Battery Connection, Vehicular | Tripp Lite PV1800GFCI, PV3000GFCI

Battery Connection

Connect your Inverter to your batteries using the following procedures—always loosely twist each pair of cables (one positive and one negative) together:

Connect DC Wiring:

Connection to Two DC Terminals

The PV1800GFCI model includes two DC terminals; the PV3000GFCI model includes four DC terminals (two positive and two negative). For the PV3000GFCI model, it is recommended that both sets of terminals (4 wires) be used for the connection to the battery.

Regardless of the model, you must run positive cable(s) through user-supplied UL-listed fuse(s) and fuse block(s) of the proper size: PV1800GFCI—250 amp fuse, PV3000GFCI—500 amp fuse.

PV1800GFCI

PV3000GFCI

Length & Gauge of Cables

Although your Inverter is a high-efficiency converter of electricity, its rated output capacity is limited by the length and gauge of the cabling running from the battery to the unit. Use the shortest length and largest diameter cabling (maximum 00 gauge) to fit your Inverter’s DC Input terminals. Shorter and heavier gauge cabling reduces DC voltage drop and allows for maximum transfer of current. Your Inverter is capable of delivering peak wattage at up to 200% of its rated continuous wattage output instantaneously. Heavier gauge cabling should be used when continuously operating heavy draw equipment under these conditions. Tighten your Inverter and battery terminals to approximately 3.5 Newton-meters (2.58 foot lbs.) of torque to create an efficient connection and to prevent excessive heating at this connection. Insufficient tightening of the

An excellent source of cables are battery jumper cables. Output performance will decrease if you use only one jumper cable.

terminals could void your warranty.

Connection to Four DC Terminals

To obtain maximum output power from the PV3000GFCI model, it is recommended that you connect your battery to all four DC terminals. In this connection you must run 4 wires of equal length

between the inverter and the battery.

PV3000GFCI

Connect Ground:

Using a #8 AWG wire or larger, directly connect the Main Ground Lug to the vehicle's chassis ground or earth ground. See Feature Identification section to locate Main Ground Lug. All installations must comply with national and local codes and ordinances.

Connect Fuse:

NEC article 551 requires that you connect your Inverter’s positive DC Terminal(s) directly to a UL-listed fuse(s) and fuse block(s) within 18 inches of the battery. See diagrams below for proper fuse placement.

Max Distance From Battery to Unit (ft.)

Recommended

DC Fuse

AWG	0	00

1800W	17	22	250A

3000W	21	26	500A

WARNING! Never attempt to operate your Inverter by connecting it directly to output from an alternator rather than a battery or battery bank.

CAUTION! Observe proper polarity with all DC connections. Reversed polarity will cause internal damage to your Inverter.

Vehicular

Your Inverter’s Nominal DC Input Voltage must match the voltage of your battery or batteries—12 Volts in most vehicular applications. It is possible to connect your Inverter to the main battery within your vehicle’s electrical system. In many vehicular contexts, the Inverter will be connected to one or more dedicated auxiliary (house) batteries which are isolated from the drive system to prevent possible draining of the main battery.

1	12 Volt Alternator

2	Vehicle Battery Ground

3	12 Volt Main Battery

4	12 Volt Auxiliary (House)
	Battery

5	UL-Listed Fuses & Fuse
	Blocks (mounted within

1	2
	2	12 Volts

12 Volts

12 Volt Main Battery Connection—two DC terminals

3 7

12 Volt Inverter

Note: Connection to all four DC terminals is recommended to provide the maximum output power from PV3000GFCI models.

	18 inches of the battery)

6	Battery Isolator

7	Large Diameter Cabling,
	Maximum 00 Gauge to
	Fit Terminals

8	8 AWG (minimum)
	Ground Wire to Vehicle

1 6

12 Volts

2									12 Volts

	12 Volt Inverter
5	8
	8

2	12 Volts	3	Note: Connection to all four DC terminals
2			is recommended to provide the maximum
			output power from PV3000GFCI models.

Frame or Earth Ground

12 Volt Main and Auxiliary (House) Battery Connection (Isolated Parallel)—two DC terminals