Vector ElectroMate VEC097 - Manual (Page 12)

12
AIR HOSE
COOLING FAN
DC PLUG
ANALOG
PRESSURE
GAUGE
ON/OFF
SWITCH
TIRE CHUCK
DC CORD
STORAGE
HATCH
SAFE - Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or in any location
that may accumulate flammable fumes or gases. The switch and clamp
connections can cause sparks.
5.6 Operating Tips
Rated versus Actual Current Draw of most equipment – electrical tools,
appliances and audio/video equipment have labels that indicate the power
consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power consumption of the item
you wish to operate is rated at 1800 watts or less.(If the power consumption is
rated in amps AC, simply multiply by the AC volts (110) to determine the
wattage). The inverter has overload protection, so it is safe to try to operate
equipment rated at 1800 watts or less. The inverter will shut down if it is
overloaded and will restart once the overload is removed.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run; however, larger resistive
loads, such as electric stoves or heaters, require more wattage than the in-
verter can deliver. Inductive loads, such as TV’s and stereos, require more
start-up current to operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating.
Induction motors, as well as some televisions, may require 2 to 6 times their
wattage rating to start up. The most demanding in this category are those that
start under load, such as compressors and pumps. Testing is the only definitive
way to determine whether a specific load can be started and how long it can
run. The unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit after a
shutdown due to overloading, momentarily turn off the power to the unit.
5.7 Troubleshooting the Inverter
The following assumes that the Main Unit battery has a charge and that there
is no output from the 110 VAC receptacles. If the GFCI breaker is tripped,
determine the cause of the short before RESETTING the GFCI and restarting
the power inverter again.
1. Check for proper operation by powering a 110 VAC appliance. If there is
still a problem, call Vector Technical Support toll-free (866) 584-5504.
NOTE: If the internal battery is discharged, the Inverter may also be quickly
checked and operated by connecting the Jumper cables to a known charged
12 Volt battery. Follow the jump-start procedures to ensure correct
polarity of the connection. Recharge the battery as soon as possible.
6. Compressor/Tire Inflator
The compressor can operate long enough to fill many average sized tires
before the ElectroMate internal battery must be recharged. Note that the com-
pressor is removable, just pull on the bail handle and disconnect the compres-
sor from ElectroMate. (See Fig 7.)
FIGURE 7