Trace Engineering DR Series User Manual

Trace Engineering DR Series Owner’s Manual - Version 3.2 - 9/7/98 - Page 22
Installation
Environment
Inverters are sophisticated electronic devices and should be treated accordingly. When selecting the
operating environment for the inverter, don’t think of it in the same terms as other equipment that
works with it, e.g. batteries, diesel generators, motor generators, washing machines etc. It is a highly
complex microprocessor controlled device. Genetically speaking, it is a cousin to stereo equipment,
television sets, and computers. The use of conformal coated circuit boards, plated copper bus bars,
powder coated metal components, and stainless steel fasteners improves tolerance to hostile
environments. However, in a condensing environment (one in which humidity and/ or temperature
change cause water to form on components) all the ingredients for electrolysis are present - water,
electricity and metals. In a condensing environment the life expectancy of the inverter is indeterminate
and the warranty is voided.
Caution: It is in your best interests to install the inverter in a dry, protected location away from
sources of high temperature and moisture. Exposure to saltwater is particularly destructive and
potentially hazardous.
Locate the inverter as close to the batteries as possible in order to keep the battery cables short.
However, do not locate the inverter in the same compartment as non-sealed batteries (okay with
sealed batteries). Batteries generate hydrogen sulfide gas which is very corrosive to electronic
equipment - and everything else. They also generate hydrogen and oxygen. If accumulated, this
mixture could be ignited by an arc caused by the connecting of battery cables or the switching of a
relay.
Do not mount the inverter in a closed container. To operate at high power for sustained periods of
time, unrestricted air flow is required. Without it, the protection circuitry will activate and reduce the
maximum power available.
UL standard 1741 (photovoltaic installations) requires that the inverter be mounted on a vertical
surface (on a wall) and that more than just the keyhole slots be used for mounting. The purpose of this
requirement is to orient the inverter so that its bottom cover has no holes that would allow burning
material to be ejected in the event of an internal fire.
System Grounding
System grounding is often misunderstood even by system designers and electricians. The
subject is more easily discussed if it is divided into three separate subjects. The grounding
requirements vary by country and application. Consult local codes and the NEC for specific
requirements.
Equipment or Chassis Grounds
This is the simplest part of grounding. The idea is to connect the metallic chassis of the various
enclosures together to have them at the same voltage level. This reduces the potential for electric
shock. It also provides a path for fault currents to flow through to blow fuses or trip circuit
breakers. The size of the connecting conductors should be coordinated with the size of the
overcurrent devices involved. Under some circumstances, the conduit and enclosures
themselves will provide the current paths.

Trace Engineering DR Series Specifications

General

Brand	Trace Engineering
Model	DR Series
Category	Inverter
Language	English