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Battery Charger FAQ |
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Q. How long will it take my battery to charge? |
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A. It varies and depends on the size of the battery and charger. As a rough guide use this formula for an approximate time only. Battery Capacity (A) ÷ Charger Capacity (A) = Hours |
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Q. What size charger should I use? |
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A. Use a battery charger that will take about 10-12 hours as a maximum. So if you have a battery capacity of 100A, we'd recommend a 10A charger. |
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Q. Is it ok to leave the battery charger connected? |
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A. Your battery charger is fully automatic and is ok to leave connected. Like anything though it's recommended you switch it off when not is use. |
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Q. Can my battery charger be used as a power supply? |
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A. It's not designed to be connected straight to another product, just a battery. You should use one of our PS charge of power supplies. |
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Q. Is it ok to leave things connected to the battery when charging? |
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A. It is, but it will mean the battery will take longer to charge. It's also recommended that you are drawing only half the current the charger is able to supply. |
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Q. Why don't I get sparks when I touch the battery clips together, creating a short? |
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A. with electronic short-circuit protection, the battery charger must be able to measure a battery's voltage before it turns on. There is no ouput power in the clips until they are hooked up to a lead-acid battery. This is a built-in safety feature not found on most automotive battery chargers. |
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Q. Why can't I measure a voltage when connecting my volt meter to the battery clips? |
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A. No output power is supplied until the battery charger's clips are hooked up to the battery. Then, it will measure and show the battery's voltage. |
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Q. Why doesn't my automatic charger charge my battery? |
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A. An automatic charger is designed to power the transformer when you first plug it into a receptacle. The automatic charger needs to "see" at least 8 voltage in the battery to power up the circuitry.
NOTE: Batteries that remain lower than 8 voltage state of charge are often defective or just worn out. It is always best (safer) to check the battery with a hydrometer tester before charging. |
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Important- 12V Chargers for 12V battery and 24V chargers for 24V battery systems. |
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Power Inverter FAQ |
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Q. Does my power-inverter have to be wired directly to my car battery? |
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A. It depends on the model of the inverter and what you intend to run with it. For electrical loads up to 150 watts, the power-inverter can be plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter. This allows you to power laptop computers, small power tools, most small appliances, and even a small (13") TV directly through the cigarette lighter. If you want to power larger equipment, or if you want to run more than one item at a time, a direct connection to your car battery is necessary. Generally, if you intend to power loads of more than 150 watts, your inverter should be direct-wired to the battery to ensure safe operation. |
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Q. Will using the inverter drain my car battery? |
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A.
When using a power inverter, it is always a good idea to turn on the car’s engine every 30 minutes to help maintain your battery's charge. Assuming your battery is fully charged and in good condition, it is possible to use a 400W power inverter for about an hour (not starting you car) without fully discharging your battery.
To find how long your battery’s charge will last with any given inverter, use this formula:
Take the wattage being used (400W) divided by the battery voltage (12 Volts) to see how many amps are being drawn from the inverter : 400 Watts/12 Volts = 33.33 Amps. Inverters only convert power at around 90% efficiency, so that means the inverter is really drawing around 37 amps (33.33 Amps / .90 = 37 Amps). A typical car battery has a reserve capacity of about 80 minutes (80 minutes @ 25 Amps). So if you are drawing 37 Amps with the 400W inverter it will completely discharge the battery in 54 minutes ((80 minutes * 25 Amps) / 37 amps = 54 minutes). |
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Q. I am getting low or no output voltage from the inverter – Why? |
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A. 1. Poor contact at terminals. Unhook and re-hook the 12-volt connections, and try again.
2. Using incorrect type of voltmeter to test output voltage. Use a true RMS reading meter. |
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Q. What if the inverter fuse blows? |
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A.
Your power inverter is fitted with e.g. 25-amp spade type fuses, which should not have to be replaced under normal operating circumstances. A blown fuse is usually caused by reverse polarity or a short circuit within the appliance or equipment being operated.
If the fuse does blow:
1. Disconnect the appliance or equipment immediately.
2. Find the source of the problem, and repair it.
3. Install the new fuse (supplied with your power inverter.)
Attention: Do not install a fuse higher than e.g. 25-amps, as this may damage the inverter. Make sure to correct the cause of the blown fuse before using the inverter again. |
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Q. The low battery alarm is constantly on – why? |
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A.
1. The input voltage is below 10.5 volts. Recharge or replace battery to maintain adequate power input.
2. Poor or weak battery condition. Recharge or replace battery.
3. Inadequate power being delivered to the inverter or excessive voltage drop. Check the condition of your cigarette lighter socket. Clean or replace if necessary. |
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Important Safety Measures |
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* For the most effective use, place the power inverter on a flat surface.
* Keep the inverter dry.
* Do not allow it to come into contact with rain or moisture.
* Do not operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity, which may lead to serious injury or death.
* Do not place the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat.
* Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight.
* Keep the inverter well ventilated in order to properly disperse heat generated while it is in use.
* While in use, make sure there are several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
* Do not use the inverter near inflammable materials.
* Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate. |
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