Xantrex Technology RM1012 - Manual (Page 14)

Operation
2–2
Planning for AC loads
AC load AC load refers to an AC product you want to operate from the
inverter/charger. Loads include most products that you can plug into a
standard 120 volt household electrical outlet.
Variables
affecting AC
loads The Xantrex HD inverter/charger inverter can power a wide range of
loads. The size of the load and the length of time you can operate it
depends on 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 loads which
do not need a high start-up current to start running. They use a resistive
heater element to generate heat or light. They are the simplest and most
efficient for an inverter/charger to run. Large resistive loads, such as
electric stoves and water heaters, are impractical since their high current
demands quickly drain the batteries.
Inductive loads TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, and electric motors (power tools,
vacuum cleaners, for example) are examples of AC loads which surge on
start up, that is, they require a high startup current compared to a resistive
load such as toasters or coffee pots. These loads are known as inductive or
electronic loads. Depending upon the size of the motor, it can take as
much as six times its running current to start it 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.