Xantrex UX, Truck Series I, and Legend Series I Inverter/Charger Owner's manual

UX, TRUCK AND LEGEND SERIES

INVERTER/CHARGERS

Trace Engineering Company, Inc.

5916 195th NE

Arlington, WA 98223

Phone (360) 435-8826

Fax (360) 435-2229

Effective 8/27/97

PN: 3178

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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions as prescribed by Underwriters

Laboratories UL) specifications for inverters used in residential, commercial, and land vehicle

applications.

All 120 V

60Hz versions of the Legend and Truck models are UL listed to UL 458 covering

power inverters for land vehicles. The Export models meet the same requirements (although

the UL specifications may not be recognized in countries other than the U.S.). All 120VAC 60Hz

versions of the UX model are listed to the proposed UL1741 draft specification for residential

and commercial photovoltaic applications.

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1. Before using the inverter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings

on (a) the inverter/charger, (b) the batteries and (c) all appropriate sections of

this instruction manual.

2. CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony,

lead calcium, gel cell, or absorbed mat type rechargeable batteries. Other types of

batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

3. Do not expose inverter/charger to rain, snow or liquids of any type. The inverter is

designed for indoor mounting only. Protect the inverter from splashing when used in

vehicle applications. Do not mount the inverter in unventilated enclosures or in an

engine compartment.

4. Do not disassemble the inverter/charger — take it to a qualified Trace Service Center

when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric

shock or fire. Before using the inverter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary

markings in this manual and on the equipment.

5. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wiring before attempting any

maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the inverter may not reduce this risk. As long as

AC input power is present, the charger section will be operable (if installed) regardless

of the on/off switch position. Solar modules produce power when exposed to light -

disable or disconnect before servicing any connected equipment.

6. WARNING - WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.

BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION.

Provide ventilation to the outdoors from the battery compartment. Design the battery

enclosure to prevent accumulation and in “pockets” concentration of hydrogen gas at

the top of the compartment. Vent the battery compartment from the highest point.

7. NEVER attempt to charge a frozen battery.

8. No terminals or lugs are required for hook-up of the AC wiring. AC wiring must be no

less than 14 AWG (2.082 mm

) copper wire and rated for 75°C or higher. Battery

cables must be rated for 75°C or higher and must be no less than #2 AWG. Crimped

and sealed copper-ring terminal lugs with a 5/16 (8mm) hole must be used to connect

the battery cables to the DC terminals of the inverter/charger. Soldered cable lugs are

also acceptable.

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9. Torque all AC wiring connections to 20 inch-pounds (2.3 N-m). Torque all DC cable

connections to 12 foot- pounds (144 inch-pounds) (4.5 N-m).

10. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, use only input circuits provided with 40-ampere

branch circuit protection in accordance with the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA70.

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i. Someone should be within range of your voice to come to your aid when you work near

batteries.

ii. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing,

or eyes.

iii. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while

working near batteries. Wash your hands when done.

iv. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid

enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 15 minutes and

get medical attention immediately.

v. Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the

area of the batteries.

vi. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of a battery or generator.

vii. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto batteries. It could

short-circuit the batteries or other electrical parts producing a spark that could cause an

explosion.

viii. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when

working with a battery. A battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to

weld a ring or the like to metal, causing severe burns.

ix. If a remote or automatic generator-start system is used, disable the automatic starting

circuit, and/or disconnect the generator from its starting battery while servicing to

prevent accidental starting during servicing.

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Symbols used in this manual and on the inverter/charger are shown below:

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1) Tools required to make AC wiring connections: Wire strippers, ½” (13MM)

open-end wrench or socket, Phillips screw driver #2, slotted screw driver ¼”

(6MM) blade, and a torque wrench.

2) This inverter/charger is for use with a nominal battery-supply voltage of 12

VDC.

3) Instructions for shelf mounting: see the mounting instruction section of this

manual. For battery installation and maintenance: read the battery

manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions prior to operating. Do

not mount on or near flammable materials (Plywood, Chemicals, Gasoline,

etc.)

4) No AC or DC disconnects are provided as an integral part of this inverter. Both

AC and DC disconnects must be provided as part of the system installation.

5) No over-current protection for the battery supply is provided as an integral part

of this inverter. Over-current protection of the battery cables must be provided

as part of the system installation..

6) No over-current protection for the AC output wiring is provided as an integral

part of this inverter. Over-current protection of the AC output wiring must be

provided as part of the system installation.

7) Caution: To reduce the risk of fire, use only input circuits provided with 40-

ampere branch circuit protection in accordance with the National Electrical

Code, ANSI/NFPA70.

8) DC GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS - This inverter/charger must be connected

to a grounded, permanent wiring system. For most installations, the negative

battery conductor must be bonded to the grounding system at one (and only

one) point in the system. All installations must comply with national and local

codes and ordinances.

Figure 1, Common Electrical Symbols

Ground Conductor

Phase

AC Output

AC Input

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9) AC GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS – The T and the L versions of this

inverter/charger includes neutral ground switching for the AC electrical system.

The AC system in mobile installations must have the neutral isolated from the

grounding throughout the load distribution circuits. The UX version must have a

ground to neutral bond.

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Thank you for choosing Trace Engineering products to meet your alternative-energy power

needs. We make every effort to ensure that your inverter/charger is properly packaged for

shipping and includes all the materials requested. Every Trace inverter/charger is packaged

with the following materials:

q Owner’s Manual;

q Red and black battery terminal covers with attaching hardware;

q Hardware package for hardwire covers;

q Quick Setup Sheet;

q Declaration of Conformity (for export models only);

q Trace bumper sticker;

If any of the above listed materials are missing from your package, or if it is unsatisfactory in any

manner, please call Customer Service at 360-435-8826 or fax this page with your comments to

360-435-2229.

Model Number:

Serial Number:

Packaged by:

Package Date:

Comments:

Check out our web site at www.traceengineering.com for more information and answers to your

FAQ’s.

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PRODUCT MATERIALS PACKAGE.........................................................................VII

HOW AN INVERTER WORKS .....................................................................................1

AVE FORMS.............................................................................................................2

NVERTER WAVEFORM ................................................................................................3

EGULATION...............................................................................................................3

WHAT AN INVERTER CAN POWER...........................................................................5

ESISTIVE LOADS .......................................................................................................5

NDUCTIVE LOADS .......................................................................................................5

ROBLEM LOADS ........................................................................................................5

MODEL IDENTIFICATION ...........................................................................................7

ERIAL NUMBER .........................................................................................................8

FEATURES AND OPTIONS.........................................................................................9

XTENSIVE PROTECTION CIRCUITRY............................................................................9

EARCH MODE CIRCUITRY ..........................................................................................9

MPULSE PHASE CORRECTION.....................................................................................9

RUE RMS VOLTAGE REGULATION .............................................................................9

PTIONAL STANDBY BATTERY CHARGER...................................................................10

PTIONAL RC8 REMOTE ON/OFF..............................................................................11

PTIONAL EXTERNAL BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR.............................................13

OPERATING THE INVERTER ...................................................................................15

ONTROL PANEL.......................................................................................................15

ON/OFF C

ONTROL...................................................................................................16

EARCH SENSE MODE ..............................................................................................16

ENERATOR REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................20

ALL ABOUT BATTERIES ..........................................................................................21

ATTERY TERMINOLOGY ...........................................................................................21

ELECTING THE BEST BATTERY.................................................................................21

ARE AND MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................22

BATTERY BANK INSTALLATION.............................................................................25

OCATION.................................................................................................................25

NCLOSURES............................................................................................................25

EMPERATURE CONTROL..........................................................................................25

ABLING...................................................................................................................25

IZING......................................................................................................................26

STIMATING BATTERY REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................26

OOK-UP CONFIGURATIONS......................................................................................27

INSTALLING THE INVERTER ...................................................................................29

NVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................................29

OCATION.................................................................................................................29

OUNTING................................................................................................................29

AC W

IRING ..............................................................................................................30

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DC WIRING..............................................................................................................32

SYSTEM GROUNDING..............................................................................................35

QUIPMENT OR CHASSIS GROUNDS...........................................................................35

ROUNDING ELECTRODES / GROUND RODS ..............................................................35

ONDING THE GROUNDING SYSTEM...........................................................................35

ISABLING NEUTRAL GROUND SWITCHING.................................................................39

TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................................41

APPENDIX A: INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS AND TEMPLATES..............................43

NSTALLATION SCHEMATIC FOR STATIONARY BACKUP SYSTEMS .................................43

NSTALLATION FOR MOBILE UNITS WITH AC SUB PANEL.............................................44

NSTALLATION SCHEMATIC FOR MOBILE SOLAR SYSTEM.............................................45

MALL POWER BACKUP SYSTEM WITH SOLAR ARRAY ................................................46

RUCK MODEL INSTALLATION DIAGRAM.....................................................................47

UX/L/T I

NVERTER DIMENSIONS.................................................................................48

ULL SIZE MOUNTING TEMPLATE FOR RC8 REMOTE CONTROL ..................................49

APPENDIX B: TYPICAL BATTERY DRAW OF COMMON APPLIANCES...............51

APPENDIX C: WIRE CONVERSION AND GROUND WIRE SIZING TABLES........53

APPENDIX D: SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................53

APPENDIX E: PRODUCTS BY TRACE ENGINEERING ..........................................56

APPENDIX F: WARRANTY & LIFE SUPPORT POLICY ..........................................58

IMITED WARRANTY..................................................................................................58

IFE SUPPORT POLICY..............................................................................................59

ARRANTY PROCEDURE...........................................................................................60

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In its most basic form, an inverter transforms Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).

This section introduces some basic underlying concepts associated with inverters; describes

the theory of transformer operation; and compares wave-forms such as square waves,

modified sine waves, and sine waves.

Inductance

: When a current flows through an electrical conductor, it can induce a similar,

sympathetic current in any conductor adjacent to it; this is called “mutual inductance.” The

conductor inducing the current is the primary; the sympathetic conductor is the secondary. The

most common conductor used for this purpose is wound copper wire.

Transformer:

The principal component of nearly every inverter is one or more transformers. A

transformer consists of a number of windings of wire around a non-conductive bobbin

surrounded by a number of laminated sheet-iron plates called a “core.”

In a typical inverter transformer, one end of the primary coil is momentarily connected to the

positive (+) pole of a DC current source while the other end is connected to the negative (–)

pole of the same DC current source. This causes a DC current to flow from positive to

negative. The secondary winding has many more turns. When a DC current is passed

through the primary winding, a much weaker DC current is induced in the secondary winding,

but the voltage is increased. When the ratio of the number of turns between primary and

secondary winding is correct, 12 volts in the primary winding become 120 volts in the

secondary winding.

Polarity:

In order to transform DC current to AC current, the flow of the current through the

primary winding must stop and change directions to induce a similar change in the secondary

winding. This is accomplished by alternating the polarity of the primary winding. The end of

the primary winding connected to the positive pole is switched to the negative pole, and vice-

versa. The secondary winding reflects the change in direction while stepping-up the voltage,

thus producing alternating current from direct current.

Figure 2, Simplified Inverter Design

Current Flow

AC Output

Battery Negative

Closed -

Transistor Switch -

Open

- Transistor Switch -

Closed

Battery

Positive

Battery

AC Output

Battery

Positive

Current Flow

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Direct current flows from positive to negative and remains relatively constant in voltage;

therefore a graphic representation of such a current would be a flat horizontal line. The polarity

of alternating current changes with regularity, usually 120 times per second (a cycle is defined

as two changes in polarity; therefore 120 ÷ 2 = 60 cycles) while the voltage remains constant.

A waveform is a graphic representation of this alternating polarity and voltage. A typical AC

waveform (sine wave) shows the proportionately increasing and then decreasing voltage of

one polarity (from zero to 120 volts, for example) and then a similar voltage change of the

opposite polarity. See

Figure 3, Comparison of Output Waveforms.

There are three principal waveforms to consider: square wave, modified square wave (also

known as modified sine wave), and sine wave.

Square Wave: produced by instantly switching the polarity of a current while attempting to

maintain the voltage, theoretically resulting in a wave form as illustrated in

Figure 3

Comparison of Output Waveforms

Modified Sine Wave: produced by introducing a non-polar off-time between alternate polarity

resulting in a waveform illustrated in Figure One, below. The duration of the polarized voltage

and the neutral polarity off time (Pulse Width) can be regulated (modulated) in order to

maintain voltage at a constant level (RMS voltage).

Sine Wave: A smooth waveform created by proportionately increasing voltage and polarity as

illustrated in

Figure 3

Comparison of Output Waveforms

Figure 3, Comparison of Output Waveforms

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The output waveform of the Trace inverter is a modified sine wave. This waveform is suitable

for a variety of applications such as induction motors (i.e. refrigerators, drill presses), resistive

loads (i.e. heaters, toasters), universal motors (i.e. hand tools, vacuum cleaners) as well as

microwave ovens and computers. The waveform could be more accurately described as a

pulse-width-modulated square wave.

Figure 3,

“

Comparison of Output Waveforms,”

shows

the relationships between square wave, sine wave and modified sine wave formats.

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The inverter is RMS (Root Mean Square) regulated. RMS regulation ensures that resistive

loads will always have the same amount of power delivered to them as battery voltage

changes. Regulation is achieved by varying the width of each pulse. Peak voltage is the

product of the battery voltage times the turns ratio of the inverter’s power transformer and is

therefore not actively regulated.

The idea behind RMS regulation is to keep the area inside the waveform equal at all times

(see

Figure 2, Simplified Inverter Design)

. Since the peak voltage, or pulse height, is a

product of battery voltage and transformer ratio (as we learned previously), when the

peak voltage increases the area inside the pulse will increase if the pulse width remains

the same. With a square wave inverter nothing can be done about this RMS voltage

increase, but PWM control allows the width of the pulse to be narrowed, thus maintaining

a constant area inside the waveform (Figure 3B).

Conversely, if the battery voltage decreases the RMS voltage will also decrease if the pulse

width remains the same. In this situation, RMS voltage regulation may be achieved by

increasing the pulse width (Figure 3C).

Increase and decrease of pulse width is accomplished by controlling the on-and-off time of the

transistor switches. Realistically, there is a point where the zero time is no longer present as

the pulse width is increased, and essentially a square wave is present. Beyond this point the

RMS voltage becomes unregulated.

Figure 4, RMS Voltage Regulation Using Pulse Width Modulation

120 VAC

Peak

Shaded Area is equal for all three

figures so RMS voltage is equal.

ABC

Nominal Battery Voltage High Battery Voltage Low Battery Voltage

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Modified square wave inverters are a great improvement over square wave types. They offer

good voltage regulation, lower total harmonic distortion and better overall efficiency. Electric

motors operate much better from a modified square wave and most electronic equipment will

operate without problems. To measure the output voltage requires a true RMS reading meter.

A standard meter will erroneously read voltages.

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An inverter can power a wide variety of appliances, motors, and other electrical devices.

These have been categorized by the method the device employs to utilize electrical current,

known as a

load.

The characteristics of three types of loads are discussed on the following

pages: Resistive loads, inductive loads, and problem loads.

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These are the loads that the inverter finds the simplest and most efficient to drive. Voltage and

current are in phase (or, in this case, in step with one another). Resistive loads usually

generate heat in order to accomplish their tasks. Toasters, coffee pots and incandescent lights

are typical resistive loads. Larger resistive loads—such as electric stoves and water heaters—

are usually impractical to run off an inverter. Even if the inverter could accommodate the load,

the size of battery bank required would be impractical.

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Any device that has a coil of wire in it has an inductive load characteristic. Most electronics

have transformers (TV’s, stereos, etc.) and are therefore inductive. Typically, most inductive

loads are motors. The most difficult load for the inverter to drive will be the largest motor you

manage to start.

With inductive loads, the rise in voltage applied to the load is not accompanied by a

simultaneous rise in current. The current is delayed. The length of the delay is a measure of

inductance. The current makes up for its slow start by continuing to flow after the inverter

stops delivering a voltage signal. How the inverter handles current that is delivered to it while it

is essentially “turned off”, effects its efficiency and “friendliness” with inductive loads. The best

place for this out-of-phase current is in the load, and Trace’s “impulse phase correction”

circuitry routes it there.

Inductive loads, by their nature, require more current to operate than a resistive load of the

same wattage rating, regardless of whether power is being supplied by an inverter, a generator

or a utility power grid. Induction motors (motors without brushes) require two to six times their

running current on start-up. The most demanding are those that start under load e.g.

compressors and pumps.

Capacitor start motors, typical in drill presses, band saws, etc., require two to four times their

rated amperage in order to start the motor. Universal motors are generally easier to start.

Since motor characteristics vary, only testing will determine if a specific load can be started and

how long it can be run.

If a motor fails to start within a few seconds, or begins to lose power after running for a time,

turn it off. When the inverter attempts to start a load that is greater than it can handle, it will

turn itself off after about 20 seconds.

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Trace Engineering inverters can drive nearly every type of load. However, loads may behave

differently with an inverter than with public power in special situations. Our experience, and the

experience of many other inverter users, is provided herein. Due to the variety of load types

and internal changes made to these loads by the manufacturer, Trace cannot be responsible

for any loads that fail in your specific application.

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Very small loads - If the power consumed by a device is less than the threshold of the search

mode circuitry, it will not run. See the section on search mode operation for ways to solve this

problem.

Fluorescent lights & power supplies - Some devices when scanned by the load sensor

cannot be detected. Small fluorescent lights are the most common example. (Try altering the

plug polarity-turn the plug over). Some computers and sophisticated electronics have power

supplies that do not present a load until line voltage is available. When this occurs, each unit

waits for the other to begin. To drive these loads either a small companion load must be used

to bring the inverter out of its search mode, or the inverter may be programmed to remain at full

output voltage. See the section on search mode operation.

Microwave ovens- Microwave ovens are sensitive to peak output voltage. The higher the

voltage, the faster they cook. Inverter peak output voltage is dependent on battery voltage and

load size. The high power demanded by a full sized microwave will drop the peak voltage

several volts due to internal losses. Therefore, the time needed to cook food will be increased

if battery voltage is low. Some microwave models may not operate at all. Try it before you buy

it.

Clocks- The inverter’s crystal-controlled oscillator keeps the frequency accurate to within a few

seconds a day. However, external loads in the system may alter the inverter’s output

waveform causing clocks to run at different speeds. This may result in periods during which

clocks keep time and then mysteriously do not. Most clocks do not draw enough power to

trigger the load sensing circuit. In order to operate without other loads present, the load

sensing will have to be defeated (see

Search Mode Control

). Clock accuracy is also affected

by the accuracy of the generator.

Searching- If the amount of power a load draws decreases after it turns on, and if this “on”

load is less than the load sensing threshold, it will be turned alternately on and off by the

inverter.

Dimmer Switches- Most dimmer switches lose their ability to dim the lights and operate either

fully on or off.

Rechargeable Devices- Sears “First Alert



” flashlights may fail when charged by the inverter.

“Skil



” rechargeable products are also questionable. Makita



products work well. When first

using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for 10 minutes to ensure that it does not

become abnormally hot. That will be your indicator that it must not be used with the inverter.

Laser Printers- While many laser products are presently operating from Trace Engineering

inverters, and we have personally run a Texas Instruments Microlaser



and HP IIP



, we have

had reports of an HP III



and a MacIntosh



Laser Writer failing under inverter power. We do

not recommend the use of laser printers with inverters.

Electronics- AM radios will pick up noise, especially on the lower half of their band.

Inexpensive tape recorders are likely to pick up a buzz. Large loads must not be started while

a computer is operating off the inverter. If a load is large enough to require “soft starting” it will

“crash” the computer, causing it to “reboot”.

Low Battery Dropout - The inverter will turn off to protect itself if your battery bank cannot

deliver the necessary amperage to drive a particular load without falling below the low voltage

protection point for three seconds. With the inverter off, the battery voltage will rise and then it

will resume operation.

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Trace Engineering inverters are specifically designed to meet the growing demand for high-

reliability, high-quality inverters and chargers for alternative energy systems and truck

applications. This manual covers the UX, Truck, and Legend inverters with various options

and configurations. To determine the model and features of your inverter, check the model

number found on the identification placard on the inverter.

Consider the following model number for a unit with a UX1112 Model number:

UX 11

12 E,SB

Model Type Power Input Voltage Options

Model Type:

- Designates the use for which the particular unit is intended:

UX = Utility version inverters are designed for fixed residential alternative-energy

installations (with or without photovoltaic applications) and are housed in a white

enclosure;

T = Truck version inverters employ neutral ground switching and are housed in a

gray enclosure;

L = Legend version inverters employ neutral-to-ground switching and are

designed for recreational vehicle applications. They also have a white enclosure;

Power:

The second and third (if used) positions in the model number indicate the continuous

AC power output in hundreds of watts. Five hundred, 600, 1100, and 1400 watts are the

currently available power levels. In the example above, 11 would stand for an 1100-watt

continuous output inverter.

Input Voltage

: The number 12 following the power rating indicates an inverter/charger that is

designed to convert 12V

input to 120V

output, and charge 12V

batteries when powered

by 120V

Options

: The final one to three positions of the model number indicate the installed options,

which are listed here:

E = Export model with 230 V

, 50Hz output .

SB = includes a built-in, three-stage standby battery charger (standard on the

Legend version).

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Models that begin with ‘UX’ and end with ‘SB’ are backup power systems in permanent

structures such as homes and commercial buildings. These units are listed to UL1741 draft

specification for residential and commercial photovoltaic applications.

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All models with a ‘T’ or ‘L’ designator are for use in mobile applications. They feature 120 volt

AC, 60Hz output, and employ neutral ground switching. These units are designed to UL

specification 458, for power inverters used in mobile applications. When used in some

countries (such as Canada), you may be required to disable the neutral ground switching

feature. Local and national electrical codes will govern installation techniques and

requirements. See page 39, Disabling Neutral Ground Switching

for instructions on how to

disable the neutral ground switching feature.

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The unit identification placard on the front panel of the inverter/charger will show the serial

number, model number, and options installed. You will find the serial number, model number

and warnings on the identification and warning panel on the end plate of each unit.

Figure 5, Unit Identification Panel

Serial Number

AH = L Series

AR = T Series

AY = UX Series

Model Number and

Options

Date of Manufacture

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The UX, T and L series inverters are an advanced design with a combination of features not

available on other products regardless of cost.

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The inverter is protected from high-battery, low-battery, over-temperature and over-heating

conditions caused by overload or overcurrent. When the inverter senses one of these

situations, it will protect itself by disconnecting from the loads, and will signal an error condition

with rapid flashing of the green status LED.

The low-battery, high-battery, and over-temperature protection circuitry resets automatically. If

an over-heating condition continues for more than 20 seconds, the inverter will shutdown and

must be reset with the power button. If the error condition is remedied before the 20-second

period has elapsed, the inverter will automatically reset.

Remember that if the inverter shuts down, it is for a reason, usually a result of too many loads.

Reduce the loads and allow a cool-down period before attempting a reset. The optional

charger will not operate in case of an over-heating condition and will begin the charging

process anew.

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This circuit determines how much power the inverter draws when there are no loads. The

inverter’s transition from the no load state to full output voltage is fast, eliminating delays when

operating devices such as hand tools. Additionally, the threshold sensitivity of the search mode

is user adjustable, and it may be disabled.

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This circuitry improves the shape of the output waveform while the inverter is running reactive

loads. It allows the inverter to closely duplicate the characteristics of standard public power.

With this design approach, the limitations of the modified sine wave format are largely

overcome. Impulse phase correction has many benefits. The primary benefit is realized when

the inverter is running induction motors and fluorescent lights. Induction motors are commonly

used to run drill presses, fans, bandsaws, and other common loads.

When an inductive load is driven, it tries to return a large portion of the energy that it has

received. This returned energy can be thought of as going ‘backwards’ through the household

wiring to the motor, giving the motor an extra push and making it run smoothly. Impulse phase

correction provides a similar path for this ‘backwards’ energy. The UX, T, and L model

inverters will run small motors at full speed, start larger ones, and run both efficiently.

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With battery voltages from 11 to 15 VDC and power levels up to the continuous power rating,

the inverter will deliver true RMS regulated power. This insures that while battery voltages

and power levels change, the inverter will deliver the correct output voltage.

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Proper frequency regulation is assured with the use of a crystal. Battery voltage, power,

and temperature have no effect on the inverter’s operating frequency.

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The Trace inverter features a three-stage Standby Battery Charger (SB) option that

automatically recharges and maintains the system’s batteries at full charge. This section

describes three-stage charging and how to configure the charger for your battery bank.

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The UX, L, and T model inverter/chargers feature a three-stage battery charging and

maintenance program ³ Bulk, Absorption, and Float:

Bulk Stage: During the initial "Bulk Charge" stage, the inverter charges at a constant

current. This causes the battery voltage to rise over time. When battery-bank voltage

reaches the

Bulk Volts DC

setting, the charger starts the second or “Absorption” stage.

Absorption Stage: During this phase, the charge current gradually reduces while the

battery voltage is held constant for two hours at the

Bulk Volts

charge voltage (14.3 V

for sealed batteries, 14.7 V

for vented batteries). If the AC voltage drops below 90 V

during this stage, charging will be interrupted, and the charger will complete the

remainder of the absorption charging period when voltage once again exceeds 90 V

This ensures that the battery will be fully charged.

Float Stage: At this point the battery voltage is allowed to fall to the

Float Volts DC

setting, where it is maintained until another bulk-charge cycle is initiated. This reduces

gassing of the battery and keeps it fully charged. A new bulk-charge cycle is initiated

when AC power is reapplied to the AC input terminals.

Float Stage

Absorption StageBulk Stage

Float Voltage

Charging

Started

Max Charge

Amps Setting

Constant Voltage

Constant Current

Reduced Current and Voltage

DC Voltage

DC & AC Current

Bulk Voltage

80-90% Capacity

100% capacity

Two-Hour Absorption Period

Figure 6, Battery Charging Cycles

Xantrex UX, Truck Series I, and Legend Series I Inverter/Charger Owner's manual

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