Can the AIR-X be connected in reverse-polarity to the battery without causing any damage?

NO! If you connect the turbine in reverse-polarity to the battery you will damage the turbine and void your warranty. Make sure to connect the positive (red) wire to the positive post on the battery, and connect the negative (black) wire to the negative battery post.

Will it hurt my AIR to short-circuit the output?

No, the AIR-X is designed to be short-circuited as a normal shutdown procedure. The function of the stop switch is to both disconnect the turbine from the batteries as well as short-circuit the output of the turbine. BE SURE NOT TO SHORT YOUR BATTERIES!

Will it not short my batteries when I use a stop switch?

When a single pole, double throw switch that is rated for proper current and voltage is connected as shown in the manual, the turbine positive is disconnected from the batteries BEFORE being connected to negative. It is important that your stop switch be of the type that opens the circuit between positions. This is commonly referred to as a “break-before-make” switch. Be sure to install a fuse in any case.

How do I know the AIR is charging?

For a precise indication of charge current you will need to install an amp meter in your system. The meter or meter shunt should be installed in-line on the positive wire. The meter should be located on the wiring between the stop-switch (if used) and fuse or breaker. Southwest Windpower carries a 0-30A, analog (needle-reading) meter that may be purchased directly if one is difficult to find in your area.

I can measure a small amount of current back-feeding to my AIR. Is this normal?

The AIR-X internal circuitry consumes a maximum of about 20 mA when it is not charging. This is about the same current draw as a small clock. If you are concerned about this small amount, you can install a stop switch and switch to “OFF” to disconnect the turbine.

If you observe your turbine oscillating in the manner described above, check the fuse or breaker for the turbine as it may be expired.

I’m not ready to attach my wires to the batteries. Can I simply leave the AIR-X wires unattached?

Always short the AIR-X negative to positive when it is disconnected from your system, and the blades are installed. BE SURE NOT TO SHORT YOUR BATTERIES! The turbine will prevent itself from over-speeding and over voltage, but as explained above, this is a high-wear condition for the turbine and should not be left that way for any substantial amount of time.

I have multiple turbines installed on my system, and they seem to function erratically. Why is this?

Check your wire sizes to be sure they are at least as big as those specified in your AIR-X marine manual (bigger is always better, but more expensive.) Be sure all of your wire connections are very solid, have no gaps, have no corrosion, and no crimp terminals are used. If your turbines are at various distances from the batteries, make sure turbines with longer wire runs have bigger wires.

There will be some variation at what voltage turbines will enter into regulation based on the relative wind to which each turbine is exposed. Small differences in line loss can be significant in strong winds.