Magnum Energy Magnum Panel (MP Series) - Manual (Page 54)

© 2011 Magnum Energy, Inc. Page 47
3.0 Installation
3.7.4 Wiring the Battery Bank
Depending upon the voltage of the batteries used in the installation (2V, 6V, or 12V DC), the
batteries must be wired in series, parallel, or series-parallel to provide the correct voltage. The
interconnecting DC cables should be the same size and rating as those used between the battery
bank and the inverter.
Place the batteries as close as practical to the MP enclosure/inverter system, preferably in an
insulated and ventilated enclosure. Allow adequate space above the batteries to access the terminals
and vent caps (as applicable). Also allow at least 1” of space between the batteries to provide good
air fl ow. DO NOT mount the batteries directly under the MP enclosure/inverter system.
Info: To ensure the best performance from the MP enclosure/inverter system, batteries
should be of the same size, type, rating, and age. Do not use old or untested batteries.
3.7.4.1 Wiring the MP enclosure to the Battery Bank/Inverter
WARNING: Ensure that all AC and DC breakers are switched OFF before connecting
or disconnecting the battery cables, and that all sources of power (both AC and DC)
are disconnected from the inverter.
WARNING: Lethal currents will be present if the positive and negative cables attached
to the battery bank touch each other. During the installation and wiring process, ensure
the cable ends are insulated or covered to prevent touching/shorting the cables.
CAUTION: DO NOT connect the DC wires to the battery bank until: 1) all DC, AC, and
accessory wiring are completed, 2) the correct DC and AC overcurrent protection have
been installed and, 3) the correct DC voltage and polarity have been verifi ed.
CAUTION: The Magnum inverter is NOT reverse polarity protected. Before making
the fi nal DC connection from the batteries to the inverter, use a voltmeter to verify
the correct battery voltage and polarity. If the positive (+) terminal of the battery is
mistakenly connected to the negative (–) terminal of the inverter and vice versa, the
inverter will be damaged and will not be covered under warranty. Color code the cables
to avoid polarity confusion.
The following steps are basic guidelines for installing and connecting the DC wiring into and out of
the MP enclosure (refer to Figures 3-21 thru 3-23 depending on your particular model). Also see
Section 4.0 for the specifi c wiring diagrams for your particular MP enclosure.
1. Route the DC cables from inside the MP enclosure and connect them to the inverter’s DC
terminals; the negative cable
(-) from the top side of the DC shunt busbar to the inverter’s DC
negative terminal, and the positive cable (+) from the top side of the DC breaker to the inverter’s
DC positive terminal. Be careful to observe proper polarity.
2. Route the DC cables from the battery bank — with the cables not connected to the battery —
and connect them to the MP enclosure; negative
(-) to the bottom side of the DC shunt busbar,
positive (+) to the bottom side of the DC breaker. Be careful to observe proper polarity.
3. Ensure the DC wire connections (on the batteries, inverter, DC circuit breaker, and DC shunt
busbars) are fl ush on the surface of the DC terminals and the hardware used to hold these
connections are stacked correctly (see Figure 3-20); and then securely tighten these DC connections
(refer to the torque requirements in Table 3-2).
CAUTION: Only after the entire installation is complete and all connections are verifi ed
should the DC circuit breaker be closed to provide power to the inverter.
4. Route an appropriately sized DC grounding wire (green or bare wire) from the inverter’s DC
equipment ground terminal and from the battery bank enclosure to the DC GROUND busbar in the
MP enclosure. Refer to Section 3.11 for grounding information and sizing the DC ground wires.