Sensata Dimensions 12LPC15 User manual

DC to AC Power Inverter/Charger
Pure Sine Wave Output
Owner’s Manual
12LPC15

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................3
Contact Us ...........................................................................................................................................................................3
Important Safety Information ..........................................................................................................................................4
Specications.......................................................................................................................................................................6
Components ........................................................................................................................................................................7
Design Features...................................................................................................................................................................8
Installation ......................................................................................................................................................9
Mount Inverter....................................................................................................................................................................9
DC Wire Gauge & Fusing...............................................................................................................................................10
AC Input/Output Connections......................................................................................................................................13
BTS Connection................................................................................................................................................................15
Remote Inverter On/Off Switch...................................................................................................................................17
Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Inverter Power Mode .......................................................................................................................................................18
External Power Mode.......................................................................................................................................................19
GFCI...................................................................................................................................................................................24
Congurations .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) Setup Utility.................................................................................................................25
Default Congurations ....................................................................................................................................................26
Switch Options..................................................................................................................................................................27
Low Battery Shutdown ....................................................................................................................................................27
Sleep Mode (Load Sense) ................................................................................................................................................27
Shutdown Timer ...............................................................................................................................................................28
Auxiliary Control...............................................................................................................................................................28
Battery Options.................................................................................................................................................................29
Branch Circuit Rating.......................................................................................................................................................29
AC Line Qualify Time......................................................................................................................................................29
CAN Instance and Baud Rate.........................................................................................................................................29
Custom Battery Changes .................................................................................................................................................29
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................... 30
LED Status Chart - Normal Operation ........................................................................................................................30
Inverter Faults and Warnings ..........................................................................................................................................31
Charger Faults and Warnings ..........................................................................................................................................33
Troubleshooting Guide....................................................................................................................................................34
Appendix....................................................................................................................................................... 35
Accessories & Replacement Parts ..................................................................................................................................35
Inverter Model Options...................................................................................................................................................35
CAN....................................................................................................................................................................................36
Limited Warranty Terms & Conditions ....................................................................................................... 38

Page 3
Introduction
12LPC Manual
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Dimensions™ inverter/charger from Sensata Technologies®! We think that you will
nd this product to be extremely reliable and easy to use.
Please read this manual completely before installing or operating the unit.
All information is subject to change without warning. Contact Sensata for the latest updates.
Contact Us
Sensata Technologies can be reached by phone or email if you need assistance with this product.
Phone: [phone] or 1-651-653-7000
Fax: [phone] or 1-651-653-7600
E-mail: inv[email protected]
Website: http://magnum-dimensions.com/

Page 4 12LPC15 Manual
Important Safety Information
Read this manual before installation. This manual contains important instructions pertaining to safety, installation,
and operation.
Save this manual and keep it in a safe place.
Sensata Technologies is an ISO 9001:2015 Registered Company.
Sensata uses the following special notices to help prevent injury and/or damage to equipment:
Safety Symbols
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury.
CAUTION is used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in property damage.
NOTE is used to notify of installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard
related.
Safety Listing
Power Inverter, E100666

Page 5
Introduction
12LPC Manual
Inverter Safety Instructions
WARNING: Customer must match battery type with charger battery type.
WARNING: Power inverters produce hazardous voltages. To avoid risk of harm or re, the unit must be
properly installed.
WARNING: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not remove the cover.
WARNING: Power inverters should not be mounted in a location that may be exposed to rain, spray, salt, or
corrosive chemicals.
WARNING: Power inverters should not be installed in a zero-clearance enclosure.
WARNING: Damage to the power inverter will occur if correct polarity is not observed when installing the
inverter’s DC input cables.
WARNING: Damage to the power inverter will occur if an external AC power source is applied to the inverter’s
AC hardwire output.
WARNING: Power inverters contain a circuit breaker and capacitor that may produce a spark upon connection
or during normal operation. Do not mount in a conned battery or gas compartment where toxic fuel vapor is
present.
WARNING: Be sure that the power inverter is turned off and AC power is disconnected when batteries are
being connected, disconnected, serviced, and replaced or personal injury and/or damage to the inverter could
result.
WARNING: Working near lead-acid batteries is dangerous. There is a risk of acid exposure.
Battery Safety Instructions
WARNING: Batteries may vent explosive gases during operation.
WARNING: There is risk of high current discharge from shorting a battery that can cause re and explosion.
Use insulated tools during installation.
WARNING: Remove all rings, watches, jewelry, or other conductive items before working near the batteries.
WARNING: Inspect the batteries at least once a year for cracks, leaks, or swelling. Follow the scheduled
maintenance procedures from the battery manufacturer.
WARNING: Dispose of the batteries according to local regulations. Do not incinerate batteries; there is risk of
explosion.
WARNING: A fuse must be installed between the battery and the inverter to protect against shorted cables.
WARNING: If multiple LFP batteries are connected in parallel, the maximum charger current shall not exceed
the maximum rated charge current of a single battery. This is to prevent overcharging into one battery if
any other battery disconnects during charging. Failure to limit the charge current may result in the battery
disconnecting due to overcurrent and/or may damage the battery.
WARNING: Only use LFP batteries that utilize a BMS that shuts down the battery due to over-current, high
temperature, and cold temperature.
WARNING: The converter/inverter is intended to recharge batteries. The battery that is connected to this
product is only suitable if it complies with the given battery standard for that battery type and is provided with
a battery management system that will monitor and control the electrical and thermal health of the battery
during charging. When installing this converter/inverter, the battery is to be veried as in compliance with the
applicable battery standard.

Page 6 12LPC15 Manual
Specications
WARNING: The inverter is intended to recharge batteries. The battery that is connected to this product is
only suitable if it complies with the given battery standard for that battery type and is provided with a battery
management system that will monitor and control the electrical and thermal health of the battery during
charging. When installing this inverter, the battery is to be veried as in compliance with the applicable battery
standard.
All ratings below assume 12.6 VDC nominal voltage, 25°C ambient temperature, and the inverter is mounted in
free air. 12.6 VDC is to be measured at the inverter input terminals. Specications are subject to change without
notice. For use at ambient temperatures less than -20°C, use the hardwire connections. The GFCI may not properly
operate at temps below -20°C. At temperatures greater than 25°C, the inverter output is de-rated. See the graph in
“Operation” section of the manual.
Input Voltage (VDC) 10.5 – 15.0
Nominal Input Voltage (VDC) 12.6
DC Surge Voltage (VDC) Up to 24
Output Voltage (VAC) 120 +/- 5%
Output Frequency (Hz) 60 +/- .05%
THD < 5% at 12.6 VDC and 1500W
Output Waveform Pure Sine < 5% THD
Output Power (Watts Cont.) 1500
Output Current (AAC Cont.) 12.5
Input Current (ADC Cont.) Up to 167 at 12.6 VDC
Input Current (ADC Cont.) Up to 190 at 10.5 VDC
Peak Power (Watts) 3000
Peak Output (AAC) 25.0
Motor Starting Rating (h.p.) 1/2
Inverter Efciency Up to 80%
Charger Input Voltage (Vrms) 85 – 135
Max Charger Output Current (ADC) 65 at 12.6 VDC
Input Current Bypass (Arms) 20
DC Input Capacitance up to 40,000µF
Minimum Req’d Battery A-Hr* 200
Max A-Hr** 400
Weight (lbs.) 30
Dimensions in. (L x W x H) 19.0” x 9.75” x 4.8”
Operating Temperature*** -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F)
Agency Listings UL458, E100666
Table 1 Specications
* For optimal charging, the amp hour setting should match the amp hour rating of the connected battery.
** Each inverter amp-hr setting can be adjusted with RV-C CAN or the NVM Setup Utility.
*** At ambient temperatures above 50°C, the inverter/charger may fail to restart in the event it shuts down in an
over temperature condition.

Page 7
Introduction
12LPC Manual
Components
Figure 1 Components
A. GFCI (not available with “H” sufx)
B. Status LED
C. Local On/Off
D. AC Input and Output Breakers (no AC input breaker for inverter-only models)
E. Bonding Lug
F. DC Input Connections
G. Remote On/Off Wiring Tab
H. AUX Wiring Tab
I. AC Wiring Access Plate
J. Various Ports

Page 8 12LPC15 Manual
Design Features
• GFCI: Provides 120 VAC output. Only replace with an approved GFCI.
• Status LED: This LED will show inverter operation mode and troubleshooting information. See the table in
the troubleshooting section at the rear of the manual for further operation mode descriptions.
• Local On/Off: This switch turns the inverter on or off. Switch inoperable for “HR” and “R” congurations.
• AC Input and Output Breakers: Protects the inverter from output short circuits and overloads. The 12LPC15
(inverter/charger) uses 20 A input and 20 A output breakers.
• Bonding Lug: Connects to the system ground.
• DC Input Connections: Connects to the battery bank.
• Remote On/Off Wiring Tab: Terminal is used to wire a customer supplied remote snap “On/Off ” switch.
Apply battery voltage to tab to turn on inverter.
• AUX Wiring Tab: Terminal is used to enable internal housekeeping power only. Apply battery voltage to
enable. Does not turn on inverter output.
• AC Wiring Access Plate: Provides wiring and inspection access to AC output terminals inside the AC wiring
box. To be closed during operations.
• Various Ports: “CAN” is used for connection of a CAN interface. “Temp Sense” is used for connection
a battery temperature sensor (BTS) that is sold separately. “ACC” is used for a remote switch that is sold
separately. The “Sync” port may be plugged with an empty connector because it is currently not used. The
“Temp Sense” port may also be plugged with an empty connector on LP models because it is not currently
used.
• Unit Protection: Automatic inverter short circuit/overload protection, automatic over temperature shutdown,
and an AC output circuit breaker.
• Battery Protection: Automatic low battery shutdown with an in-rush delay.
• Shutdown Timer: Shutdown timer helps preserve battery life over long periods of time. When enabled, the
timer will shut the inverter off in 30 or 60 minutes regardless of load.
• Load Sense: Inverter output will shut off if no load is connected. The inverter will turn back on when it
detects that a load has been connected.
• Battery Conguration: Standard models are congured for use with AGM batteries (for charging). Options
for battery type include wet, AGM, gel, and LFP (lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4). Additionally, there are
four battery prole options for LFP. The battery type may be changed using the RV-C CAN tool or NVM Setup
Utility.
Contact the factory for updated information or for other voltage, current ratings, and battery congurations that
may be available.

Page 9
Installation
12LPC15 Manual
INSTALLATION
Mount Inverter
WARNING: Power inverters produce hazardous voltages. To avoid risk of harm or re, the unit must be
properly installed.
WARNING: Power inverters should not be mounted in a location that may be exposed to rain or spray.
WARNING: Power inverters should not be installed in a zero-clearance enclosure.
WARNING: Power inverters contain a circuit breaker and capacitor that may produce a spark upon connection
or during normal operation. Do not mount in a conned battery or gas compartment.
Installation Tools
• Wire Termination Crimper
• Cable-Ties
• Drill
• #2 Phillips Screw Driver (with a magnetic end)
• 3/16’’ Slotted Screw Driver
• Tape Measure
• Wire Cutters
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Strippers
Inverter Mounting Recommendations
NOTE: The inverter mounting location should provide adequate ventilation and clearance to maintain room
temperature during operation. At least ½” of clearance is required on all sides except the bottom.
1. Locate a suitable, secure mounting surface as close to the batteries as possible without being in the same
compartment.
2. Mount the inverter using four ¼-20 steel bolts, at and lock washers, and nuts. The length of the bolts should
be equal to the thickness of the mounting surface plus ¾”.
Figure 2 Mounting for All Models (Inches)

Page 10 12LPC15 Manual
DC Wire Gauge & Fusing
WARNING: Damage to the power inverter will occur if correct polarity is not observed when installing the
inverter’s DC input cables.
Inverter Cable
Wiring should meet all local codes and standards and be performed by qualied personnel such as a licensed
electrician.
An inverter cable kit (positive cable, negative cable, and proper fuse) is needed to connect the inverter to a battery
bank. An inverter cable kit designed to SAE guidelines can be purchased directly from Sensata – call for options.
Min. Cable and Max. Fusing Guide for 3% Voltage Drop at 100% Output
Inverter Model Full Load (ADC) Inverter to Battery Cable Length in Feet
Up to 15 feet @ 25°C (77°F)
12LPC15 190 ADC up to 100% Duty
(at 10.5 VDC) 1/0 AWG, 350 A Fuse
Table 2 Cable Sizing
NOTE: Using a smaller cable may cause a low battery or high temperature fault.
NOTE: 100% duty rating assumes the inverter is continuously operating at its full rated output power for at least
15 minutes. The 50% duty rating assumes that the inverter is operating at its full rated output power for up to 15
minutes and then operating with a load less than 25% of its full rating for at least 15 minutes before returning to
full power and repeating. Alternatively, the inverter can also continuously operate at 50% of its rated output power.
Values in the provided table assume the inverter is operating in an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F). For higher
ambient temperatures, additional derating may be required (i.e. may need to use a larger cable size).

Page 11
Installation
12LPC15 Manual
DC Wire Gauge & Fusing Continued
Make an Inverter Cable Kit
1. Use a stranded copper cables in all cases.
NOTE: The recommended maximum length of the inverter cable is 15 ft, and it must be fused within 18 inches of
the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
2. Use SGX cross-linked polyurethane insulation type that complies with the high temperature insulation
requirements (125°C.) of SAE J-1127 and vehicle manufacturer requirements. Reference Table 2. For 1/4” ring
lugs, use JST 38-S6.
3. Torque the DC connections on the inverter to 95 in-lbs.
4. Torque the inverter bonding lug to 45 in-lbs for 6 AWG or 40 in-lbs for 8 AWG.
NOTE: Use a 3/8” deep socket wrench to install the ¼”-20 serrated anged hex bolt.
Figure 3 Proper Installation of Cable into DC Terminal Cover
¼”-20 Serrated Flanged Hex Bolt
Cable with Ring Terminal
DC Terminal Cover

Page 12 12LPC15 Manual
DC Wire Gauge & Fusing Continued
Typical Cable Connection Procedure
NOTE: Refer to Figure 4 for a typical DC wiring diagram. See Table 2 for proper cable sizes.
1. Remove the fuse from the fuse holder.
2. Connect the inverter’s bonding lug to ground of the vehicle chassis.
3. Connect the ring terminated end of the black cable set and the temperature sensor cable directly to either the
negative (-) lead-acid battery post or to the positive (+) LFP battery post.
4. Connect the fuse holder to the positive (+) side of the battery bank.
5. Connect the ring terminated end of the red cable from the inverter to the fuse holder.
6. Inverter DC connectors should be torqued to 160–165 inch-pounds.
7. Install the fuse in the fuse holder. A typical one-time spark will occur when this nal connection is made. Install
the fuse cover.
Figure 4 Typical DC Wiring Diagram

Page 13
Installation
12LPC15 Manual
AC Input/Output Connections
WARNING: Damage to the power inverter will occur if an external AC power source is applied to the inverter’s
AC hardwire output.
WARNING: Do not directly connect another source of AC power to the AC output of the inverter. This will
result in damage not covered under warranty.
GFCI
A 20 A GFCI is installed into the side of the inverter, except for hardwire-only versions (“H” sufx) where the
GFCI is omitted. The rated output of the inverter is 12.5 A. The 12LPC15 allows for 20 A of bypass current. If
20 A of load is connected to the inverter or inverter/charger while in inverter mode, the inverter will shut down in
overload.
Hardwire Interface
1. Remove the cover for hardwire AC wiring.
2. Insert the AC input and output wiring through the AC output cable clamps to protect the wires from the metal
edge of the hole.
3. Connect the AC wiring with the provided wire nuts.
4. Check that the AC input wiring is connected correctly. Red is AC hot and gray is AC neutral.
5. Check that the AC output wiring is connected correctly. Black is AC hot, white is AC neutral, and green is
ground. Use minimum 12 AWG when connecting to the inverter/charger input and output.
Figure 5 Hardwire Access
Figure 6 AC Inverter Output Connections

Page 14 12LPC15 Manual
AC Input/Output Connections Continued
Figure 7 AC Input for Charger/Bypass
NOTE: The AC input should be protected by a 20 A branch rated breaker external to the inverter/charger.
NOTE: The AC output should be protected by a branch rated breaker external to the inverter if required to comply
with the National Electric Code, NFPA 70, or the Canadian Electrical Code, C22.1.
NOTE: Connecting the AC inverter input to a GFCI protected outlet may cause some interference with the
inverter’s own GFCI.

Page 15
Installation
12LPC15 Manual
BTS Connection
Charger operation with a battery temperature sensor, or BTS, cable is required. The BTS measures the battery
temperature and automatically adjusts the charger output for the fastest and safest charge.
Lead-Acid
When batteries are cold, their chemical reaction is slowed, and the battery will not charge as easily in this condition.
A charge voltage optimized for room temperature will not charge the battery at low temperatures. The temperature
sensor cable allows the charger to increase the charge voltage for optimum charging at low temperatures.
When batteries are hot, their chemical reaction is accelerated, and the batteries absorb energy too readily. A charge
voltage optimized for room temperature will tend to overcharge the batteries and cause gassing. The BTS will cause
the charger to decrease the charge voltage to a safe level.
The charger will switch to a “warm battery” mode in which the charger will only provide a oat voltage when the
batteries are between 50°C/122°F and 60°C/140°F. If the battery temperature continues to rise over 60°C/140°F
the charger will shut off. The charger will resume charging in the “warm battery” mode when the battery cools to
55°C/131°F. The charger will resume normal charging when the battery cools to 45°C/113°F.
LFP
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries should not be charged at temperatures less than 0°C/32°F as this may
permanently reduce the battery capacity. The Dimensions inverter/charger can support different proles or modes
for cold charging. The charger can be set to shut down once it reaches the cold shutdown threshold or it can be set
to ignore (not use) the cold shutdown threshold.
NOTE: If a user has a battery with a heater, the user should choose proles with cold shutdown disabled or “not-
used.” Ignoring the shutdown will allow the charger to supply voltage to the battery heater (and any other connected
DC load). The current will still be limited to 0.1C so most DC loads should still not be used.

Page 16 12LPC15 Manual
BTS Connection Continued
Install the BTS
1. Connect the lug end of the battery temperature sensor to the battery.
NOTE: Lead-acid battery type will connect the BTS to the negative post of the battery. LFP battery types will
connect the BTS to the positive post of the battery.
2. Connect the connector to the appropriate port located at the rear of the inverter labeled “Temp Sense.” The
BTS is part# ME- BTS-XX (XX=length in feet - 6, 8, 15, 25, 40). The 40 ft version comes standard with the
inverter/charger (unless a non-charger version is ordered).
NOTE: The BTS must be connected prior to running the charger, otherwise it will read an incorrect
battery temperature. If the BTS is not connected, the battery charger will not function.
Figure 8 Battery Temperature Sensor

Page 17
Installation
12LPC15 Manual
Remote Inverter “On/Off ” Switch
Remote Inverter “On/Off ” Switch Installation – Customer Supplied
For non “-R” sufx versions, a momentary switch must be used. In non-remote only mode, the momentary switch
will toggle the inverter state between on and off, or standby and off while in charge mode. The remote switch may
be customer supplied or ordered separately from the factory. If a snap switch is used in place of a momentary
switch, the inverter may not correctly respond.
For remote only “-R” sufx versions, a snap switch must be used. The snap switch will turn the inverter on and off
when in inverter mode. When in charger mode, it will switch the inverter state between off and standby.
1. Mount the remote switch in a convenient location.
2. Using 18 AWG wire and an insulated ¼” female faston, wire between the “Remote On/Off ” connection on the
left side of the inverter and the remote switch.
3. Install a 5 A in-line fuse in series within 18 inches of the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
Figure 9 12LPC15R with Snap Switch

Page 18 12LPC15 Manual
OPERATION
Once the inverter has been fully installed, wired, and DC power has been applied, the inverter is ready to turn on.
The status LED beneath the AC wiring box on the left side of the inverter shows the current state of the inverter.
Inverter Power Mode
Usage: Any 120 VAC, 60 Hz single phase product within the inverter’s power rating.
The inverter can be turned on by using the local or remote switch. When the inverter is on, the local status LED
will be a constant green. When the local “On/Off ” switch is enabled in assemblies without the “R” sufx, any
switch may turn the inverter on or off. When using the local switch, a momentary switch must be used for remote
operation. With the remote-only inverter, only the remote snap switch will turn on the inverter. The local “On/
Off ” switch will be inactive. The function of the switch will depend on the mode of the unit and if the AUX tab is
enabled and being used.
The inverter front status LED will be green while the inverter is on. The AC power produced by the inverter comes
from the energy stored in the battery bank through an electronic inversion process. A transformer, a Metal Oxide
Silicon Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET), a lter capacitor, and a microprocessor are used to generate clean AC
power.
The inverter will operate at DC input voltages ranging from 10.5 VDC to 15 VDC. If the inverter’s input voltage
exceeds 15 VDC, the inverter may stop operating. The inverter can tolerate up to 24 VDC for 5 minutes; if this
condition continues for over 5 minutes, the unit will shut down. Input voltages above 24 VDC will result in an
immediate shutdown. The inverter will restart when the input voltage drops below 16 VDC. When the input voltage
drops to the low battery voltage, the inverter will stop operating. When the lead-acid battery bank voltage drops to
10.5 volts, the battery is fully discharged.
The inverter output needs to be de-rated as the ambient temperature surrounding it increases. See Figure 10 for
operation at 12.6 VDC.
Figure 10 Inverter Output Temp Derating

Page 19
Operation
12LPC15 Manual
External Power Mode
Battery Charger
The status LED located on the side of the inverter will blink green to indicate the charging process mode. See the
LED Status Chart for additional blink codes.
NOTE: The battery charger requires about 8.5 VDC to be present at the DC output before the charger will operate.
The battery charger will engage automatically and independently of the inverter on/off status. The three-step
charging process modes are bulk, accept, and oat.
Bulk
The charger will output the maximum rated current to the battery until the battery voltage (as measured at the
charger DC terminals) reaches the maximum voltage threshold or the constant current timer expires.
Accept
The charger will output at the rated voltage until the output current reaches nearly zero or the constant voltage time
expires.
Float
The charger will output current and voltage at the minimum duty cycle until the voltage drops below a threshold.
NOTE: The term “bulk” is used for constant current and “acceptance” is used for constant voltage. The terms may
be used interchangeably throughout this document.

Page 20 12LPC15 Manual
External Power Mode Continued
Battery Charger Continued
Battery Type AGM Gel Wet LFP
Bulk Charge Phase
Bulk
Current Limit SEE SPEC
Phase Terminates
1. When battery voltage reaches the accept voltage
2. Bulk charge will extend when load management
reduces charger current below 50% (25 A)
Accept Charge Phase
Accept
Accept charge voltage
@ 77°F/25°C 14.3 VDC 13.7 VDC 14.6 VDC 14.4 VDC
Accept voltage temp compensated 5mv/cell/°C
Maximum accept charge at low
temps 15.0 VDC @ 4 °C 24.5 VDC @ -6°C
15.0 VDC
@ 10°C N/A
Phase Terminates
1. When charge current is reduced.
2. When the accept timeout is reached.
3. If the charger can’t maintain the accept voltage
Phase Timeout 6 hours (may be congured through CAN tool or LCD) 0.5 hours
Float Charge Phase
Float
Float voltage @77°F/25°C 13.4 VDC 13.4 VDC 13.2 VDC 13.6 VDC
Float voltage temp comp 5mv/cell/°C N/A
Phase Timeout 4 hours N/A
Condition (Equalization) Phase
Condition
Condition voltage @77°F/25°C N/A N/A 15.5 VDC N/A
Condition voltage temp
compensation N/A N/A 30.24 mV/ cell/°C N/A
Condition duration N/A N/A 4 hours N/A
Condition frequency N/A N/A Manual
Control N/A
Table 3 Battery Charger Recipes with BTS