The La Marche FT Series Inverter is a pure sine wave AC output DC-to-AC inverter designed for versatile load adaptation, featuring dual CPU control for excellent performance and automatic protection. It can temporarily provide up to 120% of its output for 30 seconds, offering extra power for starting motorized equipment. The inverter is available with 120 VAC or 230 VAC output.
Important Safety Instructions:
Before using, it's crucial to read all manuals and documents related to the inverter and connected equipment. Always keep a copy of the manual accessible.
- Electrical Safety: Hazardous voltages are present at the input of power systems. While inverter and battery outputs may be low voltage, they can have very high current capacity, posing a risk of severe or fatal injury.
- Never work alone on live power systems.
- Remove personal metal items (rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches).
- Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection.
- Always wear gloves and use insulated hand tools.
- Lethal voltages can remain even after disconnection; always verify with a meter.
- Installation should be performed by a licensed electrician.
- Disconnect the unit from supply, batteries, and loads before maintenance.
- Ensure no liquids or wet materials contact internal components.
- Operate within specified input/output ratings.
- Do not use for purposes not described in the manual.
- Mechanical Safety:
- The unit or parts can become very hot during operation; exercise caution.
- Install in a clean, dry location, away from rain or snow.
- Do not operate if damaged.
- Do not disassemble; incorrect re-assembly risks electric shock or fire.
- Battery Safety: Follow battery manufacturer's safety recommendations.
- DO NOT smoke or introduce sparks/open flames near batteries, as they generate explosive gases.
- Connect/disconnect batteries only when the unit is off.
- If removing connections, always remove the grounded terminal first.
- Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a rubber-lined vest/apron.
- Have freshwater and soap nearby for electrolyte contact.
- If electrolyte contacts skin/clothing, wash immediately.
- If electrolyte enters eyes, flood with cold water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
- Avoid dropping metal on batteries to prevent sparks/short-circuits and explosions.
Unit Location and Handling:
- Allow at least 6 inches of free air on all vented surfaces for cooling.
- Do not operate in closed areas or restrict ventilation.
- Do not set batteries on top of the unit.
- Never allow battery electrolyte to drip on the unit.
- Never place directly above standard flooded batteries due to corrosive gases.
- Sealed maintenance-free or valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries may be placed below.
- Check for Damages: Inspect shipping container and product for damage upon arrival. Document any damage with pictures and contact the carrier immediately to file a claim. Contact La Marche for an RMA number for evaluation/repair. Failure to file a claim or provide a copy may void warranty.
- Returns for Service: Save original shipping container for returns. If unavailable, pack with at least three inches of shock-absorbing material. La Marche is not responsible for damage from improper packaging.
- Inspection Checklist: Verify enclosure is not marred/dented, no visible component damage, all hardware/connections are tight, wire terminations are secure, and all packing list items are included.
- Handling: Equipment can be heavy with uneven weight distribution. Use adequate manpower or equipment. Prevent accidental tipping or dropping until securely mounted.
Installation:
- Mounting: The FT Series Inverter is a wall-mounting system. Refer to Table 1 for weight.
- Ambient temperature range: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C).
- Non-condensing relative humidity: no higher than 95%.
- Mount in an area free of explosive materials and liquids.
- Avoid corrosive gases (e.g., from flooded Lead Acid batteries) and dust.
- Fan-assisted cooling requires at least 12 inches of free air clearance on top and bottom.
- Use machine bolts with flat washer, lock washer, and nut; all hardware should be corrosion-resistant.
- Wall-Mounting: Mark and drill points per mounting dimensions. Install 4 bolts rated to support inverter weight plus a 4x safety factor. Secure inverter, add hardware, and tighten.
- DC Input Connections:
- Before connecting, read and understand the DC Connection Procedure.
- Select proper wire size using Table 2 and Appendix A (for full load current draws).
- If distance between inverter DC input and battery exceeds 10 feet, use Power Wiring Guide (Appendix B) to minimize voltage drop.
- DC terminal bolts accept 5/16" or M8 ring terminals.
- NOTE: A battery disconnect breaker between inverter and battery bank is recommended for maintenance. Size it considering full load DC input current.
- Procedure:
- Ensure AC mains input power is off.
- Check DC input cable polarity with a multimeter.
- Connect positive DC input cable to positive terminal and negative DC input cable to negative terminal. OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY.
- AC Output/AC Input Connections:
- A terminal strip is provided for AC output/load and AC input line (utility).
- Before working, ensure all incoming AC/DC power is de-energized/isolated. Verify no voltage with a voltmeter.
- Select wire size using Table 2. Use Table 3 for breaker size. Refer to Figures 4 and 5 for connector locations.
- For AC output, connect AC load phase (hot) to OUTPUT (L) terminal and AC load neutral to OUTPUT (N) terminal.
- For AC input, connect AC input phase (hot) to INPUT (L) terminal and AC input neutral to INPUT (N) terminal.
- Connect an adequate earth ground lead (Table 2 for sizing) to the grounding terminal.
- AC terminals accept 14 – 6 AWG wire.
- NOTE: Feeder breakers should match inverter AC breaker sizes (Table 3).
Operation:
- Checking Installation:
- Verify all connections are correct and tightened securely.
- Verify AC feeder breaker and battery breaker (if applicable) match inverter's protection rating.
- Verify battery/load voltage matches DC input and AC output voltage on nameplate.
- Start-Up Sequence: Press ON/OFF button (when screen is off). Display should turn on and show output voltage.
- Power Down Sequence: Press ON/OFF button (when screen is on). Display should turn off, and output voltage should decrease. Confirm with multimeter if servicing.
- Front Panel LCD Display: After startup, LCD displays Input/Output Voltage, Frequency, Grid Mode, Inverter Mode, Battery Capacity, Load Capacity, Alarm Warning.
- Indicators: AC Mains Input Voltage Meter, AC Output Frequency Meter & Operating Mode Indicator, AC Output Voltage Meter, AC Mains Input Status, AC-DC Operation Status, DC-AC Operation Status, Load Usage Percentage Indicator, Battery Capacity Indicator, Mute Status, Error Indicator.
- Buttons:
- Mute / Operation Mode Menu: 1-second press: Mute buzzer (1 beep), Disable Mute (2 beeps). 5-second press: Operation Mode Selection (using Up/Down).
- Up / Charge Voltage Menu: 1-second press: Raise current setting/value. 5-second press: Enter Charge Voltage menu.
- Down / Charge Current Menu: 1-second press: Lower current setting/value. 5-second press: Enter Charge Current menu.
- ON/OFF: ON/OFF control.
- Operating Modes: Three priority modes:
- Grid Priority Mode: Inverter starts with AC mains input. Supplies power to load and charges battery. Transfers load to battery if AC mains input is abnormal.
- Energy-Saving Mode: Inverter turns on and detects load. Powers up load if greater than 5% of rated output. If no load, output turns off, and inverter cycles through load detection every 10 seconds, reducing battery energy consumption.
- Battery Priority Mode: Inverter starts with AC mains supply but does not charge battery. If battery is connected to external charging (e.g., solar) and adequately charged, inverter automatically switches to battery mode via internal relay. If battery voltage is within acceptable range, inverter switches to battery mode immediately upon power up.
Alarms:
The FT series inverter has an audible buzzer alarm for various statuses:
- Load Powered by Battery: Beeps 4 times every 15 seconds. Indicates AC mains may not be available or within range. Clears when inverter shifts to AC mains.
- High Battery Voltage: Beeps 4 times per second. Triggers if DC voltage rises above 2.5 volts per cell for >5 seconds. Clears when condition is no longer present.
- Low Battery Voltage: Beeps 2 times per second. Triggers if DC voltage falls below 1.67 volts per cell for >5 seconds. Clears when condition is no longer present.
- Overtemperature: Beeps 2 quick times per second. Triggers if internal temperature rises above 40°C/104°F for >5 seconds. Clears when condition is no longer present.
Service:
- All work inside the FT inverter must be performed by qualified personnel. La Marche is not responsible for damages caused by unqualified technicians.
- Before working: Ensure AC power is off at the main breaker box, and battery is removed from DC input terminals (by removing cables or exercising battery disconnect). Verify no voltage with a voltmeter.
- Performing Routine Maintenance (Yearly):
- Confirm air vents are open. Remove dust and debris from interior.
- Verify all connections are tight.
- Perform a visual inspection on all internal components.
- Check front panel meters for accuracy and LED operation.
Technical Specifications (Appendix A):
- Rated Voltage (VDC): 12V, 24V, 48V, 96V (depending on model)
- Current Draw @ Full Load (ADC): Ranges from 95A (1kW, 12V) to 11A (1kW, 96V) for 1kW models; up to 189A (8kW, 48V)
- Charge Current: 30A (C6-Default); C0-C6 can be set
- Battery Type: U0-U7 can be set
- AC Voltage Range: 90-132VAC / 170-275VAC
- Frequency: 45-65Hz
- Voltage Range (Inverter Mode): 110VAC/230VAC; ±5%
- Frequency (Inverter Mode): 50/60Hz; ±1%
- Output Current (230VAC Model): Ranges from 4.5A (1kW) to 36.3A (8kW)
- Output Current (110VAC Model): Ranges from 9.1A (1kW) to 72.7A (8kW)
- Output Wave: Pure Sine Wave
- Switching Time: <10ms (Typical Load)
- Efficiency: > 85% (80% Resistive Load)
- Overload: 110-120% (30 Seconds); > 130% (1 Second)
- Protection: Battery over/undervoltage, overload, short circuit protection, over-temperature protection, etc.
- Operating Ambient Temperature: -15°C - +50°C
- Storage Ambient Temperature: -20°C - +60°C
- Operating/Storage Ambient Dimensions: 0-90% (No Condensation)
- Dimensions (D x W x H):
- 1kW/2kW/3kW: 19.2 x 10 x 7"
- 4kW/5kW/6kW: 22 x 12 x 8"
- 8kW: 25.7 x 13.3 x 10.2"
- Weight (lbs):
- 1kW/2kW/3kW: 28.6/35.2/39.6 lbs
- 4kW/5kW/6kW: 59.5/66.1/74.9 lbs
- 8kW: 103.6 lbs
Power Cabling Guide (Appendix B):
Provides formulas and tables to determine proper wire size for minimal voltage drop. For distances over 10 feet, DC wire size should ensure voltage difference between inverter's DC input terminals and battery is less than 1/2 volt at full load.
- Conventions: CMA (Cross-section of wire in circular MIL area), A (Ultimate drain in amperes), LF (Conductor loop feet), MaxAmp (Maximum allowable amperes for given voltage drop), AVD (Allowable voltage drop), K (11.1 for copper wire, 17.4 for aluminum).
- Formulas:
- Wire Size Requirements: CMA = (A x LF x K) / AVD
- Current Carrying Capacity: MaxAmp = (CMA x AVD) / (LF x K)
- Wire Size/Area Table: Provides AWG and MCM sizes with corresponding circular MIL areas.
Example Wiring Diagram (Appendix C):
Illustrates battery connections for 12VDC, 24VDC, and 48VDC series battery wiring, and AC Mains Input & AC Output Connections.
Manufacturer's Warranty (Appendix D):
La Marche Manufacturing Co. equipment is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and material for one (1) year from date of purchase under normal use. Defective equipment within one year will be replaced without charge after examination. Equipment requiring major replacement or repair must be returned to La Marche for inspection by factory personnel. All internal maintenance to be performed by La Marche. La Marche reserves the right to honor the warranty with a replacement unit. Purchaser assumes full responsibility for proper installation, adjustments, and service arrangements. All sales are final; 25% restocking fee charged for returns. La Marche is not liable for consequential damages or loss. La Marche reserves the right to make revisions in current production. Failure to observe provisions contained in customers' purchase orders or other communications shall not be deemed a waiver of the terms or conditions hereof. Warranty is exclusive, supersedes, and is instead of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No person, agent, or dealer is authorized to give any warranties on behalf of the Manufacturer.
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