I.R.I.S. QP-1800 - Manual (Page 21)

QuietPower 1800 Inverter Owner’s Manual Rev 15 OCT 01 Page 21
Operation with Power Strips
We see an occasional compatibility issue with power strips having integral surge suppressor components
(MOVs). The QuietPower 1800 provides surge suppression at the output and no additional suppressors
are typically needed. In fact, the use of additional surge suppressors is not recommended. We have
evaluated alternate power strips with this equipment and have not seen this issue recur. A separate, but
related issue, deals with the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) discussed next.
Operation with Downstream EMC Components
The QuietPower 1800 is delivered with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) type duplex outlet.
Occasionally, when operated with certain types of electronics, the GFCI would trip for no apparent
reason. The following discussion provided a basic understanding of the operational issues.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are important for minimizing shock hazards in outdoor and
potentially wet areas. They are now generally required by the National Electronic Code (NEC) in these
locations. However, what the GFCI detects to protect people - an imbalance in the currents between the
Hot and Neutral wires caused, possibly, by someone touching a live conductor – may exist safely by
design in three (3) wire grounded electronic equipment and consequently result in the false tripping of the
GFCI. The reason is that there are usually small filter capacitors between all three wires (Hot, Neutral,
and Ground) in the EMC line filters of many computer and military electronic systems. At power-on and
often while operating there may be enough leakage current through the capacitors, between Hot and
Ground especially, to falsely trip the GFCI. Even for ungrounded two (2) wire devices, the power-on
surge into inductive or capacitive loads as presented by switching power supplies may falsely trip the
GFCI. This is more likely to happen with multiple devices plugged into the same GFCI protected outlet
especially if they are controlled by a common power switch.
Ground fault currents can properly result from deteriorating wiring; contact contamination due to moisture,
oil or dust; insulation breakdown; or other conditions which are indicators that repairs need to be made.
We have verified the operation of the QuietPower 1800 for compatibility with the PAC-216/U adapter for
SINCGARS, laptop and desktop computer systems (including monitors and laser printers), cellular
telephone rechargers, fluorescent lamps, and Uninterruptable Power Supplies manufactured by APS.
This system is also compatible with personal electronics (radios) and, importantly, most coffee makers.
Visit our Web Site for FAQs
We appreciate your input very much. You, best, know how this equipment is used operationally and can
provide invaluable feedback. Please visit our web site at
www.iristechnology.org for updates to the
Operator's Manual and Product Data Sheets. We will be establishing a Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) section specific to our military inverter line. If you take a few moments to register online, we will
notify you of any relevant data releases.