What is the best type of batteries to use in my
Inverter/Charger
installation?
We always recommended that Deep Cycle batteries be selected.
Deep Cycles come in several different forms. Wet cell batteries,
Gel cell batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries. Wet
cell batteries would include 6-volt (golf cart) batteries. Wet cell
batteries do require some maintenance. Gel cell batteries and
AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries are a sealed battery and
typically require very little maintenance.
.
How many batteries do I need?
Two factors determine the quantity of batteries required. First, the
type and case size of the battery selected on how many Amp
Hours you want to use between charge cycles. Most people have
a 400-450 Amp Hour Bank, but this depends on how you use your
system.
.
When do I need to recharge my batteries?
1. Most people use the 50% rule, where the discharge to 1/2 full
then recharge when dry camping or on the hook.
2. Those how spend a lot of time away from shore power use the
35% rule, they discharge to 1/2 full then recharge to 85% full
because this is the most cost effective use of their Gen-Set. You
see it takes longer to charge from 85% full to 100% full, than it
takes to charge from 50% to 85% full.
.
Why do my batteries go dead when I use the
inverter/charger
in invert mode?
The Freedom Inverter takes the available Battery power and
changes in into AC power to operate your household appliances.
In many cases there are additional “hidden loads” that will draw
power from the inverter even when they are turned off. Some
examples are: TV tubes being kept warm, Microwave & VCR
clocks and logic that are always on. In addition to the AC loads,
there may also be DC loads that draw power from the same
battery bank as the inverter. These loads can include CO detector,
accent lighting, bay lights, and water pumps These phantom loads
can consume over 70 Amp Hours a day and most banks would be
dead in about 3 Days with the inverter on and no loads on.
.
Should I leave my inverter ON or OFF when shore
power
is available?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. If you
leave your inverter powered ON, you have immediate back up AC
power should you lose shore power, but you might not know you
have lost shore power until your batteries are discharged. If you
choose to leave your inverter OFF you have the advantage of
knowing when you have lost shore power but at the expense of
losing automatic back up power capabilities.
.
Why am I reading only 100 VAC when my inverter
is ON?
Most Multi Meters are averaging meters and read a modified sine
wave anywhere between 90 to 130 VAC. If you have a true RMS
meter your reading would be 120 VAC. If in doubt, check the
intensity of an incandescent light bulb on shore power or generator
and then on Inverter, the intensity will be consistent between the
two. If the inverter were putting out 100 VAC, the light would be
much dimmer on inverter.
