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CAUTIONS
• If turning the On/Off switch off, then on again does not reset the converter, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE CONVERTER. Opening the converter
for any reason will void the warranty. The unit must be returned to manufacturer for testing and repair by professional factory technicians.
• Exceeding recommended voltage limits will void manufacturer’s warranty.
• NEVER try to use your converter with any 12 volt DC power source that uses a positive ground. (Most vehicles and boats use negative ground
systems.)
• The Power Converter must be connected only to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not operate from a 6 volt
battery and will sustain permanent damage if connected to a 24 volt battery.
• Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause permanent damage to the converter.
Protective Features
The converter monitors the following conditions:
Input Voltage Too Low:
This condition is not harmful to the converter, but could damage the power source, so the converter will automatically
shut down when input voltage drops below 10.5 ± 0.3 volts DC.
Input Voltage Too High:
The converter will automatically shut down when DC input voltage exceeds 15.4 ± 0.3 volts, as this can harm the unit.
Thermal Shutdown Protection:
The converter will automatically shut down when the unit becomes overheated.
Overload/Short Circuit Protection:
The converter will automatically shut down when an overload or short circuit occurs.
Note:
The Power/Fault LED Indicator will light solid to indicate that the converter is properly connected. The Power/Fault LED Indicator will flash to warn of a fault
condition before automatic shutdown occurs.
RATED VERSUS ACTUAL CURRENT DRAW OF EQUIPMENT
Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and audio/visual equipment have labels that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts.
Be sure that the power consumption of the item to be operated is below 500 watts. If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply
by the AC volts (120) to determine the wattage.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the converter to run; however, it will not run larger resistive loads (such as electric stoves and heaters), which
require far more wattage than the converter can deliver on a continuous basis. Inductive loads (such as TVs and stereos) require more current to
operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating.
For safety reasons, the converter will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit, simply unplug all devices plugged into the converter;
disconnect the converter from any 12 volt DC power source; then reconnect the converter BEFORE plugging the appliance(s) back in.
INSTALLATION
Your converter will provide you with continuous electrical power when powered by a reliable 12 volt DC source, such as a vehicle battery or a
multiple battery configuration. This manual does not describe all of the possible configurations.
Mounting the Converter
The converter comes equipped with mounting brackets for long-term installation. Secure the converter using screws appropriate to the mounting
surface (not supplied). Use ONLY non-corrosive marine fasteners and fittings for marine installation.
CAUTION
To avoid the risk of property damage, only mount the converter on a level, stable surface, assuring that all screws are tightened securely and
observing all of the cautions and recommendations regarding installation found in this manual.
Operating Environment
For best operating results, your converter should be placed on a flat surface, such as the ground, car floor or seat, or other solid surface to help
diffuse the heat that is generated. Position the converter as close to the DC power source as possible.
The converter should only be operated in locations that meet the following criteria:
DRY – Do not allow water and/or other liquids to come into contact with the converter.
COOL – Ambient air temperature should be between 30°F (–1°C) non-condensing and 105°F (40°C). Do not place the converter on or near a
heating vent or any piece of equipment that is generating heat above room temperature. Keep the converter out of direct sunlight.
VENTILATED – Allow at least three inches of clearance from other objects to ensure free air circulation around the converter. Never place items on
or over the converter during operation.
SAFE – Do not locate converters in an area, room or compartment where explosives or flammable fumes might be present, such as engine rooms,
engine compartments, and boats or small, unvented battery compartments.
Marine Applications
DO NOT install the converter below or near the waterline, and keep the converter away from moisture and water. The unit’s housing is moisture-
resistant (NOT waterproof).
ONLY install the converter on a level, stable surface where it is not likely to fall or be knocked over; and is not subject to vibration.
Use ONLY non-corrosive marine fasteners and fittings for installation.
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• Always turn the converter off and disconnect it from the power source when not in use.
• The converter must be connected only to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The unit will not operate from a 6 volt battery and
will sustain permanent damage if connected to a 24 volt battery.
• When using this unit in a vehicle, check the vehicle owner’s manual for maximum power rating and recommended output. Do not install in
engine compartment — install in a well ventilated area.
• Do not use with positive ground electrical systems.* Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse and may cause permanent damage to
the converter and will void warranty.
*The majority of modern automobiles, RVs and trucks are negative ground.
• Keep in mind that this converter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that produce heat, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens
and toasters.
• DO NOT OPEN THE CONVERTER — there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the converter will void manufacturer’s warranty.
• Do not use this converter with medical devices. It is not tested for medical applications.
• Install and operate converter only as described in this Instruction Manual.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE:
Follow these instructions and those published by battery
manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use with this unit. Review cautionary markings on these products and
on engine.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing your new converter.
Read this Instruction Manual and follow the instructions carefully before using your
new converter.
This power converter is configured to supply continuous power in the form of two 120 volt AC outlets and a 5 volt USB charging port to run most
household or electronic appliances.
HOW THIS CONVERTER WORKS
This converter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a battery to 120 volts AC (alternating current)
household power. It converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the converter
input to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage that converts the high voltage DC into 120 volts, 60 Hz AC.
Power Converter Output Waveform
The AC output waveform of this converter is known as a modified sine wave. It is a stepped waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine
wave shape of utility power. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic
equipment, transformers, and small motors.
CAUTION: RECHARGEABLE DEVICES
• Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be charged by plugging them directly into an AC receptacle. These devices may damage the
converter or the charging circuit.
• When using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for the initial ten minutes of use to determine if it produces excessive heat.
• If excessive heat is produced, this indicates the device should not be used with this converter.
• This problem does not occur with most of the battery-operated equipment. Most of these devices use a separate charger or transformer that is
plugged into an AC receptacle.
• The converter is capable of running most chargers and transformers.
POWER SOURCE AND PROTECTIVE FEATURES
Power Source Requirements
Your converter will operate from input voltages between 11 and 15 volts DC. If the input voltage drops below 10.5 volts DC, the converter will shut
down. This feature protects the battery from being completely discharged.
The converter will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15.4 volts. This protects the converter against excessive input voltage. Although the
converter has built-in protection against over voltage, it may still be damaged if the input voltage exceeds 15 volts.
Your converter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical and electronic equipment in the manner described in the “Installation”
section of this Instruction Manual. Do not connect the converter to household or RV AC distribution wiring. Do not connect the converter to any AC
load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) power source.
Inductive loads, such as TVs and stereos, require more current to operate than resistive loads of the same wattage rating. Induction motors, as well
as some TVs, may require two to six times their rated wattage to start up. Because these converters have a peak watt power rating, many such
appliances and tools may be safely operated. The equipment that needs the highest starting wattage are pumps and compressors that start under
load. This equipment can be safely tested. If an overload is detected, the converter will simply shut down until the overload situation is corrected.
Use the front panel switch to turn off the converter, then on again to reset it.
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