110V AC Power Point and Inverter: Notes
Component Location
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | DC /AC inverter |
| 2 | AC power point |
Overview
The DC /AC inverter converts 12 volts DC (low voltage) to 110 volts AC to power a device that uses AC with a rating of less than 150 watts. It can also handle temporary power draws over the 150 watt rating, but shuts down if the draw is continuous.
System Operation
110V AC Power Point and Inverter
The 110 volts AC created by the inverter measures differently than a conventional AC outlet (utility generated) with most standard multimeters. Although the inverter can handle temporary power peaks greater than its rated output, it automatically shuts off if the load continually exceeds 150 watts to prevent damage to the inverter or load. For example, an output of 150 watts is sufficient to power laptop computers, game consoles, and mobile phone chargers. Refer to the Owner's Literature for information about appropriate electrical loads/devices that can be used.
DC /AC Inverter Time-out Function
The DC /AC inverter supplies 110 volts AC power when the ignition is ON, or for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned OFF, as long as the front doors are not opened before 10 minutes pass. This is part of the delayed accessory power feature. REFER to Glass, Frames and Mechanisms , Delayed Accessory Power.
If the DC /AC inverter is ON, but the engine is not running, the inverter automatically shuts off after 13 minutes. The inverter can be powered back on and the timer reset by cycling the ignition from RUN to OFF and back to RUN, but only for another 13 minutes. This feature is intended to prevent the 12-volt battery from being fully discharged. If the engine is running, the inverter operation is not time-limited.
The DC /AC inverter time-out is controlled by a LIN circuit. The BCM-B transmits the engine running status over the network to the inverter. Once the inverter stops receiving information that indicates the engine is running, it begins counting the amount of time the engine has not been running. If, after 13 minutes, the inverter still has not received information that indicates the engine is running, the inverter times out and stops supplying voltage to the AC power point.
LED Indicator
The AC outlet is equipped with a green LED that indicates the system status. The green LED is illuminated continuously when the DC /AC inverter is ON and the system is operating normally. When the inverter shuts off after 13 minutes, the LED flashes until the ignition is cycled. Additionally, the green LED flashes constantly if the ignition is ON and a fault is detected.
DC /AC Inverter Self-Protection Feature
The DC /AC inverter has a self-protection feature for the following conditions:
- Short circuits on the inverter output circuits: If the inverter detects a short on the output circuit(s), it shuts down. After 6 seconds, it restarts and checks for a short condition. If the condition still exists, the inverter shuts down again. The inverter restarts 5 times and, if the short still exists on the 5th restart the inverter disables AC output and flashes the green LED indicator.
- Low voltage input: The inverter does not operate when the input voltage is less than 11 volts.
- High voltage input: The inverter does not operate when the input voltage is greater than 16 volts.
- Overload
- High temperature: The inverter does not operate if it has overheated or if ambient (cabin) temperatures exceed 75°C (166.9°F).
If the self-protection feature is activated, the green LED indicator flashes and the inverter does not provide power output to the AC outlet. If the LED is flashing, the problem must be corrected before inverter operation will resume.