Specifications

Five reasons to choose Charles’
“Solid Power” DC-to-AC Power Inverters
1. Built to last
Features include corrosion-resistant
enclosures, conformal coated PC boards,
and heavy-duty transformers.
2. Safety and testing
Many units are UL Listed, all units are
thoroughly tested prior to shipment. All units
feature overload, short-circuit, reverse polarity,
over temperature, and under-voltage protection.
3. Easy to install and use
Enclosures provide the flexibility to mount in a
variety of positions.
4. Power efficiency
Charles inverters are built to provide optimal
AC power when it is needed. A “sleep cycle”
mode provides minimal power without
draining energy out of the batteries.
5. Suitable for any electrical system
Charles inverters can be installed on any
vessel with available battery power. To
estimate inverter needs, see page m12.
m11
Charles Power Inverters convert 12 and 24 volt DC battery power into 120/240
60Hz AC power that can be used to operate onboard equipment and appliances.
Now, regardless of the size of the vessel, it is possible to run a notebook
computer, microwave, blender, television or other desired equipment. Inverters
can also be a viable alternative to turning on a generator. They produce less noise
and no fumes, and require less power to run.
True Sinewave vs. Quasi/Modified Sinewave: which inverter is right for your application?
Inverters utilize two types of technology, true sinewave or quasi/modified
sinewave. Each has its pros and cons; whether one is better than the other
depends on the application. If the unit is used to start equipment that demands a
strong surge when turned on, to start up a motor for example (refrigerators,
dishwashers, TVs, etc.), a quasi-sinewave inverter is a better choice. If the unit is
required to power laptops, radar or items that need very clean power (items with
visible screens for example), a true sinewave inverter is ideal. In addition, there are
differences among the quality of quasi-sinewave inverters. Modified waves look
like steps moving up and then down the wave. The larger the number of steps,
the cleaner the power. Charles Quasi/Modified Sinewave Series Inverters make
more than 19,000 steps to complete a single sinewave, providing very clean
quasi-sinewave power.
Effect of using an inverter on batteries
Although earlier inverter technologies used up battery power quickly, new high-
frequency inverters are much more efficient. Charles inverters utilize cutting-edge
technology that does not waste energy. Household appliances and onboard lights
manufactured in recent years are more economical than their 12 or 24 DC volt
equivalents. What does that mean to you? Batteries will last longer. Charles
inverters are equipped with a specialized circuit that maintains a high output on
partial loads and offers a “sleep cycle” mode, using up little power from the
batteries while still supplying AC power. This mode will continue to operate low
wattage equipment such as VCRs, radios and clocks.
Inverters as an efficient alternative to generators
Generators are noisy, costly and consume expensive fuel. Inverters are quiet and
do not produce the exhaust fumes as do generators. They do not consume gas or
diesel fuel and can provide up to 4.5 kilowatts of power. Inverters supply power
sparingly, only when needed; generators must run continuously. The bottom line:
increased fuel economy, fewer hours running the engine, no fumes and hours of
quiet onboard power.
How many hours of power will the batteries supply?
Batteries serve as an energy source for 12 or 24 volt equipment as well as the DC
power of the inverter. The larger the battery, measured in number of amp-hours,
the longer it will last. One must also factor in the loads on the battery to accurately
calculate both battery power required and the number of hours the battery will
supply that power. Boats normally have DC loads such as lights, pumps, etc. as
well as AC loads such as daily appliances, navigation equipment, etc. Please
consult the ABYC standards for further information about load calculation.
DC-to-AC POWER INVERTERS
True Sinewave Inverter
True Sinewave Inverter/Charger
Quasi/Modified Sinewave Inverter
True Sinewaveform
Quasi/Modified Sinewave
Recommended for computers, radar and
other equipment with visible screens.
Recommended for motor-driven and
high-surge startup equipment.