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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is an inverter?
Inverters convert the 12 volts DC, nearly always coming from batteries, into household-like 120 volts AC current so that it can be used by common tools and domestic appliances.
What size of inverter do I need?
The size of your inverter will determine the maximum amount of power that you can use at any one time. We strongly recommend that you buy an inverter larger than you think you require; this will allow you to run many appliances. To calculate the power required, you must add the watts of all the appliances you are planning to run simultaneously. As the power of some appliances is indicated in amperes, the following formula will allow you to convert it to watts: Amperes x Volts = Watts (for example: 10 amps x 120 volts = 1200 watts). Our models range in size from 150W to 2500W*.
What is the Peak Power?
At start-up, appliances may use two to four times their rated power for a very brief period; this is called the peak power. If an appliance requires more power than your system can provide, the appliance will not start or it could damage your installation or the appliance itself if attempted too often. To avoid this kind of problem, turn on your appliances one at the time or buy a larger power inverter with an adequate peak power capacity.
Modified or Pure Sinewave?
Pure sinewave inverters produce electrical power with a waveform equivalent to the one produced by utilities. All electrical appliances, computers and other electronic equipment are designed to run on pure sinewave electrical supply. Some electronic equipment, such as the latest generation of PCs, are extremely power sensitive and the smallest variation in the electrical sinewave can result in erratic behaviour, poor performance or simply a system crash. You can virtually eliminate all the related problems by using a pure sinewave inverter for all your sensitive electronics. However, the production cost of inverters having a pure sinewave output is higher. This is why we produce high quality modified sinewave inverters using advanced electronic components and circuitry that closely match the behaviour of pure sinewave. Because of their lower cost and high efficiency, modified sinewave inverters are used worldwide to operate many types of household equipment. The E and HD series, more expensive than the M series, offer you one of the best modified sinewave in the industry at a reasonable cost. However, it is important to keep in mind that some sensitive electronic equipment should be used only with pure sinewave*.
* For more details, please refer to our Application Chart.
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We have been describing and qualifying our truck-specific inverters as “Truck Approved” since 1999 to distinguish them from our other products, which are not truck oriented.
Back in 1999, our marketing was oriented towards many markets such as trucking, solar, RV’s, marine, and camping. Trucking turned out to be the market with the most potential and we became almost dedicated to this industry in 2002.
To be fully compatible with a standard production class-8 truck with 4 x Group 31 starting batteries, we have identified four limitations that must be respected at all time to prevent potential problems that will interfere with safety, short and long term dependability and practicality.
Tip: The consumption of any devices is usually calculated in watts like in the following formula: Watt = Voltage x Amperage. Ex: If a device needs 500w to operate at 12 volts, it will consume 41.6 amps from the batteries. Using the same device at 10 volts would mean a consumption of 50 amps so 17% more than its rated capacity, placing the device at greater risk of overheating.
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Batteries:
Batteries are among the most misunderstood components we can find in a truck. Starting batteries should never be discharged under 11 volts under ANY circumstances. The capacity lost below 11 volts will never be restored into the batteries, regardless of the alternator or battery charger used.
Discharging a brand new set of 4 starting batteries in the 10 volts zone can decrease its life span by up to 20% and if in the 9 volts zone, the life span can be reduced by up to 50%. In northern regions, signs of weakness usually appear much faster when battery performance is even more critical to start the engine in temperatures below the freezing point.
Alternators:
An alternator is not a battery charger and must be used only to keep batteries fully charged. Alternators have been designed to work intermittently (not continuously) so they can cool down between periods of work. Trying to charge a battery pack which has been lowered down to 9 volts will unquestionably overheat the alternator and can easily burn it down, especially when the external temperature is as low as -22°F (-30°C).
A very common example is jump starting a truck with the help of another vehicle in freezing cold temperatures. When batteries are so called “dead” or discharged, the liquid inside the batteries, which used to be acid (before being discharged), turns into water and tends to freeze; making the recharge process impossible. The engine usually starts and the alternator kicks in “high gear” delivering its full output capacity on a continuous basis. Sending a huge amount of amps in a frozen or partially frozen battery may generate overheating in all four batteries, the alternator itself, and be the cause of thousands of dollars in unnecessary maintenance.
In an ideal world, a truck should never be jump started under any circumstances. Batteries should be brought up to a warm place, left alone a couple of hours to de freeze (never attempt to warm them up using heating devices) and be slowly recharged to give them a chance. The fastest and ideal way would be to replace the discharged (frozen)
batteries by 4 others, warm and fully charged, and send the truck back on the road safely.
Alternator & deep cycle batteries:
With the introduction of 12 volts air conditioning systems a couple of years ago, it is now common to find an auxiliary “deep cycle” battery pack connected to the alternator using a battery separator. With their lower internal resistance, deep cycle batteries are much easier to recharge than starting batteries by requiring less amperage; making the amount of power produced by the alternator safe for a continuous operation.
This configuration is not ideal, but is proven to be cost effective overtime and the slight decrease in the alternator life span is well compensated by the saving generated by such a system. The best way to clearly understand the difference between Starting and Deep Cycle batteries is the following chart:
| Battery Type |
Capacity in Amps |
Recharge Time |
| Starting |
Very high (>1000 amps) |
Quick / several minutes |
| Deep Cycle |
Low (<100 amps) |
Long / several hours |
Engine ECM’s:
To ensure the proper operation of the injection circuits, most electronic engine ECM’s require close to 10 volts to operate. If the batteries voltage drops below that point during a start-up, the engine may never start. The best way is to avoid overheating the ECM itself and its different modules by restricting the amount of amps required. (You may refer to the above “Tips”)
Starter:
A starter is composed of two distinctive parts: an electric motor and a solenoid acting as a switch. Using a starter under 11 volts may easily overheat and damage the solenoid contacts which transfer the current from the batteries to the electric motor, as well as overheating the motor itself, thus reducing its life. Attempting to use every bit of power available in trying to start an engine, even if the starter is turning very slowly, may be costly.
Conclusion:
Failure NOT to operate within their limits can place any of these 4 devices at great risk of premature failure on the road, cause a great amount of problems and cost thousands in added maintenance. All our “Truck Approved” inverters are equipped with our unique software to make sure we never interfere with any of these components’ dependability or functioning. In more concrete terms, the batteries will never be discharged too low, the alternator and the starter will never work too hard and the engine’s ECM will stay awake and ready to work at all times to start the engine.
It may sound extremely logical and simple but our “Truck Approved” certification is something that took years to develop and tremendous efforts are deployed on a constant basis to stay on top of our reputation to be “The most compatible truck inverters on the market”.
Although inverters alone cannot compensate for electrical devices left open or connected like a dome lights, our inverters are constantly monitoring the batteries and
our alarm will warn the driver about potential problems and prevent costly consequences if the remaining voltage in the batteries goes below then 11.5 volts.
Installation Kits:
Pre-assembled, the installation kits of Tundra International allow for a quick, easy, and safe installation of the inverters, and require no special tools. Due to the low voltage and the large current drawn from the batteries, it is important to use the appropriate cables and fittings in order to prevent overheating and damage to your vehicle or other equipment. The materials included in the installation kits are the ones recommended for use in your inverter’s installation guide, and conform to most North American electrical codes.
Use of the Tundra International installation kits is highly recommended for all our high power models. The kits help ensure the safety of the user and the durability of the inverter.
Each installation kit contains the following:
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12 feet/3.65 meters of high quality & flexible battery cable, for use at the negative pole, with a pre-assembled terminal lug |
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11 feet/3.35 meters of high quality & flexible battery cable, for use at the positive pole, with a pre-assembled terminal lug |
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1 foot/0.3 meters long section of high quality & flexible battery cable, for use at the positive pole, with two pre-assembled terminal lugs |
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Two sets of PVC strain relief |
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24 feet of protective plastic loom |
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8 metallic cable clamps |
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25 high-endurance plastic tie-wraps |
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A roll of electric tape |
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1 x DC fuse & DC fuse holder |
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Assorted screws |
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Inverter Application Chart
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