WINDY NATION VertaMax PIN-0500-12M User manual

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VertaMax
500 Watt Power Inverter Series
PIN-0500-12M – Modified Sine Wave
PIN-0500-12P – Pure Sine Wave
User’s Manual

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VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1
Table of Contents
1Introduction .................................................................................................................3
1.1 Features ..........................................................................................................3
1.2 Safety Information............................................................................................4
1.3 Specifications...................................................................................................4
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications........................................................................................4
1.3.2 Physical Specifications.........................................................................................4
2Installation ...................................................................................................................4
2.1 Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions .......................................................................5
2.2 Mounting..........................................................................................................5
2.3 Grounding........................................................................................................5
2.4 Connections.....................................................................................................5
3Operation ....................................................................................................................7
3.1 Power ..............................................................................................................7
3.1.1 Power ON ............................................................................................................7
3.1.2 Power OFF .......................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 USB Power Port...................................................................................................8
3.2 Protection – Alarms..........................................................................................8
3.2.1 Over Input Voltage ...............................................................................................8
3.2.2 Low Input Voltage ................................................................................................ 8
3.2.3 Power Overload ...................................................................................................8
3.2.4 Over Heating........................................................................................................ 8
3.2.5 Short Circuit .........................................................................................................9
3.2.6 Functional Matrix..................................................................................................9
3.2.1 Fuse Replacement...............................................................................................9
4Application...................................................................................................................9
4.1 Power Consumption.........................................................................................9
4.2 Typical Power Consumption ..........................................................................10
4.3 Wire Gauge Reference ..................................................................................10
4.3.1 Ampacity Table .................................................................................................. 10
4.3.2 Wire Thickness ..................................................................................................11
4.4 Batteries ........................................................................................................11
4.4.1 Battery Life......................................................................................................... 11
4.4.2 Battery State of Charge (SOC)........................................................................... 11
4.4.3 Actual Battery Current Draw............................................................................... 11
4.4.4 Battery Capacity................................................................................................. 12
5Troubleshooting And Support ....................................................................................12
5.1 Maintenance & Care ......................................................................................12
5.2 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................13
5.3 Support ..........................................................................................................13
5.4 Warranty........................................................................................................14
5.4.1 Restrictions ........................................................................................................ 14
5.4.2 Warranty Claims & Return Procedures............................................................... 14
5.4.3 Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................14
5.4.4 Limitation of Liability........................................................................................... 15

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VertaMax User Manual
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1 INTRODUCTION
The VertaMax Power Inverter is a highly reliable product that uses advanced technologies for
high performance and stability. The VertaMax efficiently converts DC power from your vehicle,
boat, or directly from a dedicated 12V DC battery, into 115V AC power that is commonly used in
a wide variety of household AC items, such as computers, mobile phone chargers, radio, TV etc.
The VertaMax has many features that you would expect in very high-end inverters as well as all
the safety features that would be desired to protect your equipment.
The Inverter may be used for many different applications including Solar (PV) battery systems,
Wind Turbine battery systems, Recreational Vehicles, Boats, etc.
Please read this manual carefully before installing or using the inverter and keep it for future
reference.
1.1 FEATURES
Two AC Output Receptacles
Replaceable External Fuses
Power On/OFF Switch and LED indicator
USB Charging Port
Automatic Overload Protection
Low Voltage Shutdown Battery Protection
Short Circuit Protection
High Temperature Protection
Fault Indication
Load and Thermally Activated Cooling Fan
Alligator Clamps for quick input connections
1
Cooling Fan
6
AC Outlets [x2]
2
Replaceable Fuse [x2]
7
Fault LED
3
Grounding Terminal1
8
Power LED
4
DC Positive (+) Input
9
ON/OFF Switch
5
DC Negative (-) Input
10
Powered USB Port
1Not available on all models

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VertaMax User Manual
Revision 1
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully prior to use. Pay special attention
to the IMPORTANT and WARNING statements in the manual.
WARNING:
The VertaMax produces the same potentially lethal AC power as normal household outlets. It is
suggested that you treat it with the same precautions as a normal 115 VAC outlet.
Do not operate the VertaMax near flammable fumes or gases, such as in the cabin of a gasoline
powerboat, or near propane tanks.
Never work or service the AC wiring without disconnecting the DC Input connections.
Do not connect or disconnect batteries while the Inverter is operating from the battery supply.
Dangerous arcing may result.
Although the inverter has over-voltage protection, the input voltage should never exceed 15V.
Input voltages of 16VDC or more may permanently damage the inverter.
Due to high voltages inside the inverter, the inverter should never be opened when in use.
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.1 Electrical Specifications
Parameter
PIN-0500-12M
PIN-0500-12P
Continuous Rated Power
500 Watts
Peak Surge Power
1000 Watts
Input Voltage (Nominal)
12 – 13 VDC
Input Voltage (Min – Max)
11 – 15VDC
Output Voltage (Nominal)
115VAC (RMS)
Output Frequency (Nominal)
60 Hz
Output Waveform
Modified Sine Wave
Pure Sine Wave - THD<3%
Standby Current
<0.5A
<0.8A
USB Output
5 V @2.1A
Low Battery Voltage Alarm
10.5 VDC (+/-0.5VDC)
Low Battery Voltage Shutdown
10.0 VDC (+/-0.5VDC)
High Battery Voltage Shutdown
>15 VDC
Replaceable Fuse
30A x2
Efficiency
85-90%
1.3.2 Physical Specifications
Parameter
PIN-0500-12M
PIN-0500-12P
Dimension (L x W x H)
7.6” x 4.9” x 2.1”
(193mm x 124mm x 54mm)
8.5” x 4.9” x 2.8”
(215mm x 125mm x 70mm)
Unit Weight
1.8 lb. (0.83kg)
2.9 lb. (1.3kg)
Cooling
Auto Powered Fan
Operating Temperature
-5oC to 40oC
Storage Temperature
-20oC to 50oC
Operating Humidity
10 to 90% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Thermal Protection Shutdown
>65oC
2 INSTALLATION
Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating.
The VertaMax must be installed in an area that satisfies all of the following conditions:
1. Dry: Avoid any location where water can contact the inverter

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VertaMax User Manual
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2. Cool: Ambient air temperature between 23°F and 104°F (-5°C and 40°C)
3. Ventilated: Allow at least 6 in (150 mm) of clearance above and below and at least
1 in (25 mm) on each side for proper air flow.
4. Safe: Do not operate in a shared compartment with batteries or any flammable
substances, (e.g.: gasoline)
IMPORTANT:To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings.
2.1 ELECTROSTATIC (ESD) PRECAUTIONS
All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity. To minimize the likelihood of
electrostatic damage, discharge yourself by touching an electrical ground (e.g.: copper pipe) prior
to handling the unit and avoid touching components on the circuit boards. The risk of electrostatic
damage is highest when relative humidity is below 40%.
2.2 MOUNTING
Mounting is optional for the VertaMax; however, the environment must be dry and protected from
water.
1. The VertaMax can be mounted on a vertical or horizontal surface. If mounted
vertically, the unit should be oriented such that neither end is at the top so foreign
material cannot settle into the unit.
2. Install four user-supplied fasteners through the four inverter mounting slots and
into the mounting surface.
3. Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the inverter cannot slide in any direction.
WARNING: Do not mount on flammable surface material.
2.3 GROUNDING
The VertaMax is designed to work with grounded electrical systems by using a copper wire to
connect the grounding terminal on the VertaMax enclosure to earth ground or chassis ground.
The grounding terminal (if applicable) is located on the DC Input end of the inverter.
•Vehicle installations: Connect to the chassis of the vehicle.
•Boats installations: Connect to the boat’s grounding system
•Fixed land based installations: Connect to earth ground
Do not connect the system negative conductor to this terminal. NEC requires the use of an
external ground fault protection device (GFPD). The system electrical negative should be bonded
through a GFPD to earth ground at one (and only one) location. The grounding point may be
located in the solar/wind circuit or the battery circuit.
2.4 CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes, and should be
performed by a qualified electrician.
WARNING: Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (such as a generator or utility
power) to the AC wiring at the same time.
WARNING: Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit that has high-power consumption
loads. It will not operate electrical appliances that consume more than the units rated watts.
WARNING: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires
and melted insulation, which can lead to electrical fires.
WARNING: Reverse polarity connections (positive to negative) will blow internal fuses in the
inverter and may permanently damage the Inverter.
IMPORTANT: In addition to the protection provided by the Inverter’s internal fuses, NEC requires
a 50-amp UL-listed fuse in the battery’s positive DC cable as close to the battery as possible.