3. The green Power LED Indicator will light, indicating a proper connection. If either the yellow low
input voltage LED Indicator or red Fault LED Indicator lights, indicating a fault condition exists,
refer to the “Troubleshooting” section of this Instruction Manual.
4. If the Inverter does not work, make sure the ignition/accessory switch is actually powering the
accessory outlet. Some vehicles require the ignition switch to be turned on.
5. Plug the (110/120 volt AC) appliance into one of the Inverter’s three-prong AC outlet and operate
normally.
Note:
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.
Protective Features
The inverter monitors the following conditions:
Low Battery Voltage —
This condition is not harmful to the inverter, but could damage the power
source, so the inverter will automatically shut down when input voltage drops below 10.5 ± 0.3 volts
DC.
Input Voltage Too High —
The inverter will automatically shut down when DC input voltage exceeds
15.5 ± 0.5 volts, as this can harm the unit.
Thermal Shutdown Protection —
The inverter will automatically shut down when the unit becomes
overheated.
Overload/Short Circuit Protection —
The inverter will automatically shut down when a short circuit
occurs.
Operating Tips
The inverter should only be operated in locations that are:
DRY — Do not allow water or other liquids to come into contact with the inverter.
COOL — Surrounding air temperature should ideally be 10-20°C (50-68°F). Keep the inverter away
from direct sunlight, when possible.
WELL-VENTILATED — Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure free air circulation
around the unit. Do not place items on or over the inverter during operation. The unit will shut down if
the internal temperature gets too hot. The inverter will auto-reset after it cools down.
SAFE — Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or in any locations that may accumulate
flammable fumes or gases. This is an electrical appliance that can briefly spark when electrical
connections are made or broken.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Storage
1. Ideal storage temperature range is 0-40°C (32-104°F).
2. Store and use the
PI800BB
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
This inverter is equipped with multiple internal fuses. Normally, these fuses will not “blow” unless
there is a serious problem inside the unit. Internal fuses are replaceable; however, only trained
personnel should attempt fuse replacement. If the unit is damaged during fuse replacement, the
warranty may be voided.
The fuse in the DC Accessory Outlet Plug is user-replaceable. Make sure to first disconnect the Outlet
Plug from any 12 volt DC power source; then replace the fuse with one of the same rating and type.
Use #4 AWg wire if the inverter to power source connection is 6 feet or less. For cable lengths up to
10ft use #2AWg wire. In either case, protect the positive (+) wire from shorts by installing a 125 ANL
fuse or circuit breaker close to the DC power source (battery) terminal.
1. Check to make sure the inverter’s Power Pushbutton has been pressed OFF (no LEDs are lit) and
that no flammable fumes are present in the installation area.
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.
9. Test the inverter by turning it on and plugging in a 100 watt lamp or equipment.
10. If the inverter is not properly operating, then 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.
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 (115) 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.
Operation of the 115 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 Power Pushbutton to turn the unit ON.
