WAGAN 1250 Slimline Plus User Manual

WAGAN 1250 Slimline Plus

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing a Wagan Tech® Slimline™ Plus 1250 Power Inverter. With minimal care and proper treatment, it will provide years of reliable service.
In an industry where the actual wattage output varies so greatly, Wagan Tech is proud to introduce TrueRated Power™ technology. All our inverters feature TrueRated Power. That simply means power tested and rated at a period of 24 hours continuous usage under full load. Many competing products claim WAGAN-1250-Slimline-Plus-FIG-1 full output. We also build our inverters with High Peak Surge rating to support motorized appliance start up. Read and understand this manual before installing and operating this inverter. Keep this manual for future use.

FEATURES

• LED display panel shows the operating status of the inverter.
• Multiple AC outlets allow for more than one appliance to be powered at the same time.
• Mounting holes allow for safe stable installation.
• High Peak Power: Allows you to power appliances that require large initial start-up wattage.
• Low Battery Alarm: The inverter sounds an audible alarm then turns itself off if the battery voltage becomes too low.
• Auto Shutdown/Reset Protection: The inverter temporarily shuts itself down to protect itself from overheating.
• Overload/Short Circuit Protection: The inverter automatically turns itself off if the connected load is too large or if it shorts.

WARNINGS

• Do not attempt to open the inverter enclosure. High voltage inside the unit is the same type of power as your electrical outlets at home.
• Do not operate the inverter in or around water. The voltage of the unit makes it an electrical shock hazard if operated in wet conditions. Do not let any plugged in appliance’s cord get wet.
• Do not connect the AC inverter directly to another AC power source.
• Keep it away from children: The inverter produces power just like AC wall outlets at home and it should be treated seriously.

CAUTIONS

• Do not use the inverter in a positively grounded vehicle.
• Allow at least 2 inches of clearance around the inverter for air flow.
• If you operate the inverter in a moving vehicle, you need to secure the inverter to prevent it from shifting around while the vehicle is moving.
• If there is anything wrong with the inverter, disconnect all power.
• The following operations will damage and void the warranty of the inverter: ∗ Reversing polarity by connecting DC cables to incorrect terminals.
• Connecting the inverter to a power source greater than 15V DC

FRONT PANEL

ON/OFF Switch – Controls operation of the inverter.

Input and Output LED’s – When lit, indicate the measurement shown on the Input/Output Display.

Input/Output Display – Displays the input or output of inverter, or the corresponding Error Code in the event of malfunction. Display cycles between input and output approximately every 5 seconds.

ERROR CODES
See Troubleshooting section in the event of malfunction.E01| Low battery voltage (less than 9.5V)
---|---
E02| Over voltage (greater than 15V)
E03| Overload
E04| Over temperature
E05| Short circuit

REAR PANEL

All inverters described in this manual have two terminals for connecting battery cables. One terminal is the Positive (+) terminal [red]; the other is the Negative (−) terminal [black]. The Positive battery cable should have a Battery Protection Fuse installed within one foot of the battery connection. The negative cable can be directly attached to the negative battery terminal. In some cases, a metal vehicle frame can be used as part of the negative cable to the battery.High Speed Fan – The fan turns on when there is a high load or an elevated temperature to keep the inverter cool. Do not block. Keep 2-inch clearance.
Ground Terminal – This terminal is for attaching a 6 gauge insulated safety ground wire. This safety wire protects personnel if there is an unlikely failure in either the cabling or enclosure insulation. Do not directly connect this ground to the negative DC terminal on the inverter. This safety wire is to be connected to the vehicle frame or earth ground or negative battery terminal as described in the installation procedure.

MEASURING THE AC VOLTAGE
This inverter’s AC output is a modified sine wave (MSW) 115 volts AC. Your household AC output is pure sine wave. The comparison of modified sine wave and household AC is shown in the figure below.This modified sine wave has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 115 volts. Most ordinary AC voltmeters are calibrated to read “average” voltage and assume that the AC waveform will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly read MSW voltage, and will display about 20 to 30 volts too low. Any multi-meter identified as “TRUE RMS” will accurately read MSW correctly.

PRODUCT USAGE

BASIC OPERATION

• Press the ON/OFF Switch that is located at the front of the inverter, the Input/Output Display will light up as an indicator that the unit is working.
• Plug your appliance(s) into the AC socket(s) at the front of the inverter.
• To turn inverter off, press the ON/OFF Switch.

PLANNING THE INVERTER SYSTEM
Any large wattage inverter system requires planning before installation. There are several steps to the planning process so the user must determine the following:

• Maximum inverter wattage required.
• Operating time (run time) needed between battery recharges.
• Battery bank capacity in amp-hours.
• Charger requirement to charge batteries within a practical time.
• Distance between battery bank and inverter.

DETERMINING MAXIMUM APPLIANCE WATTAGE

• Maximum AC Appliance Wattage is the first factor in planning battery and charging systems. Some background:
• Large microwave oven specifications list cooking power (watts) and appliance power. Appliance power is the AC load the inverter has to supply.
• Most other electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels that list the unit’s power requirements in watts. If the tool or device is rated in amps, multiply the amps by 115 (115V AC) to determine the watts. For example, a power tool rated at 4-amps will draw 460 watts.
• Determine the wattage of each appliance you need to simultaneously operate. Add all of the appliance wattages to obtain an estimated “total watts” number.
• Remember to consider the start-up surge that motorized appliances will cause. Do not exceed the surge rating of this inverter. This can cause immediate overload shut down.
• At maximum continuous output, this inverter requires a DC power supply (battery bank) that can continuously supply 125 amps @ 12V for the duration of the run time.

CONFIGURING THE BATTERY BANK
To determine the minimum battery ampere-hour rating that you will need to operate appliances from the inverter, and any DC appliances powered by the battery bank, follow these steps:
(The following calculations are specific to 12V systems.)

1. List the maximum continuous wattage that the inverter has to supply.

2. Estimate the number of hours the appliances will be in use between battery recharges. This will vary depending on appliances.
   For example, a typical home-use coffee maker draws 500 watts during its brew time of 5 minutes, but it only requires 100 watts thereafter to maintain the temperature of the pot. Similarly, a typical use of a microwave oven is only for a few minutes. Some longer operating time appliances are lamps, TV’s, computers, and refrigerator/freezers.

3. Determine the total watt-hours of energy needed. This is done by multiplying average power consumption in watts by hours of run time. For example: 1,000 watts for 10 hours = 10,000 watt hours.

To get an estimate of the maximum current (in amps) that a battery bank must be capable of delivering to the inverter, divide the load watts by 10. For example a 1,000 watt appliance load will need 100 amps at 12 Volts DC.
Using the 1,000 watts for 10 hours example as above, then 100 amps is needed for 10 hours. This provides us with the basic amp-hours (Ah) of battery that is required. Ten hours at 100 amps equals 1,000 Amp Hours (Ah). This answer is just a beginning of configuring the battery bank because there are additional factors that determine actual run time. These include:

• AC appliance load and time in use (basic Ah)
• Cable gauge and length (cable losses)
• Charge level of the batteries (between use, chargers have to be able to fully charge the batteries)
• Temperature of the batteries (colder batteries provide fewer amps)
• Age and condition of the batteries (older batteries lose Ah capacity)
• Compliance with turning off unnecessary AC loads
• Use of DC appliances and compliance with turning off unnecessary DC loads
• If the inverter is installed in a vehicle and the alternator output in Amps cannot supply enough current for the inverter, additional batteries are required to supply the required current.

DERATING THE BATTERY BANK
Most lead-acid batteries have a rating expressed in amp-hours (Ah). The most common rating of Ah is at the “20-hour rate”.
For example, if a 20Ah battery is discharged at a 1 amp rate, it will take 20 hours to discharge that battery. The terms “charged” and “discharged” relate to actual battery voltage. This means that the output voltage of a nominal 12 volt battery starts at 13.2 volts (fully charged) then drops to 10.6 volts (discharged). If the load on the battery causes the battery to discharge faster than the 20 hour rate, the capacity (Ah) of the battery is measurably reduced (derated). Derating is a major run time factor. Some benchmarks are as follows:

• If an 100 Ah Battery is discharged at 100 Amps, the battery capacity acts like a 56 Ah battery.
• If an 100 Ah Battery is discharged at 200 Amps, the battery capacity acts like a 32 Ah battery.

Again, both high discharge rates are faster than the 20-hour rate so battery capacity seems lower.

INSTALLATION

Safe installation requires that a Battery Protection fuse is installed within one foot of the positive (+) battery Terminal [red]. Use ANL marine fuses or equal because they do not spark when they blow. Use an appropriate fuse holder for the fuse. ANL fuse holders can be mounted so they do not move in a vehicle or vessel.

CONNECTING THE INVERTER
Loose DC (battery) connections will result in a severe voltage drop that can cause damage to connectors, conductors, and insulation and can cause sparking. Reverse polarity connection can permanently damage the inverter. Damage caused by reverse polarity will void the warranty.

WARNING:
Venting batteries produce explosive, corrosive gases. There is danger of explosion. DO NOT connect or disconnect BATTERY cables directly after battery discharge or recharge. Make sure that the battery bank area is well vented before attaching or removing cables.
NOTES: All recommended cable gauges and fuse sizes are located at the rear of this manual in the Cable Gauge Table. The table describes Cable Gauges for lengths greater than supplied cables.

“Round Trip” refers to actual cable distance in feet from the POS (+) battery terminal to the inverter and back to the NEG (−) battery terminal.
Crimp-on ring terminals are required on all cable ends. The cable ends need to be stripped of insulation for 1/2 inch before crimping on ring terminals. Select a crimp terminal size to fit the cable gauge and inverter and battery terminal connectors. After crimping, make sure that the cable connectors are secure on the cables so there are no loose connections.
CAUTION : Making an initial connection between the positive cable end and the inverter’s positive terminal may cause a spark. This is normal and is a result of capacitors in the inverter starting to charge. Because of the possibility of sparking, it is extremely important that both the inverter and the battery bank be positioned away from any source of flammable fumes or gases. Failure to heed this warning can result in fire or explosion. Do not make the positive terminal connection immediately after the batteries have been charging. Allow time for the battery gasses to vent to outside air.

GROUND TERMINAL WIRE REQUIREMENTS
Use a minimum of 6 gauge stranded wire for enclosure ground wire. Connect this to the chassis of your vehicle or to the grounding system in your boat. In
a city, the ground wire can connect to a metal cold water pipe that goes underground. In remote locations, the ground wire can be connected to an “earth ground”. This can be an attachment to a 6 foot long copper clad metal rod driven into the ground. In the unlikely event of a short circuit, operating the inverter without proper grounding can result in electrical shock. Do not directly connect this ground to the negative terminal on the inverter.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

1. Mount the inverter in a secure location. If the inverter is to be mounted on a wall, mount it horizontally. Make sure that the front and rear of the inverter has free air flow.
2. Make sure the cables are the proper gauge and have the fuse holder as close to the battery bank’s Positive (+) terminal as possible.
3. Install the fuse in the Positive (+) cable (Refer to the Cable Gauge Table at rear of manual).
4. Install the ground wire from the ground terminal to the grounding point.
5. Connect the Negative (−) cable end to the inverter terminal and battery’s Negative Terminal. Make sure you have good, secure connections.
6. Recheck and make sure the DC cable fuse is installed in the fuse holder.
7. Attach the positive cable to the Positive (+) DC connector on the battery and then the inverter. Make sure the connections are tight and secure.
8. Turn on the inverter from the Front Panel ON/OFF Switch.
9. Make certain that the LED display is reading normal with no errors displayed.
10. Turn OFF (O) the inverter. The Fault LED may briefly flash; this is normal. The audible alarm may also sound a short chirp; this is also normal.
11. When you have confirmed that the appliance to be operated is turned off, plug the appliance into one of the AC outlets on the inverter.
12. Turn the inverter on.
13. Turn the appliance on. The appliance should begin working.
14. Observe the LED display for normal operation.

If flooded lead acid batteries are used, be sure that periodic checks of battery electrolyte levels are accomplished. Follow battery manufacturer’s instructions in keeping the electrolytes at the proper level. Be sure to use pure distilled water when replacing evaporated electrolyte liquid.

USING THE REMOTE

The remote panel has the same functions as the display on the front of the unit. Connect the remote cable to the remote control connection port on the AC side of the inverter. The inverter can be controlled by either the front panel or the remote on/off switch.

OPERATING TIPS

ADDING AN EXTENSION CORD
You may use up to 100 feet of high quality, heavy-duty extension cord. A longer cord will result in reduced power to appliances.

BUZZ IN AUDIO SYSTEMS
Some stereo systems and portable radios will emit a buzzing noise from their speakers when operated from the power inverter because the power supply in the device does not adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the power inverter. The only solution is to use a sound system that incorporates a higher quality power supply.

TELEVISION INTERFERENCE
Operating the power inverter can interfere with television reception on some channels. If this situation occurs, the following steps may help to alleviate the problem:

• Do not operate high power loads with the power inverter while watching television.
• Make sure the antenna feeding your television provides an adequate static-free signal and you are using good quality cable between the antenna and the television.
• Move the television as far away from the power inverter as possible.
• Keep the cables between the battery and the power inverter as short as possible and twist them together with about 2 to 3 twists per foot. This minimizes radiated interference from the cables.
• Ferrite beads may be installed around battery cables and AC appliance cords to reduce noise.

MAINTENANCE

Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating properly. Periodically check to ensure all terminals and connectors are secure and tight.

HEAT DISPERSAL
The inverter generates heat while it is working. This is not a malfunction. However, if the inverter gets too hot while working, it will turn off by itself. Position the inverter where air flows freely around it to allow the heat to disperse. The inverter’s thermal protection prevents it from operating when its temperature exceeds
130ºF ± 10ºF.

TROUBLESHOOTING

ERROR CODES

condition

| Recharge or replace battery.
E02| Over voltage (greater than 15V)| Check battery connection/voltage.

Inverter is only compatible with

12V battery systems.

E03| Overload—Equipment being

operated draws too much power

| Use a higher capacity inverter or

do not use this equipment.

E04| Over temperature—Inverter is too hot (thermal protection mode)| Allow inverter to cool.

Check for adequate ventilation. Reduce the load on the inverter to

rated continuous power output.

E05| Short circuit| Check cable routing/connections.

Check appliance, verify it is

working properly.

PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage

Poor contact with battery or inverter

terminals.

| Clean terminals thoroughly. Reinstall

and tighten.

PROBLEM: Inverter Automatically Shut Down

PROBLEM: Single Beeping Sound

connections.

Inadequate power being delivered to

the inverter or excessive voltage drop.

| Use heavier gauge DC cable.

Keep cable length as short as possible.

DISPOSAL/RECYCLING OF INVERTER

Electronic products are known to contain materials that are toxic if improperly disposed. Contact local authorities for disposal and recycling information.

SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications are typical at nominal line, half load and 77ºF unless otherwise noted. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

CABLE GAUGES BASED ON ROUND TRIP CABLE LENGTHS

1,250W

Input

| Cable length (feet)| ****

6

| ****

8

| ****

10

| ****

12

| ****

14

| ****

16

| ****

18

| ****

20

| Fuse* (Amps)
12V| Gauge (AWG)| 2| 0| 0| 00| 00| 000| 0000| 0000| 200

*Battery protection fuse not included.

WAGAN Corp. Limited Warranty

The WAGAN Corporation warranty is limited to products sold only in the United States.
Warranty Duration:
Product is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of two (2) years from the original purchase date, to be free of defects in material and workmanship. WAGAN Corporation disclaims any liability for consequential damages. In no event will WAGAN Corporation be responsible for any amount of damages beyond the amount paid for the product at retail.

Warranty Performance:
During the warranty period, a product with a defect will be replaced with a comparable model when the product is returned to WAGAN Corporation with an original store receipt. WAGAN Corporation will, at its discretion, replace or repair the defective part. The replacement product will be warranted for the balance of the original warranty period. This warranty does not extend to any units which have been used in violation of written instructions furnished.

Warranty Disclaimers:
This warranty is in lieu of all warranties expressed or implied and no representative or person is authorized to assume any other liability in connection with the sale of our products. There shall be no claims for defects or failure of performance or product failure under any theory of tort, contract or commercial law including,but not limited to negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, and breach of contract.

Returns:
WAGAN Corporation is not responsible for any item(s) returned without an official Return Authorization number (RA#). Please contact our customer service team by phone or email to obtain an RA#. You can also visit our website and chat with our team during our normal business hours. For more details and instructions on how to process a warranty claim, please read the “Returns” section under the “Contact” page on our website. WAGAN Corporation is not responsible for any shipping charges incurred in returning the item(s) back to the company for repair or replacement.
Register your product online at http://tinyurl.com/wagan- registration to be added to our email list. You will receive previews on our upcoming products, promotions, and events.
31088 San Clemente Street
Hayward, CA 94544, U.S.A.
Tel: +1.510.471.9221
U.S. & Canada Toll Free: +1.800.231.5806 [email protected]
www.wagan.com

References

• Wagan Corp | Wagan Corporation
• Wagan Corp | Wagan Corporation

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