Safety Precautions and Installation Tips for Inverters

A power inverter changes direct current (DC) power from a battery, usually 12V or 24V, into conventional mains alternating current (AC) power at 230V. This means that you can use one to operate all kinds of devices ... electric lights, kitchen appliances, power tools, TVs, radios, computers, to name but a few.

Small Inverters (up to 500W)

Most leisure and marine batteries will provide an ample power supply for 30 to 60 minutes even when the engine is off. Actual time may vary depending on the age and condition of the battery, and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated by the inverter. If you use the inverter while the engine is off, you should start the engine every hour and let it run for 10 minutes to recharge the inverter battery.

Larger Inverters (500W and above)

We recommend you use deep cycle batteries which will give you several hundred complete charge/discharge cycles. If you use the normal vehicle starting batteries they will wear out after about a dozen charge/discharge cycles. If you do not have a deep cycle battery, we recommend that you keep the engine of your vehicle running whilst using the power inverter. When using the inverter with a deep cycle battery, start the engine every 30 to 60 minutes and let it run for 10 minutes to recharge the inverter battery.

Appliance Cautions:

• DO NOT use an inverter to directly recharge nickel-cadmium batteries through appliances. Always use the charger provided with that appliance.
• DO NOT plug in battery chargers for cordless power tools if the charger carries a warning that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.
• Some fluorescent lamps may not be fully compatible with an inverter. If the lamp appears to be too bright, flickering or fails to light up at all, do not use the lamp with an inverter.
• Some fans with synchronous motors may slightly increase in speed (RPM) and increase in noise when powered by an inverter.
• Certain chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if plugged into a modified sine wave inverter. In particular, two types of appliances are susceptible to modified sine wave:
• Small, battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, cordless razors and toothbrushes that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
• Certain battery chargers for battery packs that are used in some cordless hand-tools. Chargers for these tools have a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.
• DO NOT use modified sine wave inverters with the above two types of equipment.

Safety Warning:

240V of electricity can be lethal. Improper use of a power inverter will result in property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. Please read and follow carefully the instructions in the instruction manual provided with every inverter for important safety considerations and precautions.

General Safety Precautions and Installation Tips:

• Place the inverter on a reasonably flat surface, either horizontally or vertically.
• The inverter should not be installed in the engine compartment, due to possible water/oil/acid contamination, and excessive heat under the bonnet, as well as potential danger from petrol fumes and the spark that an inverter can occasionally produce. It's best to run battery cables to a dry, cool mounting location.
• Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. DO NOT operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or death.
• Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal operating temperature is between 10° and 30°C.
• In order to properly disperse heat generated while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated. While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
• DO NOT use the inverter near flammable materials.
•  DO NOT install inverters in unvented battery compartments.