INSTALLATION
Trace Engineering Co. Inc. Tel (360) 435-8826 Part Number 3179
5916 195
th
Street, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 Effective August 6, 1998
Arlington, WA 98223 USA www.traceengineering.com Page
23
Installation
In this portion of the manual, we will look at requirements and recommendations for installing a
Legend Series II inverter/charger. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines. Common sense, the
National Electrical Code and local building codes are the final authority.
Locating the Inverter
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 it works
with, e.g. batteries, diesel generators, gas generators, washing machines etc. It is a highly complex
microprocessor controlled device. Generically 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 temperature change cause water
to condense on components) all the ingredients for electrolysis are present — water, electricity, and
dissimilar 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, potentially hazardous, and not covered by warranty.
Locate the inverter as close to the batteries as possible in order to keep the battery cable length
short. However, do not locate the inverter in the same compartment as vented 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 will ignite by an arc caused
by the connecting of battery cables or the switching of a relay. Mounting the inverter in a ventilated
enclosure with sealed batteries is acceptable.
Ventilation
Installation of the inverter in a properly ventilated enclosure is mandatory for proper operation of the
unit. Installation in an enclosure that is too tight or poorly ventilated will result in lower peak power
output, reduced surge capability, and potentially shorter inverter life. This is due to the inverter
reaching its thermal shutdown point sooner than normal from lack of ventilation.
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