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Orange: The inverter is properly connected to a functioning DC power source and is operating at
partial voltage. The AC and USB outlets are active; however this indicates the inverter will shut down
soon as the power source voltage is low.
Red (flashing): A fault condition has occurred. The unit emits three beeps every five seconds, and
the AC and USB outlets are automatically shut down. Refer to the Protective Features Section and the
Troubleshooting Section of this Instruction Manual. Press the On/Off Button to turn the inverter off,
correct the fault and then press the On/Off Button again to turn the inverter back on.
Operation of the 120 Volt AC Outlets
1. Connect the inverter to a functioning 12 volt DC power source as described in this Instruction
Manual. If using the 12 Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter, rotate the vehicle accessory plug
slightly to make sure there is good contact. Make sure there is adequate space for proper
ventilation of the inverter.
2. Press the translucent on/off button to turn the unit ON.
3. Depending on the power source, either the 100W LED Indicator or both the 100W and 500W LED
Indicators will light. If these LEDs do not light or if the power/fault LED flashes red, please refer to
the “Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
4. Plug the (110/120 volt AC) appliance into one of the Inverter’s three-prong AC outlet and operate
normally.
Notes:
This inverter has two three-prong AC outlets that can be rotated forward and upward to maximum of 90 degrees to adjust the
orientation. Do not attempt to forcibly rotate the AC outlets beyond its maximum angle.
Ensure that the wattage of all equipment simultaneously plugged into the inverter does not exceed 100 watts continuous through the
supplied DC Vehicle Adapter plug, and 500 watts continuous via the supplied Battery Clips with Slide-In Connectors.
The Inverter will not operate appliances and equipment that generate heat, such as hair dryers, electric blankets, microwave ovens
and toasters.
Remember to disconnect the inverter from any power source when not in use.
Operation of the USB Charging Port
1. Connect the inverter to a functioning 12 volt DC power source as described in this Instruction
Manual. If using the 12 Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter, rotate the vehicle accessory plug
slightly to make sure there is good contact. Make sure there is adequate space for proper
ventilation of the inverter.
2. Press the translucent on/off button to turn the unit ON.
3. Depending on the power source, either the 100W LED Indicator or both the 100W and 500W LED
Indicators will light. If these LEDs do not light or if the power/fault LED flashes red, please refer to
the “Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
4. Plug the USB-powered device into the inverter’s USB Charging Port and operate normally.
Notes:
This unit’s USB Charging Port does not support data communication. It only provides 5 volts/2A DC power to an external USB-
powered device.
Remember to disconnect the inverter from any power source when not in use.
Not all mobile phones are provided with a charging cable, they are normally data cables which are not supported by this device -
please check with your mobile phone manufacturer for the correct charging cable.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Storage
1. Ideal storage temperature range is 0-40°C (32-104°F).
2. Store and use the PI500P in a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation for all-around air
circulation.
3. Avoid locations that are exposed to heating units, radiators, direct sunlight, or excessive humidity
or dampness.
Fuse Replacement (in Vehicle Accessory Outlet Plug)
If the inverter is overloaded, and the Power/Fault LED is not lit, the internal 12 amp fuse may be
blown.
1. Unscrew the flange of the plug (counterclockwise).
2. Remove the end contact, flange and fuse.
3. Inspect the fuse to see if it is good or blown.
4. Replace with a new 12 amp fuse, if needed.
5. Carefully reassemble the fuse, end contact and flange. Do not overtighten the flange (clockwise).
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.
9. Press the translucent on/off button.
10. The 100W and 500W LED Indicators will light, indicating that the inverter is operating properly and
is ready to power appliances that draw up to 500 watts continuous.
11. Test the inverter by plugging in a 100 watt lamp or equipment.
Note:
If the power/fault LED flashes red, the unit emits three beeps every five seconds, the 100W and 500W LED Indicators do not light
and the AC and USB outlets shut down, a fault condition has occurred. Refer to the “Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
CAUTION
• The cable and fuse sizes given here are a general recommendation. You should always consult your
National Electrical Code prior to beginning each specific installation.
• Loose connectors may cause overheated wires and melted insulation.
• Check to make sure you have not reversed the polarity. Damage due to reversed polarity is not
covered by our warranty.
IMPORTANT CABLE INFORMATION
Substantial power loss and reduced battery operating time results from inverters installed with cables
that are not able to supply full power. Symptoms of low battery power can result from cables that are
either excessively long or an insufficient gauge.
Connection To load
The Power Inverter is equipped with dual standard North American three-prong type outlets. Plug the
cord from the equipment you wish to operate into the AC receptacle(s). Make sure the combined load
requirement of your equipment does not exceed maximum continuous power.
The Power Inverter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical and electronic
equipment in the manner described above. Do not connect the Power Inverter to household or RV
AC distribution wiring. Do not connect the Power Inverter to any AC load circuit in which the neutral
conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.
WARNING: Do not connect to AC distribution wiring!
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 inverter to run; however, it will not run larger resistive loads
(such as electric stoves and heaters), which require far more wattage than the inverter can deliver.
Inductive loads (such as TVs and stereos) require more current to operate than do resistive loads of
the same wattage rating.
Inductive loads, i.e. power tools
Note: Some motors used in power tools, refrigerators and pumps require a very high surge current
to start. This inverter can handle a surge twice it’s rated power but some motors require more than
this when started. The inverter will not be harmed if you try to start such a product it will simply
shutdown on overload.
For safety reasons, the unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit, simply
unplug all devices plugged into the unit; disconnect the unit from any 12 volt DC power source; then
reconnect the unit BEFORE plugging the appliance back in.
Reading the Power/Fault lED
The power/fault LED is located inside the translucent On/Off Button. Press the On/Off Button once to
turn the unit on. The Power/Fault LED lights or flashes in one of three colors, indicating the following:
Blue: The inverter is properly connected to a functioning DC power source and is operating at full
voltage; the AC outlets and USB charging port are ready to use.
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