Vector Industrial Series VEC023 Instruction Manual

NEW
SOFT START
TECHNOLOGY
350 WATT
PEAK
175 WATT
POWER INVERTER
VEC023
OWNER’S MANUAL
& WARRANTY INFORMATION
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
SAFETY, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS
PRODUCT. BEFORE USE, READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL CAUTIONS,
WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND PRODUCT LABELS, PLUS YOUR
VEHICLE’S BATTERY MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES. FAILURE TO DO SO
COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
4140 SW 28TH WAY, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312
TEL [phone] • TOLL FREE: 866-584-5504 • FAX [phone]
www.vectormfg.com

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................4
2. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS ..............4,5
3. HOW YOUR INVERTER WORKS.........................................5
3.1 Theory of Operation...............................................5
3.2 The MAXX SST™ 175 Output Waveform .............5, 6
4. CONNECTIONS/ENVIRONMENT..................................6
4.1 Power Source Requirements ....................................6
4.2 Connection to Power Source ...............................6, 7
4.3 Connection to Load ................................................7
4.4 Placement of Inverter ..............................................8
5. OPERATING TIPS...........................................................8
5.1 Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment.......8
5.2 Battery Operating Time...........................................9
6. PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF INVERTER ............................9
7. COMMON PROBLEMS ................................................10
8. TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................11
9. FUSE REPLACEMENT ...................................................12
10. SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................12
11. WARRANTY ...........................................................13,14
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure reliable service, your power inverter must be installed and used
properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions thoroughly
prior to installation and use. Pay particular attention to the WARNING and
CAUTION statements in this manual. The CAUTION statements advise against
certain conditions and practices that may result in damage to your inverter. The
WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that may result in
personal injury.
Read All Instructions Before Using This Power Inverter!
WARNINGS:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION OR INJURY:
1. DO NOT connect to AC distribution wiring.
2. Remove appliance plug from outlet strip or turn off inverter before
working on the appliance. Multiple outlet power strips with switches
andcircuit breakers only interrupt power to the "hot" receptacle terminals.
The "neutral" terminals remain powered with respect to the "ground"
terminals.
3. DO NOT make any electrical connections or disconnections in areas
designated as IGNITION PROTECTED. This includes DC accessory outlet type
connections, and ring terminal connections.
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5. DO NOT install object into air vents.
CAUTIONS:
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use with positive ground electrical systems (the majority
of modern automobiles, RVs, trucks and boats are negative ground). Reverse
polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause
permanent damage to the inverter and will void warranty.
2. This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that
produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens and toasters.
3. Grounding the neutral will cause the inverter to shut down. DO NOT operate
this inverter if it is wet. DO NOT install in engine compartment - install in a
well ventilated area.
4. This inverter is not for use with medical devices.
IMPORTANT CABLE INFORMATION
Substantial power loss and reduced battery operating time results from
inverters installed with cables that are not able to supply full power. Symptoms of
low battery power can result from cables that are either excessively long or an
insufficient gauge. The installer/operator should be especially aware of the
requirements to maintain secure, tight, water-resistant electrical connections and to
provide for strain relief for DC cables and appliance wiring. Cable insulation must
be the appropriate type for the environment.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Your new Vector MAXX SST™ 175 inverter is one in a series of the most
advanced DC to AC inverters available today. With proper care and
appropriate usage, it will give you years of dependable service in your car,
truck, RV or boat.
The inverter supplies 175 watts of continuous power, with a 350 watt peak,
in the form of one household-type receptacle that is ready to deliver
110/120VAC power whenever and wherever you need it! The heavy-duty
inverter has enough power to run almost any household or electronic
appliance, including color TVs (up to 20"), TV/VCR combinations, laptop
computers, camcorders, cellular phones, camcorders, power tool chargers,
lamps and many more. Added safety features include automatic shutdown
and a low battery alarm to prevent damage to your battery.
This power inverter is configured with the latest soft start technology (SST™)
to improve inverter operation. Before introduction of soft-start, high start-up
currents from large inductive loads could shut down the inverter. Three
major features are incorporated in SST™. First, gradual voltage ramp-up
during inverter start-up. This eliminates failed cold starts under load.
Second, output that momentarily dips in voltage and quickly recovers to allow
large motorized loads to start. This eliminates most shutdowns from momentary
overloads. Last, the inverter automatically re-starts when an overload that
caused inverter shutdown is removed. Previously, manual reset was required.
2. CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS
FIGURE 1 details the front panel of the inverter. The front panel provides
two LED indicators. A green LED shows proper operation when lit. The red
LED shows inverter shutdown from overload, over voltage or over
temperature. Power is supplied through one grounded standard North
American outlet. The outlet accommodates either two or three pin AC
plugs. An ON/OFF switch turns the inverter circuitry ON and OFF.
The switch is used to force reset of inverter circuits if it is switched OFF,
then ON.
FIGURE 1
The backpanel (not shown) provides the DC power cord equipped with a
fused 12VDC plug.
1. RED SHUT DOWN LED
2. GREEN OPERATING LED
3. ONE 110/120VAC RECEPTACLE
4. ON/OFF SWITCH
3. HOW YOUR VECTOR INVERTER WORKS
The inverter converts low voltage DC (direct current) from a battery or other
power source to standard 110/120VAC (alternating current) household
power.
3.1 THEORY OF OPERATION
The inverter converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC
conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to
145VDC. The second stage, the actual inverter stage converts the high
voltage DC into 110/120VAC, 60 Hz AC. (See FIGURE 2).
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses modern high frequency power
conversion techniques that have replaced the bulky transformers found in
less technologically-advanced models. The inverter stage uses advanced
power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration.
FIGURE 2 - Theory of Operation
3.2 THE MAXX SST™ 175 OUTPUT WAVEFORM
The AC output waveform of the inverter is known as “modified sine wave”.
It is a waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave shape. This
type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and
switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and
motors. (See FIGURE 3).
The modified sine wave produced by the MAXX 175 inverter has an RMS
(root mean square) voltage of 110/120VAC, which is the same as
standard household power. Most AC voltmeters (both digital and analog)
are sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the RMS
value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the
waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not read
the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave correctly. They will read about 20
to 30 volts low when measuring the output of the inverter. For accurate
measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a true RMS reading
voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Fluke 77/99 series, Beckman
4410, or Triplett 4200.
12VDC TO
145VDC
CONVERSION
145VDC TO
110/120VAC
CONVERSION
Internal
Fuses
ONE AC
Outlet
12VDC
Input
110/120VAC, 60Hz
To AC Appliances
4
3
21
4
5

FIGURE 3 - Modified Sine Wave and Sine Wave Comparison
4. CONNECTIONS/ENVIRONMENT
4.1 POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS
The power source must provide between 10.5 and 15.5 volts DC and must
be able to supply the necessary current to operate the load. The power
source may be a battery or a well-regulated DC power supply. To obtain a
rough estimate of the current (in amperes) the power source must deliver,
simply divide the power consumption of the load (in watts AC) by 10.
Example: If a load is rated at 100 watts AC, the power source must be able
to deliver: 100 divided by 10 = 10 amperes
CAUTION: The MAXX 175 SST™ must be connected only to batteries
with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not
operate from a 6 volt battery, and will sustain permanent
damage if connected to a 24 volt battery.
4.2 CONNECTION TO POWER SOURCE
The inverter comes equipped with a 12VDC plug for connection to the
power source:
CAUTION : DO NOT use with positive ground electrical systems. (the
majority of modern automobiles, RVs, and trucks are negative
ground).
CONNECTING TO POWER SOURCE USING 12VDC PLUG:
The 12VDC plug is suitable for operating the inverter at power outputs up to
175 watts. The tip of the plug is positive and the side contact is negative.
Connect the Inverter to the power source by inserting the 12VDC plug
firmly into the 12VDC socket of a vehicle or other DC power source.
NOTE:
Most automobile 12VDC circuits use fuses rated at 15 to 20 amps
or greater. To operate at full 175 watts output, make sure the DC
power source can deliver 20 amps. A 15 amp circuit can only
deliver 150 watts from the inverter.
CAUTION: Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may
cause permanent damage to the inverter.
Loose connectors
may cause overheated wires and melted insulation. Damage
due to reversed polarity is not covered by our warranty.
4.3 CONNECTION TO LOAD
The inverter is equipped with a standard North American AC power
receptacle. Plug the cord from the equipment you wish to operate into the
AC receptacle. The green LED indicator lights to indicate that the inverter
is functioning. Make sure the combined load requirement of your
equipment does not exceed 175 watts.
The inverter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical
and electronic equipment in the manner described above.
DO NOT connect the power inverter to household or RV AC
distribution wiring.
DO NOT connect the power inverter to any AC load circuit in which the
neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the
DC (battery) source.
WARNING: Do not connect to AC distribution wiring.
CAUTION: RECHARGEABLE APPLIANCES
Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be recharged by
plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These devices may
damage the inverter.
DO NOT use the inverter to recharge items that can be plugged directly
into an AC receptacle.
This problem does not occur with the majority of battery-operated
equipment. Most of these devices use a separate charger or transformer
that is plugged into an AC receptacle. The inverter is easily capable of
running most chargers and transformers.
4.4 PLACEMENT OF THE INVERTER
For best operating results, the inverter should be placed on a flat surface,
such as the car floor, or other solid surface. The power cord allows easy
positioning of the inverter.
The inverter should only be used in locations that meet the following
criteria:
DRY - Do not allow water and/or other liquids to come into contact with
the inverter.
COOL - Ambient air temperature should be between 30 degrees F (-1
MODIFIED
SINE WAVE
110/120VAC
SINE WAVE
110VAC
7
6

degree C) non-condensing, and 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). DO NOT
place inverter on or near a heating vent or any piece of equipment which
is generating heat above room temperature. Keep the inverter away from
direct sunlight if at all possible.
VENTILATED - Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure
unrestricted air circulation. DO NOT place items on or over the inverter
during operation. A fan is helpful if the inverter is operating at maximum
power outputs for extended periods of time.
SAFE - DO NOT use the inverter near flammable materials or in any
locations that may accumulate flammable fumes or gases.
5. OPERATING TIPS
5.1 RATED VERSUS ACTUAL CURRENT DRAW OF EQUIPMENT
Most electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels
that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the
power consumption of the item you wish to operate is rated at 175 watts
or less. (If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply by
the AC volts to determine the wattage). The inverter has overload
protection, so it is safe to try to operate equipment rated at 175 watts or
less. The inverter will shut down if it is overloaded. The overload must be
removed before the inverter will restart. Resistive loads are the easiest for
the inverter to run. However, larger resistive loads, such as electric stoves
or heaters, usually require more wattage than the inverter can deliver on a
continuous basis. Inductive loads, such as TV’s and stereos, require more
current to operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating.
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. The most demanding in this category are
those that start under load, such as compressors and pumps. Testing is the
only definitive way to determine whether a specific load can be started and
how long it can run. The unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To
restart the unit after a shutdown due to overloading, remove the overload
and if necessary turn the power switch OFF then ON.
CAUTION: This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or
equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave
ovens and toasters.
5.2 BATTERY OPERATING TIME
With a typical vehicle battery, a minimum operating time of 2 to 3 hours
can be expected. In most instances, 5 to 10 hours of operating time is
achievable. However, Vector recommends that the operator start the vehicle
every 2 to 3 hours to recharge the battery system. This will guard against
any unexpected shut-down of the equipment and will ensure that there is
sufficient battery capacity to start the vehicle’s engine. The inverter will
sound it’s alarm when DC voltage drops to 10.6 volt.
The inverter may be used whether or not the vehicle’s engine is running.
However, the inverter may not operate while the engine is starting since the
battery voltage can drop substantially during cranking.
The inverter draws less than 0.4 ampere from the battery when it is not
supplying power to a load and power switch is in the ON position. In most
i nstances, the inverter can be left connected to the battery when not in use,
make sure power switch is in the OFF position. However, if the vehicle is to
remain unused for several days, disconnect the inverter from the battery.
6. PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF THE INVERTER
Your inverter monitors the following potentially hazardous conditions:
LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE - This condition is not harmful to the inverter but
could damage the power source.
An alarm will sound when the voltage from
the battery drops to 10.6 volts. This is an indication that the battery needs to
be recharged. The user should stop operation of the electronic device at this
time since the inverter will shut down automatically shortly thereafter, when
the battery voltage drops to 10 volts. Start your engine to recharge the
battery.
OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION - The inverter will automatically shut down
when the input voltage exceeds 15.5 VDC.
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION - The inverter will shut down. Remove the
short circuit and the inverter will auto reset.
REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION - The inverter’s internal fuses will blow.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION - The inverter will automatically shut down
when the continuous draw exceeds 175 watts, and the inverter will auto
reset.
OVER TEMPERATURE PROTECTION - If the temperature inside the
inverter is too high , the unit will automatically shut down. Allow the unit to
cool for at least 15 minutes before restarting after a heat-related
shutdown. Unplug unit while cooling.
LOW BATTERY ALARM - An alarm will sound when the voltage from the
battery drops to 10.6 volts. This is an indication that the battery needs to be
recharged. The user should stop operation of the electronic device at this time
since the inverter will shut down automatically shortly thereafter, when the
battery voltage drops to 10 volts. Start your engine to recharge the battery.
If the low voltage alarm sounds when the battery is fully charged, follow
the steps for solving lack of output power in the Troubleshooting Guide. The
9
8

alarm will sound when the inverter is overloaded, in thermal shutdown, or
if there is an excessive voltage drop between the battery and inverter.
NOTE: It is normal for the alarm to sound while the unit is being connected
to, or disconnected from, the power source. This is not indicative
of a problem.
7. COMMON PROBLEMS
“BUZZING” SOUND IN AUDIO SYSTEMS:
Some inexpensive stereo systems and “boom boxes” emit a buzzing sound
from their speakers when operated from the power inverter. This occurs
because the power supply in the electronic device does not adequately filter
the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. The only solution to this
problem is to use a higher quality sound system that incorporates better
filtering electronics.
TELEVISION INTERFERENCE:
The inverter is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals. However,
in some instances, some interference may still be visible, particularly with
weak TV signals. Try the following corrective measures:
• Position the inverter as far as possible from the television, the antenna
and the antenna cables. Use an extension cable, if necessary
• Adjust the orientation of the inverter, the antenna cables and the TV
power cord to minimize interference
• Make sure that the antenna feeding the television provides an adequate
(“snow free”) signal and that high quality, shielded antenna cable is used
8. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:
TABLE 1 - INVERTER POWER SWITCH TURNED ON
TROUBLE/ INDICATION POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED REMEDY
No AC output – DC input below 10 volts Recharge or replace
red LED lit battery
No AC output – Excessive appliance Reduce load-wait for
red LED lit load-thermal shutdown inverter to cool. Turn OFF,
then turn ON
No AC output – External/internal Contact technical support
fuses open toll free 866-584-5504
Low battery alarm Bad connection or wiring Tighten all DC connections
sounds continuously
Low battery Low battery voltage Recharge battery.
alarm sounds Remove load from inverter
while recharging battery
Motorized power tool Excessive start-up load Do not connect
won’t start
Television/radio Snow in picture, buzz Keep inverter and antenna
interference in speaker distant from each other.
Use shielded antenna
cable. Connect antenna
to amplifier
10 11

11. WARRANTY
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product,
and it sets forth all the responsibilities of Vector Manufacturing, Ltd.,
regarding this product. There are no other warranties, other than those
described herein.
This Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. product is warranted, to the original
purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for two
years from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty
does not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Vector Manufacturing,
Ltd. will not be responsible for any amount of damage in excess of the retail
purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and
consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this
warranty.
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not
apply to accessories or damage to units from misuse or incorrect
i nstallation. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity
power sources.
RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may
be returned postage prepaid to Vector Manufacturing. Any defective
product, other than accessories, that is returned to Vector Manufacturing
within 30 days of the date of purchase may be replaced free of charge . If
such a product is returned more than 30 days but less than two years from
the purchase date, Vector Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its
option, replace it free of charge.
If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be
used, at Vector Manufacturing’s option. A unit may be replaced with a new
or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or
replaced unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of
the warranty period.
The customer is responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items.
During the warranty period, Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will be responsible
for the return shipping charges.
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and
batteries, defects resulting from normal wear and tear (including chips,
scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage or exposure to
sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility,
alterations, unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to
follow instructions for care and maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God.
9. FUSE REPLACEMENT
This inverter is equipped with a fuse that is located inside the inverter.
Normally, this fuse will not blow unless there is a serious problem inside.
The fuse is replaceable, however, Vector recommends contacting
Technical Support for guidance. Based on experience, it is best to return the
unit to Vector for repair. VV
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. You may also e-mail us
by going to our website at www.vectormfg.com.
10. SPECIFICATIONS
Output Connection ..............One North American Standard Receptacle
Output Voltage ................................Approx 110/120VAC RMS 60 Hz
Output Current ....................................................................1.6 amps
Output Waveform ..................................Modified Sine Wave (filtered)
Input Voltage Range ................................................10.5 to 15.5VDC
Low Voltage Alarm ..............................................................10.6VDC
Low Voltage Shutdown..........................................................10.0VDC
No Load Input Current..........................................................0.4 amps
Input Fuse ..............................................................................Internal
Input Cable ..................................One 12VDC plug (up to 175 Watts)
Protection ..........Over volt, overload, over temp, short circuit, auto reset
Length ........................................................................5 in. (12.7 cm)
Width ....................................................................4.5 in. (11.4 cm)
Height ..................................................................1.75 in. (4.45 cm)
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© 2004 VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312 MADE IN CHINA