:
Remote Control - for convenient finger tip operation
AGS Module - automatically starts and stops your generator
Smart Shunt - provides precise voltage to DC current
Stacking Cable Kit - designed to accommodate dual inverter configurations

2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Figure 1
ME Series Inverter / Charger

2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc. 3
1. INTRODUCTION
3. How an Inverter/Charger Works
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns it into alter-
nating 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 -
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 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 the product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 safeguard that automatically protects your batteries
from over discharge.
NOTE: For optimum performance, a minimum battery bank of 200 AHr is
recommended.
Table 1 - Typical Appliance Power Consumption
Device Load Device Load
Blender 400 W Coffee Maker 1200 W
Computer 300 W Color TV 150 W
Drill 500 W Hair Dryer 1000 W
Hot Plate 1800 W Iron 1000 W
Light (Flo) 10 W Light (Inc) 100 W
Microwave 1000 W Refridgerator 500 W

2003 - Magnum Energy, Inc.
4
Figure 2
ME Series Inverter / Charger
Switch, LED and Connection Ports
Charging / Inverting
LED
Stack Port
Magnum Net Port
Remote Port
Battery Temp Sensor
Port
1. INTRODUCTION
Power ON/OFF
Switch
Figure 3
ME Series Inverter / Charger
Electrical Connection Points
AC Connections DC Connections