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Important Safety Information

Introduction

WARNING

Power inverters contain components

that can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire
or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas or
compartments containing batteries or flammable
materials or in locations that require ignition-
protected equipment.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover

or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.

Warning: Wash Hands After Handling Power Cord

The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical
known in the state of California to cause birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

Caution: Rechargeable Appliances

Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be
damaged if connected to the Cobra 800 watt inverter. Two
particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

1.

Small battery-operated
appliances such as flashlights,
razors, and night lights that
can be plugged directly into
an AC receptacle to recharge.

2.

Certain battery chargers for
battery packs used in hand
power tools. These chargers
have a

WARNING

label stating

that dangerous voltages are
present at the battery terminals.

This problem does not occur with the vast majority of
battery operated equipment. Most use a separate charger
or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle and
produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC
adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage
AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will
have no problem powering the adapter safely.

Cobra 800 Watt Output Waveform

Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate
satisfactory on “square wave” or “modified sine wave.”
The output waveform is referred to as “square wave” or
“modified sine wave.” It is a stepped waveform designed
to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of
utility power. A waveform of this nature is suitable for most
AC loads (including linear and switching power suppliers
used in electronic equipment, transformers and motors).

Quick Evaluation Before Installation

This section provides you with basic information about the
inverter and how to check its performance before installation.

Be Sure to Have on Hand:

A 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery).

The power source must provide
between 11 and 15 volts DC and
be able to supply enough current to
run the test load. As a rough guide,
divide the wattage of the test load by
10 to get the current (in amperes)
the power source must deliver.

The provided two foot direct-to-battery 12 gauge cable.

Only use the cable provided with
your inverter.

A test load that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on
the inverter for short term testing at a low power level.

Quick Evaluation
Before Installation

Introduction

Nothing

Comes Close to a Cobra

®

Plug In Directly

Dangerous Voltages

Power Supply

Cable

Test Load

Summary of Contents for 800 Watt Power Inverter CPI 880

Page 1: ... assistance services For Assistance in the U S A Automated Help Desk English only 24 hours a day 7 days a week 773 889 3087 phone Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish 8 00 a m to 6 00 p m CT Monday through Friday except holidays 773 889 3087 phone Questions English and Spanish Faxes can be received at 773 622 2269 fax Technical Assistance English only www cobra com on line Frequently ...

Page 2: ... Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service UPS or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to Cobra Factory Service Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago Illinois 60707 USA 6 If the power inverter is in warranty upon receipt of your power inverter it will either be repaired or exchanged depending on the model Please allow approxima...

Page 3: ...ent WARNING Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life General Precautions 1 Never install the inverter in a boat s engine compartment where gas and battery fumes are present 2 Do not operate the inverter if it has been dropped or damaged in any way 3 Do not open the inverter it contains no user serviceable parts Attempting to service unit could cause elect...

Page 4: ...and produces a low voltage output If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage AC or DC output less than 30 volts the inverter will have no problem powering the adapter safely Cobra 800 Watt Output Waveform Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate satisfactory on square wave or modified sine wave The output waveform is referred to as square wave o...

Page 5: ...that ventilation openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed D Safe Do not install the inverter in the same compartment as a battery or in any compartment that contains flammable liquids such as gasoline E Close to Battery Install unit as close to battery as possible without being in the same compartment to minimize the length of cable required to connect the inverter to the battery It is ...

Page 6: ...s is so it can deliver the maximum amount of energy to the load Only use the cables provided with your power inverter To connect the cables between the inverter and the battery 1 Turn the On Off Switch on the inverter to the off position If the power source is a DC power supply switch it off as well 2 Connect cable to the Power Input Terminals on right side panel of the inverter The red terminal i...

Page 7: ...hat has high power consumption loads It will not operate electric heaters air conditioners stoves and other electrical appliances that consume more than 800 watts CAUTION Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires and melted insulation CAUTION Reverse polarity connections positive to negative will blow internal fuses in the inverter and may permanently damage...

Page 8: ...ption For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the inverter you must determine the battery s reserve capacity how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current in automotive batteries usually 25 amperes or ampere hour capacity a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time Example Reserve capacity a battery with a reserve capacity of 18...

Page 9: ...tion Operating Limits Operation Operating Limits Power Output The inverter can deliver 800 watts for about 60 minutes The inverter must cool for 15 minutes before it can resume operation at 800 watts Note The wattage rating applies to resistive loads The inverter will operate most AC loads within its power rating Some induction motors used in freezers pumps and other motor operated equipment requi...

Page 10: ...eed of the fan increases as the load increases The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety Problem Symptom Low output voltage No output voltage No output voltage after prolonged use No output voltage Protect indicator lighted No output voltage No output voltage Low battery alarm on all the time Possible Causes Overload Low input voltage Thermal shutdown High input voltage...

Page 11: ... This limited warranty does not apply 1 To any product damaged by accident 2 In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs 3 If the serial number has been altered defaced or removed 4 If the owner of the product resides outside the U S A All implied warranties including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are lim...

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