Wagan AC Inverter User manual

Item no. 20072
User’s Manual
3000 Watt AC Inverter
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3000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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Thank you for purchasing this 3000 Watt DC to AC Power Inverter by Wagan Tech. With
minimal care and proper treatment it will provide years of reliable service. Carefully
read, understand and comply with all instructions before use. Keep this manual for future
reference.
About This Inverter.
This power inverter converts 12 volts, direct current (12VDC) to 115 volts alternating
household current (115VAC). It easily powers TV/VCR combinations, microwave ovens,
refrigerators, and small air conditioners. It also operates at highest efficiency (up to 90%)
that results in longer running time and extended battery life compared to other inverters with
this level of power output.
This inverter has the highest surge capability in its class. Superior surge capability allows
the inverter to start the most difficult motorized loads. Advanced microprocessor-controlled
circuits run cooler and are more reliable than competing units.
General Instructions:
Keep the inverter away from any direct heat source or combustible materials.
Keep well ventilated – this device generates heat.
Keep the inverter away from combustible gases.
Do not continuously operate any equipment over 3,000 watts.
This inverter is designed to operate from a 12 volt DC power source only.
Do not attempt to connect the inverter to any other power source, including any AC
power source.
Incorrect battery polarity will damage the inverter and void the warranty.
Keep this inverter in a dry environment.
Do not open the inverter; there are no user serviceable parts inside.
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User’s Manual—Please read before using this equipment.
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Load Considerations
When an appliance with a motor starts, it requires an momentary surge of power. This surge
of power is the “starting load” or “peak load”. Once started, the appliance requires less
power to continue to operate. This is known as the “continuous load”. It is important to know
the starting loads and the continuous loads of the appliances that are to be powered by the
inverter.
Appliance power is rated in watts. This information is usually stamped or printed on most
appliances and equipment. In some cases, a tool will be rated in amperes. To convert
from amps to watts, multiply: Amps x 115 (AC voltage) = Watts. This formula yields an
approximation of the continuous wattage load of that appliance.
The startup load of an appliance is a major factor of whether this inverter can power it.
Startup load is momentary. With many appliances, it is approximately twice the continuous
load but some appliance startup loads can be as high as eight times the continuous load.
To determine if an appliance or tool will operate with this inverter, run a test. This inverter
will automatically shut down in the event of an output overload, so there is no danger of
damaging either the inverter or the equipment. When lit, two LED indicators signal a reason
why the inverter is shut down.
This inverter may not properly operate some appliances with either speed control features
or dimmer controls. Some appliance GFCI power cords will not operate properly while
powered by this inverter. Again, the only way to be sure of proper operation is to try it.
If an appliance within the 3,000 watt range will not operate properly and the LED indicator
turns ORANGE in color from GREEN, it’s likely that the inverter system does not have the
required output to operate that appliance.
SAFETY WARNING
THE INVERTER OUTPUT CAN BE LETHAL. IMPROPER USE OF THIS INVERTER MAY RESULT
IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.
© 2008 Wagan Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

3000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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Front Panel
The Front Panel view shows the inverter’s ON/OFF Switch, Indicators, direct wiring High
Current Terminals, four AC Outlets and optional Remote Switch Connector.
ON/OFF Switch.
This switch controls operation of the inverter.
Error LED (Shutdown LED)
This indicator turns RED as the inverter shuts down. Immediately turn off appliances if this
occurs.
If the inverter experiences the following conditions, it will automatically shut down:
Overheat, Overload and Ground Fault (leakage to sense circuit)
ON/OFF
Switch
Over Temp
LED
Overload
LED
High Output
Terminals
LED Display
Two 115V
AC Outlets
Remote
ON/OFF
Switch
Connection
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User’s Manual—Please read before using this equipment.
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Over Temp LED
Internal high speed cooling fans automatically turn on when the inverter requires additional
cooling. The inverter may overheat when it is being used in a location that does not allow
adequate ventilation. If the continuous power requirement of the appliance(s) being operated
exceeds 3,000 watts, the inverter will overheat. The Over Temp LED will turn RED and the
inverter will automatically shut down. If this occurs, turn OFF the inverter and determine the
cause of the overheat condition before turning the inverter ON.
Digital Display
The inverter is equipped with a digital LCD display to diagnose system operations if there
are problems. The display will continuously change every 20 seconds to show:
DC input voltage (nominal 12.5VDC)
AC output voltage (nominal 115VAC)
Watts delivered to the AC load.
DC voltage reading is the measurement of the voltage between the DC input terminals of
the inverter, not the actual battery voltage. During high wattage applications the display
may show a lower voltage level than the battery because of the voltage drop that occurs
between the input cables and the battery. This voltage drop should not be excessive as this
will seriously reduce run time. This inverter will operate with an input voltage ranging from
11 to 15 Volts of direct current (DC). If the inverter input voltage level falls below 10.5 Volts
DC, an audible alarm will sound. Should the voltage drop below 10 Volts DC, the inverter
will automatically shut down.
During charging from a generator, solar panel or AC powered charger, the battery voltage
will be higher than when it is resting. This inverter will shutdown if the input voltage is 15
Volts. It will shut down automatically if this occurs. However, in some rare cases voltages
greater than 15 may cause damage to the inverter. Damage caused by excessive voltage
input is not covered under warranty.
Two 115VAC Outlets.
Each outlet will supply 15 Amps 115VAC maximum for powering appliances. Greater than
1,650 watts continuous power from an outlet may cause damage to the inverter and cause
possible injury.
High Output AC Terminals
There are three insulated terminals on the front panel of the inverter. These terminals are for
connecting 115 volt AC devices that require more than 15 amps to operate. Other uses are
for connection to distributed wiring that has multiple AC outlets. Any wiring that is directly
connected must be 10 gage or larger. Facing the Front Panel terminals are:
Left Middle Right
Neutral Hot Ground
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© 2008 Wagan Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

Sine Wave
3000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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Neutral and Ground are bonded inside the inverter to comply with the National Electric
Code (NEC) requirement that any AC source must have a Neutral to Ground connection.
Remote On/OFF Switch Connection
An optional cable and switch assembly provides a convenient Remote On/Off feature.
Contact your dealer for ordering information.
Power Inverter Output Waveform
This inverter’s AC output is a Modified Sine Wave (MSW) 115 volts AC. The comparison of
Modified Sine Wave and household AC is shown in the figure below.
This modified sine wave has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 115 volts. Most ordinary
AC voltmeters are calibrated to read “average” voltage and assume that the AC waveform
will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly read MSW voltage, and will display
about 20 to 30 volts too low. Any multi-meter identified as “TRUE RMS” will accurately read
MSW correctly. With this inverter, however, you can rely on the digital display for accurate
AC readings.
Inverter Output Characteristics — Sense Line
The high output terminals and outlets of this inverter are wired differently from household
wiring. The “ground” connection (the round connection on an outlet) is a “sense line” that
will shut down the inverter if a short circuit to “ground” occurs. The two “blade” connections
on an outlet are “hot”.
The sense line triggers shutdown if either “hot” terminal (the two flat connections on an
outlet) has an electrical path to the sense line. If this happens, it is reasoned that there must
be a short circuit to “ground” and the inverter will shut down. The inverter’s ERROR LED will
light to indicate this shutdown condition. The sense line can shut down the inverter with a
leakage of 5 mA or less.
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Neutral Neutral
Hot Hot
Ground
Ground
Hot Sense
Hot Hot
Sense
Hot
Household
Inverter
User’s Manual—Please read before using this equipment.
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This sense line action is a safety function similar to GFCI. However, GFCI is a mechanical
interruption, not an electronic shut down. GFCI and the sense line can activate with a
leakage of 5 mA or less. Automatic shutdown is an important safety feature, especially in
applications near water.
Note that some older appliance power cords or outlets may have the ground pin connected
to the “neutral” connection. This connection will keep the inverter in a shut-down condition.
The appliance ground connection must be isolated from the neutral plug connection for the
inverter to operate.
CAUTION: CONNECTING THE “SENSE LINE” TO GROUND OR TO EITHER “HOT”
TERMINAL WILL KEEP THE INVERTER IN A SHUTDOWN CONDITION
Terminal and Outlet Diagram
© 2008 Wagan Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

3000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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High-Speed Cooling Fans
The fans automatically operates when the internal temperature of the inverter requires
additional cooling.
Negative DC (−) Input and Positive DC (+) Input Terminals
Both the Negative and Positive DC terminals are insulated to protect from accidental short
circuits.
Rear Panel
High-Speed
Cooling Fans
Negative (−) DC
Input Terminal
Positive (+) DC
Input Terminal
Ground
Terminal
(Fuses are on
the side of the
inverter)
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User’s Manual—Please read before using this equipment.
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Ground Terminal
This connection is for connecting to a 6 gage insulated ground wire. Do not directly connect
this ground connection to the Negative DC terminal. This is described in the installation
procedure.
Fuse Covers
Mounted on side panels of the inverter, these Fuse Covers are for gaining access to fuses
that protect circuits internal to the inverter.
Planning the Inverter System
Any large wattage inverter system requires planning before installation. There are several
steps to the planning process so the user must determine the following:
Maximum inverter wattage required.
Operating time (run time) needed between battery recharges.
Battery bank capacity in amp-hours.
Charger requirement to charge batteries within a practical time.
Distance between battery bank and inverter.
Determining Maximum Appliance Wattage
Maximum AC appliance wattage is the first factor in planning battery and charging systems.
Some background:
Large microwave oven specifications list cooking power (watts) and appliance power.
Appliance power is the AC load the inverter has to supply.
Most other electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels that list the
unit’s power requirements in watts. If the tool or device is rated in amps, multiply the amps
by 115 (115VAC) to determine the watts. For example, a power tool rated at 4 amps will
draw 460 watts. Determine the wattage of each appliance you need to simultaneously
operate. Add all of the appliance wattages to obtain an estimated “total watts” number.
Remember to consider the startup surge that motorized appliances will cause. Do not exceed
the surge rating of this inverter (6,000 watts) this can cause immediate overload shut down.
At 3,000 watts continuous output this inverter requires a DC power supply (battery bank)
that can continuously supply 300 amps at 12VDC for the duration of the run time.
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© 2008 Wagan Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

3000 Watt AC Inverter by Wagan Tech
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Configuring The Battery Bank
To determine the minimum battery ampere-hour rating that you will need to operate
appliances from the inverter and any DC appliances powered by the battery bank, follow
these steps:
List the maximum continuous wattage that the inverter has to supply.
Estimate the number of hours the appliances will be in use between battery
recharges. This will vary depending on appliances. For example, a typical home-
use coffee maker draws 500 watts during its brew time of 5 minutes. It maintains
the temperature of the pot, requiring 100 watts. Typical use of a microwave oven
is only for a few minutes. Some longer operating time appliances are lamps, TVs,
computers and refrigerator/freezers.
Determine the total watt-hours of energy needed. This is done by multiplying
average power consumption in watts by hours of run time. For example: 1,500
watts for 10 hours = 15,000 watt hours. To get an estimate of the maximum current
(in amps) that a battery bank must be capable of delivering to the inverter, divide
the load watts by ten. For example a 1,500 watt appliance load will need 150
amps at 12 volts DC. Using the 1,500 watts (or 150 Amps) for 10 hours example as
above, then 150 amps is needed for 10 hours. This provides us with the basic amp-
hours (Ah) of battery that is required. Ten hours at 150 amps equals 1,500 Amp-
hours (Ah). This answer is just a beginning because there are additional factors that
determine actual run time. These include:
AC appliance load and time in use (basic Ah).
Cable gage and length (cable losses).
Charge level of the batteries (between use, chargers have to be able to
fully charge the batteries).
Temperature of the batteries (colder batteries provide fewer amps).
Age and condition of the batteries (older batteries lose Ah capacity).
Compliance with turning off unnecessary AC loads.
Use of DC appliances and compliance with turning off unnecessary DC
loads.
Derating The Battery Bank
Most lead-acid batteries have a rating expressed in amp-hours (Ah). The most common
rating of Ah is “at the 20 hour rate”.
NOTE: Despite several internet explanations, there is no relationship between Cold Cranking
Amps (CCA) and Ampere Hours (Ah).
For example; if a 20 Ah battery is discharged at a 1 amp rate, is will take 20 hours to
discharge that battery. The terms “charged” and “discharged” relate to actual battery
voltage. This means that the output voltage of a nominal 12 volt battery starts at 13.2 volts
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