Operation
Planning for AC Loads
AC load | AC load refers to an AC appliance you want to operate from the inverter/ | |
| charger. Loads include most appliances that you can plug into a standard | |
| 120 volt household electrical outlet. | |
Variables | The IP1012 AL inverter/charger can power a wide range of loads. The | |
affecting AC | size of the load and the length of time you can operate it depends on | |
loads | variables such as: | |
| • | type of load, |
| • | ambient temperature, |
| • size, state of charge, temperature, and condition of batteries. | |
The larger your battery capacity and the higher the state of charge, the longer the inverter/charger can run your AC loads. Battery capacity is reduced as battery temperature lowers.
Type of Loads
AC loads
| The way in which an AC load draws power may determine how |
| effectively it can be powered from the inverter/charger. |
Resistive loads | Toasters, coffee pots, and incandescent lights are examples of resistive |
| loads which do not need a high |
| a resistive heater element to generate heat or light. They are the simplest |
| and easiest loads for an inverter/charger to run. Large resistive loads, such |
| as electric stoves and water heaters, are impractical since their high power |
| requirements quickly drain the batteries. |
Inductive loads | TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, and electric motors (power tools, |
| vacuum cleaners, for example) are examples of inductive loads which |
| surge on start up. They require a high startup current compared to a |
| resistive load such as a toaster or coffee pot. Depending upon its size, the |
| motor can take as much as six times of its operating current to start than it |
| does to keep it running once it has started. This surge can sometimes |
| exceed the inverter/charger’s maximum output rating and the inverter will |
| shut down. |
