POWER INVERTER

Q: What is an inverter?
A device which changes direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).

Q: What size of inverter should I use?
The size you choose will depend on the watts of the appliance or tool you want to run (find the power consumption by referring to the specification plate on the appliance or tool). We recommend you to buy a larger model than you think you'll need (at least 10% to 20% more than your largest load).

Example: You want to power a computer with 17" monitor and a lamp.

Computer and monitor: 300 Watts
75 Watt lights: 75 Watts
Total Needed: 375 Watts

For this application, you would need a 400 Watt inverter. You should consider a larger unit than your minimum requirements, as there will likely be a time when you wish you would have bought a higher capacity model.

If the wattage of the appliance or tool is not listed explicitly on the specification, you may use the following formula.
Multiply: AMPS X 120 (AC voltage) = WATTS.

Example: On the microwave shows 10 AMPS for continuous use.
The Wattage is 10 AMPS x 120 V = 1200 Watt

Q: Why can the 1500 Watt inverter not run my 1200 Watt microwave?
The power commonly advertised for microwave ovens are the cooking power (the power delivered to the food) not the power actually consumed by microwave oven. The microwave ovens might consume 40% to 100% more than its advertised cooking power.
The recommended inverter to run 1200 Watt microwave is 2500 Watt or larger.

Q: What is meant by the terms "continuous wattage" and "peak surge wattage" on the inverters?
The "continuous wattage" is the wattage that the inverter can supply 24/7 as long as the DC input power supply is in good condition (usually, the DC power supply is a car battery)
The "peak surge wattage" is the maximum wattage that the inverter can supply for very short period of time (a split of a second)

NOTE: Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens, and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating. Heat generating appliances such as hair dryers and water heaters will have high peak surges as well.

Example:

If the microwave oven has peak surge which is 4 times the continuous wattage, the 1200 Watt continuous microwave ovens will have 4 x 1200 Watts = 4800 Watts peak surge.

The recommended inverter to run 1200 Watt continuous and 4800 Watt peak surge microwave is 2500/5000 Watt inverter or larger.

In general, induction motors require an initial surge of power to start up ("starting load" or "peak load"). Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate ("continuous load")

Q: What is the output wave of the inverter?
Most of the inverters that we carry are "Square Modified Sine Wave."

Note: Wagan Corporation also carries 150 and 300 Watt Pure Sine inverter.

Q: Are there any disadvantages of using "Square Modified Sine Wave" inverter?
"Square Modified Sine Wave" inverters will run most tools and appliances without any problem and are the most common type of inverter on the market.
Below are the advantages of "Pure Sine Wave" (also called True Sine Wave) inverters over modified sine wave inverters:
1. Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, audio amplifiers, TV and some sensitive audio system.
2. Inductive loads like microwave ovens and motors might run faster, quieter and cooler.
3. The following devices that might not work with modified sine wave inverters:
· Some battery chargers for cordless tools
· Some new furnaces and pellet stoves with microprocessor control
· Sensitive electrical or electronic items such as certain medical equipment

POWER DOME

Q: How do you know when it is fully charged?
You press and hold the red circle battery indicator button on the unit. The meter to the right should shift. A reading between 13-14V is a fully charged unit.

Q: What does it mean when the inverter is making a high pitch noise?
One, overload. Meaning that the appliance that the customer plugged into the power dome is drawing more than 400W. Two, the battery is too low to support the appliance that is being plug into the power dome. Three, the inverter is defective.

Q: Why is the air compressor not working properly? I can barely feel the air.
An air compressor is different from an air inflator. An air compressor has high pressure, low flow. Meaning that when inflating anything with high pressure such as car tire, it will inflate quicker. But when inflating something with no or low pressure such as a raft, it will take a much longer time to inflate.

Q: What is the "safety jumper switch" for?
The safety jumper switch is the "on/off" switch for the jumper cables. After all cables are connected, you can turn on the switch. Otherwise, the switch should remain off.

Q: What is the life span of the Power Dome battery?
The life span of the power dome battery is between 2-3 years.

Q: Is the power dome battery replaceable?
Yes, it is. You can purchase a new replacement battery from www.batteriesplus.com or www.interstatebatteries.com (1-800-CrankIt) or any electronic store location.
These companies have no affiliation with Wagan Corp.

Q: Why is my power dome not charging? The red charging light is not lighting up.
Ask the customer whether they try charging with both the AC and DC charger. If the charging light comes on when charging with the DC charger than the AC charger needs to be replaced. If both the AC and DC charger is not charging than the unit is defective.

Q: Where can I buy a replacement AC charger?
If we are running low on the AC charger, we can refer the customer to electronic retail stores to purchase a new AC charger. Here are the specifications they will need:
Class 2 Power Supply
Input: 120VAC 60Hz 24W
Output: 12VDC 500mA
Polarity: Positive center (Optional)

Q: If the power dome is fully charged out the box, do I still need to charge the unit for the full 34-48 hours?
No, if the unit is fully charged there is no need to recharge again. We only recommend that you charge the unit before first use is because not all power dome will come fully charged.

Q: How long should I charge my Power Dome?
Between 34-48 hours.

Q: What happens if I exceed 48 hours?
We suggest that you not exceed 48 hours because overcharging the unit will decrease the lifespan of the battery. It is okay to forget once in a while but constantly overcharging the power dome will damage the battery.

Q: Can I leave my power dome on the charger all the time?
No, you will be overcharging the unit if you do so. This will decrease the lifespan of the battery.

Q: How often should I recharge the power dome if I am not using it?
Every 3-6 months.

Q: I have not used my power dome in 1 year. Now it does not want to hold its charge, what do I do?
With seal lead acid battery, when the battery is completely drained it takes a great deal for it to regain its charge and hold the charge. You may need to leave the power dome on the charger and let it sit for a few days. Sometimes it takes up to 5 days for the power dome to charge and hold its charge.

Q: Where is the power port switch for the DC ports? It is stated in the user's manual but I do not see it on the power dome.
This is an error on our part. There is no power port switch for the DC ports. The DC ports works automatically. As long as the power dome is charged, it should provide power.

Q: I accidentally connect the jumper cables to the wrong connections; my entire power dome is not working. What do I do now?
Well, this goes along the line of misusage and voids the warranty. There is no way to fix it but to buy a new unit.

Below is an estimated time chart shows how long the power dome will run their appliances. (These are the two more popular requests)

For further questions, please direct inquiries to . Thank you!