MAGNUM ENERGY MS-GFCI Inverter Supply Instructions

MAGNUM ENERGY MS-GFCI Inverter Supply

Product Information

The MS-GFCI accessory is designed to allow the installation of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle directly on a Magnum inverter. This accessory features a duplex GFCI 20-amp rated outlet that can be easily wired and attached to the right side of the inverter. The GFCI outlet is equipped to quickly stop the flow of electricity in the event of a ground fault occurring on the device connected to the inverter. It is important to note that a GFCI receptacle does not protect against circuit overloads, short circuits, or electric shocks. Therefore, the MS-GFCI accessory can only be safely installed on a Magnum inverter that includes output branch-rated circuit protection. This integral output circuit protection is available on Magnum Energy’s MS2000-20B or MS2012-20B inverter/charger models.

Product Usage Instructions

Installation
To install the MS-GFCI accessory, follow these steps:

1. WARNING: Before starting the installation process, ensure that the inverter has integral output circuit protection (MS2000-20B or MS2012-20B models) to prevent overheating
   of wires and fire hazards.

2. WARNING: It is recommended that installations should be performed by personnel with knowledge of basic wiring principles and techniques, ability to interpret wiring diagrams,
   experience with circuit wiring, and willingness to test their work to ensure correct wiring of the GFCI receptacle.

3. WARNING: Prior to proceeding with the installation, de-energize all power sources to the inverter, including DC power (batteries, solar, wind, or hydro) and AC power (utility power or AC generator). Use a voltmeter to confirm that all power has been removed to prevent accidental shocks.

4. Tools Required: To install the GFCI outlet panel, you will need the following tools:

   • Phillips screwdriver (#8-32)
   • Voltmeter

5. Attaching the GFCI to the Inverter:

6. Remove the two Phillips screws (#8-32) that secure the existing AC access panel to the inverter. Retain these screws for attaching the GFCI outlet panel.

7. Connect the voltmeter between the AC HOT 1 OUT and the AC NEUT OUT terminals/wires. Ensure that there is no voltage present on any terminals/wires.

8. Connect the GFCI outlet’s 3 pre-stripped wires to the appropriate terminals/wires on the inverter. Refer to Figure 1 for MS2012-20B models or Figure 2 for MS2000-20B models.

9. Ensure each wire on the GFCI is correctly connected to the corresponding terminal/wire on the inverter. On MS2012-20B models, tighten each terminal to a maximum torque of 16 lbf-in (1.8N-m). On MS2000-20B models, use an appropriate wire connector to attach the GFCI wires to the inverter wires.

10. Attach the GFCI outlet panel to the inverter using the two Phillips screws previously removed. Take care not to pinch the wires.

Testing the GFCI Outlet

WARNING: A miswired GFCI may result in personal injury or death due to electrical shock. Exercise extreme caution when re-applying power to the inverter and during the entire GFCI testing process.

After installing the GFCI, it is highly recommended to test the GFCI outlet before using it. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual or consult a qualified electrician to ensure proper testing and functionality of the GFCI outlet.

Introduction

• The MS-GFCI accessory allows a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle to be installed directly on a Magnum inverter. This accessory includes a duplex GFCI 20-amp rated outlet that can be easily wired and attached to the right side of the inverter. The GFCI outlet quickly stops the flow of electricity in the event a ground fault occurs on the device that is plugged into the inverter.
• A GFCI receptacle does NOT protect against circuit overloads, short circuits, or shocks; therefore, the MS-GFCI accessory can only be safely installed on a Magnum inverter that includes output branch-rated circuit protection. This integral output circuit protection is only available on Magnum Energy’s MS2000-20B or MS2012-20B inverter/charger models.

Installation

The following pertains to attaching the GFCI accessory to the MS2000-20B or MS2012-20B inverter/charger models.

• WARNING: Installing the MS-GFCI accessory on an inverter with-out integral output circuit protection (i.e., not a -20B model) may cause the wires to overheat and cause a fi re.
• WARNING: Installations should be performed by personnel that understand basic wiring principles and techniques, can interpret wiring diagrams, have circuit wiring experience, and are prepared to take a few minutes to test their work to ensure the GFCI recep-tacle is wired correctly.
• WARNING: Before proceeding — to prevent accidental shock — do not touch any parts inside the inverter until all sources of power to the inverter are de-energized (i.e., breakers open, fuses removed). This includes all DC power (i.e., batteries, solar, wind or hydro) and AC power (utility power or AC generator). Use a voltmeter to ensure all power has been removed.

Tools Required
To install the GFCI outlet panel you will need:

• Flat blade screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• AC voltmeter
• Test lamp (rated at 120 VAC)

Attaching the GFCI to the Inverter

To wire the GFCI outlet to the inverter, follow these steps:

1. Remove the two Phillips screws (#8-32) that hold the existing AC access panel to the inverter (retain for attaching the GFCI outlet panel).

2. Connect the voltmeter between the AC HOT 1 OUT and the AC NEUT OUT terminals/wires. Ensure there is no voltage present on any terminals/wires.

3. Connect the GFCI outlet’s 3 pre-stripped wires as follows (refer to Figure 1 for MS2012-20B models, or Figure 2 for MS2000-20B models):
   MS-GFCI Instruction Sheet

   • Blue wire – connect to the inverter’s AC HOT 1 OUT terminal/wire
   • White w/black stripe wire – connect to the inverter’s AC NEUT OUT terminal/wire
   • Green wire – connect to the inverter’s AC GROUND terminal/wire

4. Ensure each wire on the GFCI is appropriately connected to the correct terminal/wire on the inverter.

5. On MS2012-20B models, tighten each terminal to a maximum torque of 16 lbf-in (1.8N-m).

6. On MS2000-20B models, use an appropriate wire connector to attach the GFCI wires to the inverter wires.

7. Attach the GFCI outlet panel to the inverter using the two Phillips screws you removed earlier. Make sure not to pinch the wires.

Once the GFCI is installed, it is highly recommended that you test the GFCI outlet before using it.

• Can the inverter also be wired to run AC loads directly from the inverter (i.e., hardwired) with the MS-GFCI accessory installed?
  • Yes, the inverter can also be hardwired to power loads directly from the inverter. However, because the GFCI receptacle looks for a balance of current flowing in a single hot conductor and a single neutral conductor, ensure all wiring is directly made from the inverter (either directly from the AC wiring terminal on MS2012-20B models, or from the pigtail wires on MS2000-20B models). There should not be any additional wiring made from the GFCI receptacle, this is to prevent nuisance GFCI tripping when a current imbalance occurs by sharing the neutral or hot wires on the GFCI. For information on hardwiring to the inverter, refer to your inverter’s owner’s manual.

Testing the GFCI Outlet

• WARNING: A miswired GFCI may result in personal injury or death due to a ground fault (electrical shock).
• WARNING: Exercise extreme caution when re-applying power to the inverter and during the entire GFCI testing process. A shock hazard may be present.

IMPORTANT: To properly test the GFCI’s operation, the inverter must be pro-viding ~120VAC to the GFCI outlet. If the inverter is “Searching”, the Search mode feature must be turned off to allow the inverter to provide ~120VAC.

To test the GFCI outlet:

1. Apply DC power to the inverter, and then turn the inverter on.

2. Plug the test lamp in to the GFCI outlet and turn it on. If the lamp comes on – proceed to Step 3. If it does not:

3. Ensure the GFCI’s RESET button (see Figure 3) is not “tripped” (the RESET button is tripped if the button is flush with the face of the TEST button). If fully pushing the RESET button does not cause it to light up, then the wire connections from the GFCI outlet to the inverter are not attached correctly, repeat Steps 3 and 4 of the installation; or,

4. Ensure the inverter is on and not in Search mode, or

5. Check the test lamp to ensure it is not faulty, or use a different test lamp.
   

6. Press the TEST button on the GFCI outlet. The RESET button immediately pop outs and the test lamp turns off. If this occurs, the GFCI accessory has been properly installed and is operating correctly – proceed to Step 4. If the above does not occur:

7. The RESET button does not pop out when the TEST button is pressed. The GFCI outlet is not operating correctly, repeat Steps 3 and 4 of the installation.

8. The RESET button pops out, but the test lamp does not turn off. This indicates you need to either:

  * check the blue AC HOT OUT wire and the white w/stripe AC NEUT OUT wire to ensure they were not reversed during installation (repeat installation Steps 3 & 4), or
  * check the HOT IN and NEUT IN wires to ensure they are not re-versed from the external AC power source

4. Apply an external AC power source (utility or generator) to the inverter’s AC input and repeat Steps 2-3 above. This ensures the GFCI is operating correctly when powered from an external AC power source.

Once the GFCI passes all tests, the installation is complete.

Operation

• The GFCI outlets provide auxiliary power to 120V AC devices that require 20 amps or less. If you are using both GFCI outlets at once, the amperage can-not exceed a total of 20 amps for both devices combined. Use only a 3-prong grounded plug when using the GFCI outlets.
• Because GFCI outlets can become damaged over time, they must be tested monthly to ensure they are providing protection.

To clear a tripped GFCI:

1. Some faults are self-clearing, try resetting the GFCI outlet by pressing the RESET button.
2. If the RESET button will not stay in, ensure the inverter is not in Search mode*.
3. If the GFCI outlet continues to trip, the device is performing its intended protection function; which means that a hazardous condition could exist. A qualifi ed electrician should be called to evaluate the circuit.

• The RESET button will not reset if the inverter is “searching”. Use a remote control to turn off the Search feature.

©2012 Magnum Energy, Inc.

Documents / Resources

| MAGNUM ENERGY MS-GFCI Inverter Supply [pdf] Instructions
MS-GFCI Inverter Supply, MS-GFCI, Inverter Supply, Supply
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