Iris Technology Operator's Manual
QuietPower 1800 (QP-1800) Doc 287.F701 / 100412
B.1.2 Age and Condition of the Vehicle Battery
Older batteries; nearing end of operational life and lead acid batteries with insufficient water will
provide less output. A simple voltage measurement at the batteries terminal is not a reliable
indicator of a batteries capacity to provide power for prolong periods. Lead acid batteries
recover to relatively high voltages even if they are weak or damaged. It is important to measure
the holding voltage across these batteries while loaded employing a battery tester that provides
voltage measurements under load. Inverter performance will be optimal with new or a well
maintained vehicle battery.
B.1.3 Condition and Integrity of the Vehicle Cabling
To operate effectively, all connections within the vehicle electrical system must be clean and
very secure. Chemical corrosion is a common factor with battery cabling, over time corrosion
will severely degrade the electrical current the cabling can carry and limit the power the inverter
can receive. Even a new battery with degraded cabling will not provide sufficient output to the
inverter. Periodic checking of the cable and battery terminal connections can improve and
maintain the inverter performance.
B.1.4 Loose Connections
Loose connections of the cabling will degrade the electrical contact between the battery and the
inverter and severely limit the power the inverter can receive. Periodic checking of the cable and
battery terminal connections can improve and maintain inverter performance.
B.2 Operation with Surge Suppression Power Strips
Occasional incompatibility can occur with the QuietPower 1800 and power strips having integral
surge suppressor components (MOVs). The QP 1800 provides surge suppression at the output
and no additional suppressors are typically needed. 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 similar but related issue, with the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) discussed next.
B.3 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
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