5
Run Times
The Power Inverter may be used whether or not the vehicle’s engine is running.
However, the inverter may not operate while the engine is starting since the
battery voltage can drop substantially during cranking.
The unit draws less than 0.5 ampere from the battery when it is not supplying
power to a load and switch is in ON position. In most instances, it can be left
connected to the battery when not in use, since it draws so little current. However,
if the vehicle is to remain unused for several days, disconnect the Power Inverter
from the battery.
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment
Most electrical tools, appliances and audio/video equipment have labels that
indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power
consumption of the item you wish to operate is rated at or lower than the
inverter’s output rating. If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply
multiply by the AC volts (115) to determine the wattage. The Power Inverter has
overload protection, and will shut down if it is overloaded.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the Power Inverter to run. However, larger
resistive loads, such as electric stoves or heaters, usually require more wattage
than the Power Inverter can deliver on a continuous basis. Inductive loads, such
as TV’s and stereos, require more current to operate than do resistive loads of the
same wattage rating. Induction motors, as well as some televisions, may require 2
to 6 times their wattage rating to start up. The most demanding appliances are
those that start under load, such as compressors and pumps. Testing is the only
way to determine whether a specific load can be started and how long it can run.
The unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded.
The unit should automatically restart after a shutdown due to overloading once
the load is reduced. If it fails to do so, manually reset using the inverter’s ON/OFF
switch.
This inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that
produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens, and toasters.
Protective Features of the Inverter
The Power Inverter monitors the following potentially hazardous conditions:
Low Battery Voltage —
This condition is not harmful to the inverter, but could
damage the power source. An alarm will sound when input voltage drops to 10.5
volts ± .3 volt DC. The Power Inverter automatically shuts down when input
voltage drops to 10 volts ± .3 volt. When the condition is corrected, the inverter
can be turned off, then turned back on.
4
CAUTION
Over Voltage Protection —
The Power Inverter will automatically shutdown when
the input voltage exceeds 15.5 volts DC ± .5 volt DC.
Ground Fault Protection —
The Power Inverter will automatically shutdown when
ground leakage current is detected.
Short Circuit Protection —
Reverse polarity or short circuit condition may cause
external or internal fuses to open and may cause irreversible damage to the
Power Inverter. Take extra care to insure a proper polarity hook-up.
Overload Protection —
The unit will automatically shut down when the continuous
draw exceeds the unit’s rated output. The unit should automatically restart after a
shutdown due to overloading once the load is reduced. If it fails to do so,
manually reset using the inverter’s ON/OFF switch.
Over Temperature Protection —
If the temperature inside the Power Inverter is too
high, the unit will automatically shut down. Allow the unit to cool for at least 15
minutes before restarting after a heat-related shutdown. Unplug unit while cooling.
If the low voltage alarm sounds when the battery is fully charged, follow the steps
for solving lack of output power in the Troubleshooting section of this manual. The
alarm will sound if there is an excessive voltage drop between the battery and the
inverter.
Note: It is normal for the alarm to sound while the unit is being connected to, or
disconnected from, the power source. This is not indicative of a problem.
Connecting to a Power Source Using the Provided Cables
Use the provided cables and connect the Power Inverter directly to the 12 volt
power source as follows:
1. Make sure the Power Inverter power is turned OFF and that no flammable
fumes are present in the installation area.
2. Connect the RED cable to the RED post marked (+) on the back of the
inverter . Connect the battery clip to the POSITIVE terminal of the battery.
3. Connect the BLACK cable to the BLACK post marked (–) on the back of the
inverter. Connect the battery clip to the NEGATIVE terminal of the battery.
4. Make sure that all connections between battery clips and terminals are
secure.
Direct Hardwiring to Power Source
See the Specification Chart on page 8 for wire gauge recommendations.
1. Check to be sure the inverter’s power switch is turned off and that no
flammable fumes are present.
2. Identify the POSITIVE (+) and NEGATIVE (–) DC power source (battery)
terminals.
3. Install a fuse holder or breaker close to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the DC
source (battery).
4. Connect a length of wire on one side of the fuse holder or circuit breaker.
Connect the other end of the wire to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the inverter.
5. Connect a length of wire between the inverter’s NEGATIVE (–) terminal and
the DC power source NEGATIVE (–-) terminal.
6. Connect a short length of wire to the other terminal of the fuse holder or
circuit breaker. Mark it “POSITIVE” or “+”.
7. Connect the free end of the fuse or breaker wire to the POSITIVE (+) terminal
of the DC power source (battery).
8. Insert a fuse appropriate to the inverter in the fuse holder.
